![\"St](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/N7RN5KNSYEKI47MJIQFM6CID5Q.JPG\")
St Stephen’s Green, Dublin. Photograph: Collins When is it okay for men to go shirtless?<\/p>\nSummer means a loosening of rules and norms. Eating with your fingers is suddenly encouraged, near-nakedness is everywhere and a 6am airport pint is unremarkable. It\u2019s a hot, sticky recipe for social chaos and \u2013 if you share my view on showing off ungroomed feet \u2013 possibly the end times of human civilisation. Here, then, is everything you need to know about summer etiquette.<\/p>\n
What to wearSt Stephen’s Green, Dublin. Photograph: Collins When is it okay for men to go shirtless?<\/p>\n
Really only by the beach or pool. There is something perhaps stylishly louche \u201cabout walking around a seaside town shirtless, but only if you\u2019re abroad and the temperature is hot\u201d, says Zak Maoui, style director of men\u2019s magazine Esquire. \u201cI run topless in London and other cities abroad when it\u2019s super hot; there\u2019s nothing better. If the recent men\u2019s wear shows are anything to go by, going shirtless under a suit may be back in fashion. I still am not sold, personally.\u201d<\/p>\n
When and where is it okay to be wrapped in a towel?<\/p>\n
Are you near water? No? Put some clothes on. \u201cI think you need to be on the beach, by the pool, somewhere there is swimming,\u201d says Jo Bryant, training director of etiquette training company The English Manner. Walking a short distance, say from your holiday apartment or campsite to the pool, is acceptable in a towel but nowhere else in public. \u201cDon\u2019t go shopping in a towel and swimming costume.\u201d<\/p>\n
Are shorts at work acceptable?<\/p>\n
It depends. \u201cI would not advise shorts for business attire unless the company culture is extremely casual,\u201d says Myka Meier, author of Modern Etiquette Made Easy. This includes smarter tailored and ironed shorts. \u201cIf your bosses are doing it, and that\u2019s setting the company culture, then I think it\u2019s okay, but generally speaking, avoid shorts in the office.\u201d Maoui wears shorts at work: \u201cBut I work for a men\u2019s fashion magazine. It really depends on your profession. A friend of mine, who works for a bank in Canary Wharf, told me recently that he was laughed at when he asked about wearing shorts.\u201d<\/p>\n
What about bare shoulders?<\/p>\n
Again, where do you work? \u201cMaybe if you\u2019re working at Vogue, but if you\u2019re working in finance or law, then that would be a little too sexy,\u201d says Sara Jane Ho, host of the Netflix show Mind Your Manners.<\/p>\n
Mariah Humbert, an etiquette expert, advises keeping the rest of you more covered up. \u201cWear a trouser, or a longer skirt or dress. You\u2019re being mindful of how much skin you\u2019re showing as a whole.\u201d Don\u2019t think you can get away with thin straps or swimwear on a work video call. \u201cEven if you\u2019re home and you\u2019re comfortable, you should still be treating the virtual call the way you would treat an in-person meeting, with the same level of professionalism and intention behind your outfit choice,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Are sandals in the office acceptable?<\/p>\n
\u201cIn more professional environments, they wouldn\u2019t be acceptable,\u201d says Laura Akano, an etiquette coach and founder of Polished Manners. If you do go for sandals, go for smart ones, she advises. \u201cMale, female, it doesn\u2019t matter \u2013 foot grooming is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
If women are wearing sandals, then so can men, says Maoui. \u201cAs long as your toes look decent. I have a rule though: if you\u2019re going to get your toes out at work, your legs should be covered. You aren\u2019t at the beach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Do men still need to remove hats indoors?<\/p>\n
\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d says Grant Harrold, a former butler to King Charles turned author and etiquette trainer. \u201cThis goes back to the time when gentlemen always removed their hat out of respect when entering someone\u2019s home. It\u2019s still a rule that I think very much should apply.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Maoui, who wears a cap around half of the week, disagrees. \u201cThis is so outdated,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019m not taking it off inside. Who is it offending? I think a cap can help make a suit look less stuffy and, if anything, that makes you seem more inviting.\u201d<\/p>\n
When should I take off my sunglasses?<\/p>\n
