In hot temperatures, your body sweats to cool itself down. When sweat evaporates, it takes some of your body heat with it, helping to keep you comfortable. So when you’re getting dressed during a heatwave, it’s best to choose garments that will make the evaporation process as easy as possible.
When you’re dressing for a hot day, how to get away with wearing as little as possible isn’t the only factor to consider.
Loose or sweat-wicking clothes
Avoid tight clothing, as these garments will keep sweat trapped on your skin, says expert. The exception: technical fabrics, like those used in at leisure, are often specifically designed to wick away sweat. Even tighter-fitting garments using these synthetic materials, like polyester and nylon, can help keep you cool and dry. Look for terms like “sweat-wicking,” “moisture-wicking,” or “quick dry” on the label.
And, contrary to what you might assume, wearing as little clothing as possible isn’t always the best strategy. Garments that provide some coverage prevent the sun from beating down directly on your bare skin.
Breathable fabrics
For everyday summer-wear, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. These fibers will not only allow any natural breezes to pass through your clothes and cool the skin, but also allow your sweat to escape and evaporate. If you’re not sure if your clothing is breathable, there’s an easy way to find out: just put your hand inside a garment, blow on it, and see if you can feel your breath on your hand, Frey suggests.
Light colors
There’s a reason white clothing is popular in the summer. Garments in dark colors like black, navy, and forest green absorb more of the sun’s UV radiation than light-colored clothes. The dark shirts get significantly hotter than the light shirts even after a relatively short time outside.
Light-colored clothes aren’t as effective at protecting your skin from the sun as dark clothes are, meaning you may be more susceptible to sunburns and skin damage if you’re decked out in gauzy white cotton.
Functional accessories
Think strategically about what to wear from head to toe. A wide-brimmed hat can provide some extra shade on a sunny day, while open-toed shoes can help with ventilation.
Also, choosing undergarments made from sweat-wicking materials and picking the right ones can make a big difference for comfort.
