WNY Summer Style Guide: What to Wear in Buffalo When It's Hot, Humid, and You're Outside All Day

a packed concert in buffalo, new york at the water front  downtown at sunset with huge crowds and fun summer party atmosphere
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It’s that magical time of year where us Buffalonians go from “I’m too cold” to “it’s way too hot,” and every bit of warm weather we wished for all winter is now the cause for our impending doom.

 

Buffalo summers somehow sneak up without warning every year. We go right from a cold, wet spring into the time of year where we’re sizzling in the summer sun with a sweaty, sunburned face walking around at the festivals all day, and then hurrying into the local Wegmans to get a fresh burst of cold air conditioning to escape the scorch.

 

Buffalo summers are hot and sticky, and yet somehow we’re all still outside all day because that’s what we do when summer finally arrives in Buffalo!

This sticky, clammy, humid climate we all love and hate here in Buffalo comes with its own set of issues though. Why is my hair so frizzy? Why am I so thirsty? Why is my skin so clammy? And most importantly, what am I supposed to wear today in this heat?

 

Here’s the important thing: In Buffalo, summer style isn’t about being polished, it’s about being comfortable.

 

You’re going to need to plan ahead to beat the heat here in the high humidity. You need outfits that work everywhere:

 

*Backyard BBQs

*Canalside concerts

*Chomping wings on Otto’s patio

*Bison’s games at Sahlen Field

*Buffalo Bills pre-season camp

*Late-night Chippewa with the crew

 

If you’re not ready to go back inside yet, you need an outfit that works from day to night; something easy, breathable, and reliable.

 

That’s where a soft, relaxed-fit, go-to tee becomes the foundation of every Buffalo summer outfit.

 

Don’t bother overthinking. Don’t bother layering. You just need something you can throw on and go.

 

My favorite option right now is Comfort Colors 100% ring-spun vintage cotton tees which have a super soft, broken-in feel from day one. They wear well, wash well, and have a very flattering unisex fit for men and women.

 

I’m a fan of the oversized look and a pair of flip flops. But you can pair it with denim shorts, sneakers or sandals, and a positive attitude, and you’ve basically nailed the perfect Buffalo summer outfit.

 

Here’s a Reality Check For You

Buffalo heat hits differently because of the humidity from the Great Lakes. Not only are we the snow capital of the nation, we’re also pretty high-ranking for humidity. The heat just clings to you. You can feel the water vapor in the air. There’s no way you can pretend you’re “just a little warm.”

 

You’re not just hot. You’re Buffalo hot.

 

That means heavy fabrics and tight fits don’t really work during the summer here. Locals know the rules: If your shirt is not cotton, soft, and breathable, don’t bother leaving the house.

That’s why lightweight, soft cotton tees are a high choice for basically every Buffalo outfit from June through September. This is survival of the fittest out here, so choose wisely on these humid days.

 

What Actually Works in Buffalo Humidity

If you’re building a summer outfit here, keep it simple:

 

*Relaxed or oversized tees with breathable cotton

*Denim shorts for long festival days

*Sneakers or comfy sandals

*A hat for daytime sun at festivals

*No layers, because you’re just going to sweat anyway

 

Don’t get too fancy with it. Just pick a shirt and stay cool enough to enjoy the day without worrying about sweating through your outfit.

 

Where Can You Beat The Heat in a Cool Outfit

There’s plenty to do in Buffalo this summer, so your cool cotton tees can come with you wherever you go:

 

*Downtown activities at the waterfront

*Taste of Buffalo, Italian fest on Hertel Ave

*Canal Fest in the Tonawandas

*Erie County Fair in Hamburg

*First Buffalo Bills home game at the new Highmark Stadium!

*Late-night walks when it finally cools down (don’t get your hopes up though, the temp dropped, but it’s still humid)

 

That’s the beauty of it: Your outfit doesn’t need to change. Pick your favorite tee right from the start and let’s hit some activities!

Final Thought

Buffalo summer isn’t about dressing up. It’s about dressing right for the moment you’re in.

 

Hot afternoons. Sticky evenings. Nights out on the town.

 

When in doubt, just keep it simple: soft tee, cool fit, and a style that feels like you.

 

♥ Shannon

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