You should raise them when greeting someone, though Ho says she wouldn\u2019t necessarily do this with a close friend. But for someone you don\u2019t know well, and want to make a good impression on, take off your sunglasses and establish eye contact. \u201cLet\u2019s say we\u2019re together at an event for an extended period of time, it\u2019s sunny and it\u2019s outdoors. At some point I would put them back on,\u201d says Ho. Indoors, you should definitely take them off (as long as you don\u2019t need them for sight-related issues). \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more obnoxious than wearing sunglasses indoors,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Can flip-flops be worn away from the beach or pool?<\/p>\n
No, says Ho. \u201cThey\u2019re just not very presentable, and they\u2019re very teenage. So, how old are you? There\u2019s context for everything. If you\u2019re at a beachside clam hut, flip-flops are great.\u201d There are plenty of more elegant options that are just as wearable away from the pool, she says. \u201cI have a pair of sandals that are a nicer version of Birkenstocks, so they\u2019re easy to put on and they\u2019re casual.\u201d Flip-flops are the shoe of the summer, according to Vogue, but even it acknowledges that it\u2019s the leather or heeled versions that are desirable.<\/p>\n
Is garden or balcony nudity acceptable?<\/p>\n
Would you want to see your neighbours naked? You might \u2013 or it may provide a helpful reminder to get some chipolatas in for the barbecue tonight \u2013 but chances are you\u2019d rather they kept their clothes on. They possibly feel the same about you. If your garden or balcony is visible to others, \u201cit\u2019s not really acceptable\u201d, says Bryant. \u201cIf you live in the middle of nowhere, then fine, go for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
On bodily needs![\"Seapoint](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IAGO6RODVJAZJKMUHRA6BM7DW4.JPG\")
Seapoint near D\u00fan Laoghaire. Photograph: Alan Betson \/ The Irish Times Is it okay to pee in the sea?<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fish do it, but I would say no,\u201d says Harrold. \u201cA lot of people probably think \u2018it\u2019s the open ocean and no one\u2019s ever going to know\u2019, but think of the environment and politeness. Go to the nearest lavatory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Is deodorant compulsory?<\/p>\n
\u201cDeodorant is absolutely necessary,\u201d says Humbert. \u201cThe way you care for yourself and your hygiene is a form of self-respect, but also respect for the people you work with. It\u2019s the same socially.\u201d<\/p>\n
Should I tell someone they smell?<\/p>\n
Yes, almost certainly \u2013 it\u2019s the right thing to do, as long as you do it kindly. \u201cIf it is at work, try to do it towards the end of the day,\u201d says Elaine Swann, author of Elaine Swann\u2019s Book of Modern Etiquette. That way they won\u2019t spend all day feeling sweaty and paranoid. \u201cMake sure you tell them privately, and give them a way out by saying: \u2018I\u2019m not sure if you\u2019re aware of this, but you have an odour that is very prevalent.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Can I refuse a hug or handshake because I am \u2013 or worse, they are \u2013 too sweaty?<\/p>\n
Etiquette, Swann reminds us, \u201cis about putting others at ease, and one way to make someone feel uncomfortable is to give them a handshake or a hug when you\u2019re sweaty\u201d. It\u2019s fine to tell someone you\u2019ll pass on this occasion. \u201cI believe that that is absolutely acceptable, and the individual will appreciate it.\u201d What if it\u2019s the other person who is about to go in for a damp hug or handshake? Swann suggests keeping it light, perhaps suggesting you\u2019re both too hot and offering a quick high five instead. \u201cAdding a bit of levity without putting the person down is acceptable.\u201d But don\u2019t focus on the fact that you have just recoiled from them. \u201cSay it and keep the conversation moving.\u201d<\/p>\n
Can I borrow sunscreen from a stranger?<\/p>\n
Ideally not, unless you\u2019ve built up a tiny bit of a relationship with them. \u201cFor example, if you\u2019re sitting next to someone at Wimbledon,\u201d says Bryant, \u201cand they\u2019re reapplying their sun cream in the afternoon and you\u2019ve forgotten yours, it would be fine to say, \u2018would you mind if I had some?\u2019 But I wouldn\u2019t just go to the park, put my blanket down, walk up to the next group of people and ask to borrow some.\u201d That said, most people react generously. \u201cOnce, a stranger came up to me and said their sunscreen had expired and they were burning, and asked if they could have a quick spray for their arms,\u201d says Humbert. \u201cI probably wouldn\u2019t have approached them about it, but I was happy to share.\u201d<\/p>\n
Is it considerate or overbearing to remind someone to put sunscreen on?<\/p>\n
It depends on your relationship, and how they take such comments. \u201cI think the right approach would be to put some on yourself and say, \u2018would you like some?\u2019 so you\u2019re not judging them. You\u2019re hinting heavily and giving them the opportunity,\u201d says Bryant. If it\u2019s a stranger and you\u2019re anxious that they\u2019re burning, it\u2019s probably best to leave them to it. \u201cAs harsh as it may sound, it\u2019s not really your affair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Can I ask someone else to rub sunscreen on my back?<\/p>\n
Probably not, unless you know them very well \u2013 and even then, there may be numerous other reasons you shouldn\u2019t. \u201cIt\u2019s quite an intimate thing to have somebody rub lotion on your body, it should be somebody you are already close with,\u201d says Meier. <\/p>\n
The social contract![\"Clontarf](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784052802_448_K5HC4PT3ERHB5P6AOD6OW43KKA.jpg\")
Clontarf promenade. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni\/The Irish Times Is it boring to complain about the heat?<\/p>\n
It is. \u201cThe whole year we complain it\u2019s cold, it\u2019s wet, and as soon as we get heat, we go, \u2018it\u2019s too hot,\u2019\u201d says Harrold. (Complain loudly to politicians and fossil fuel investors about the climate crisis instead.)<\/p>\n
Can I use a fan in public?<\/p>\n
As long as it doesn\u2019t impact on other people, then yes, says Akano. So a large paper version, possibly not, unless you have a lot of space; a discreet electric fan, probably fine, even on a packed bus. In somewhere like a theatre, \u201cI would say maybe before the production starts, but once it begins, the fan should go off because there will be an element of noise\u201d.<\/p>\n
How late can I play music or chat loudly in my garden?<\/p>\n
If you have near neighbours who are likely to be disturbed, then 9pm is about right, says Bryant. \u201cBut if you live on a street that\u2019s very communal, and everyone\u2019s out in the evening being noisy, take your cue from them.\u201d If you have children, allowing them to be noisy in the garden on weekend mornings \u201cbefore 8am is probably unacceptable\u201d.<\/p>\n
How early is too early to mow the lawn at the weekend?<\/p>\n
\u201cFor that, I\u2019d say a bit later,\u201d says Bryant. No mowing before 9am.<\/p>\n
Is it acceptable to bring my own speaker to the park or beach?<\/p>\n
\u201cTurning up to a crowded city park, or busy beach and getting your speaker going super loud is probably going to have a negative impact on other people, so I would say no in that situation,\u201d says Bryant. You could have it on quietly, but this is pointless and irritating. \u201c\u2018Is it serving its purpose, and who am I disturbing?\u2019 are the two questions you need to ask yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
How should fair-weather swimmers\/cyclists\/tennis players behave in order not to annoy the year-rounders?<\/p>\n
Oh, you\u2019ve just discovered wild swimming? \u201cDo a little deep dive before you start a summer sport, so that you know you are following the rules,\u201d says Meier. Harrold saw a large number of people at his tennis club discover their inner champion during Wimbledon. If you\u2019re more established, he advises grace towards the newcomers. \u201cEveryone\u2019s got the right to do it. Respect the fact that there\u2019s people wanting to have a go. They\u2019ll probably do it for five minutes, get fed up and move on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Should I tell a stranger off if they\u2019re walking their dog in the heat of the day?<\/p>\n
Any responsible dog owner would not be dragging their dog out in the middle of the day, but Harrold \u2013 a dog owner \u2013 still wouldn\u2019t accost a stranger. \u201cThere could be a reason, you don\u2019t know the situation behind it. I\u2019m hoping they will be sensible and stop for rest, water and shade. But if a dog has been left in a car, it\u2019s a different situation.\u201d In that case, assess the dog\u2019s condition and if they\u2019re showing any signs of heatstroke, call 999. However, exercising dogs in hot weather can also be deadly \u2013 if you see a dog with obvious and serious overheating symptoms, such as appearing to be in a collapsed state, you can report it to the NSPCA.<\/p>\n
Eating and drinking![\"Summer](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/A5WZA27KKNC47NK2YAIVOHSCQI.jpg\")
Summer picnics: Bring something home-made, or unopened, and crucially fresh and easy to eat. Photograph: iStock Is it acceptable to start drinking early when at home?<\/p>\n
\u201cSunny weather seems to change our behaviour and the social schedule,\u201d says Peyton. \u201cIt\u2019s a question of pacing though \u2013 if a person drinks beer for breakfast will they peak too early and then not last the day? The good news is that there are many excellent non-alcoholic beer brands which means having the flavour and drinking experience of beer but not the alcohol. Another benefit is that some non-alcoholic beer has isotonic properties which is very useful in blazing heat.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a guest, how much food should I bring to a summer potluck gathering?<\/p>\n
Unless otherwise instructed, dishes or items should correlate with adult headcount, says Ho. If you\u2019re arriving with your partner and a friend, and your kids, that\u2019s three dishes, or two plus a bottle of something.<\/p>\n
As a host, how can I stop someone bringing that revolting dish they always make?<\/p>\n
Ho advises: \u201cI would say: \u2018Oh, instead of bringing that dish I love, we have so many main courses. Can you bring a bottle of wine instead?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Can I empty my fridge, and bring an opened pot of hummus and half a cucumber to a picnic?<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s a last-minute thing with friends or family, or where everyone is essentially bringing a packed lunch for themselves, you can probably get away with it, but if it\u2019s for sharing, then sorry, no. Bring something home-made, or unopened, and crucially fresh and easy to eat. And don\u2019t forget serving utensils if the dish needs it. Remember it\u2019s about sharing \u2013 don\u2019t keep your food to yourself, even if you\u2019ve brought M&S bits and artisan crisps and everyone else has brought their stale breadsticks from the back of the cupboard. \u201cJust put the food in the middle and at the end of the picnic, if your thing was not eaten, you can take it home with you,\u201d says Meier.<\/p>\n
Can I ask for ice when ordering a non-ice based drink?<\/p>\n
Probably, says Peyton. \u201cThe customer is always right, so if you want ice in your drink then you can have it, but it will dilute the drink as it melts and that affects the flavour. If the drink is carbonated, for instance beer or cider, ice will make it go flat.\u201d But asking for more ice in a perfectly mixed cocktail is, Peyton warns, \u201cthe equivalent of throwing salt on to a Michelin-star chef\u2019s signature dish before tasting it. Don\u2019t do it\u201d.<\/p>\n
What should I avoid eating in public when it\u2019s hot?<\/p>\n
\u201cGenerally you shouldn\u2019t be walking along the street eating anyway,\u201d Akano reminds us. \u201cBut if you\u2019re in a confined space, like the tube or a train or bus, avoid any food with any type of odour.\u201d This is year-round advice, but the heat can exacerbate the smell unbearably. \u2013 Guardian<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Summer means a loosening of rules and norms. Eating with your fingers is suddenly encouraged, near-nakedness is everywhere…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":585609,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[41],"tags":[3500,9,10,236255,1954,13,14,6,11,12,15,16,5,76897,7,8,1102,5767,65,66,67],"class_list":["post-585608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world","tag-advice","tag-breaking-news","tag-breakingnews","tag-european-heatwaves","tag-extreme-weather","tag-featured-news","tag-featurednews","tag-headlines","tag-latest-news","tag-latestnews","tag-main-news","tag-mainnews","tag-news","tag-office-working","tag-top-stories","tag-topstories","tag-weather-events","tag-weather-ireland","tag-world","tag-world-news","tag-worldnews"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/116919692257011240","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=585608"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585608\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/585609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=585608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=585608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=585608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}