One thing my clients struggle with is how to dress in the heat, especially when they live in a warmer climate. They want to look stylish and put together, but don’t know how when the traditional “complete” outfit consists of a third piece. They ask, “How am I supposed to add a layer to my look when the temperature will hit 100?!”
Now that summer is upon us, you may be asking the same question. That’s why I’m sharing some simple style tips for getting dressed in the heat.
How To Dress In A Hot Climate
To help you feel fresh and look good in the heat, there are 3 main guidelines to follow. You don’t have to apply each one, but the more you incorporate into your outfit the more put together you’ll feel.
1. Fabric First
Not all fabrics are created equal. In fact, some will wreak havoc in the heat. Synthetics like polyester, nylon and acrylic feel more clammy because the manmade consistencies trap warmth near your body.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are your best choices as they’re breathable and breezy. I also like silk because it’s super lightweight. Just be mindful that silk will show sweat so go sleeveless on sweltering days.
Athletic fabrics are another option. Because of the sweat wicking technology, you won’t get bogged down with moisture.
2. Silhouette Second
There’s a reason loose and flow-y clothes reign supreme in warm weather. They’re more comfortable! Tight clothes cling in the heat and make your body temperature rise. You know that feeling of sweat dripping down your back and causing your clothes to stick? It won’t happen when you’re in baggier silhouettes.
3. Cooler Color
Wearing all white, or light colors is the way to go when it’s really hot. First off, it looks chic. And secondly it’ll reflect the light in a way that darker colors will not. This is key when you want to keep cool. Pastels are also a good choice.
To breeze through summer when it’s still hot and humid, pay attention to what you wear. Choose natural fabrics, looser silhouettes and light colors.
How To Dress In The Heat
Now that you understand how to choose which pieces to put on, the next step is putting them together into cohesive (and stylish!) outfits. Ideally, in the summer (or any season) you want your garments to be interchangeable so that when you open your closet, it’s easy to mix and match your clothes because they all work together.
My favorite place to start in building a summer capsule is with what you already own. This means finding multiple ways to wear each piece. Then when you notice that you are missing specific items to complete your outfits, you’ll know exactly what to buy.
Many women don’t see all the possibilities with their existing wardrobe, and this is a problem! They’re so accustomed to wearing their clothes in the same way that they can’t see beyond their usual combinations. So they end up buying more because they believe they need new clothes, but really they just needed a new perspective.
Like my client who had lots of workable options from her existing wardrobe. She just needed to buy a few key pieces. Then we were able to create 20 new looks (not including her dresses which increased her outfit total!)
If you’re ready to refine your wardrobe, I have a new offer coming soon that can help you elevate your summer style without spending money on unnecessary items. Interested to learn more? Book a call here to get the details and save your spot before it’s too late.
Related
FAQs
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are your best choices as they're breathable and breezy. I also like silk because it's super lightweight. Just be mindful that silk will show sweat so go sleeveless on sweltering days. Athletic fabrics are another option.
How to dress for extreme heat and humidity? ›
Wear Clothing that Hangs Slightly off Your Body
The single most important thing you can do to improve your comfort in high humidity is to wear lightweight clothing that won't cling to your skin. Woven fabrics or those with some texture, and a looser fit, usually do a good job.
How to look cute when it's hot? ›
I recommend wearing natural fabrics and garments derived from natural sources. Fabric such as linen works amazingly in the heat, although do be aware of creases! I also love opting for long floaty cotton dresses and little shorts when it's really warm. You'll know I never wear black so this one is a given for me!
What type of clothing should be worn when exercising in hot and humid weather? ›
Choose quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabrics, such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or nylon-blend. You can look for terms like moisture-wicking, Dri-fit, Coolmax, or Supplex.
What is the best fabric to wear in hot humid weather? ›
Key Takeaways. Cotton and linen are top choices for summer fabrics because they're lightweight, breathable, and help to keep the body cool by allowing air to circulate.
What is the coolest fabric to wear in summer? ›
Best Fabrics To Keep You Cool
- Cotton: A Lightweight Summer Favorite. ...
- Linen: For Cool Air Flow. ...
- Rayon: A Surprisingly Reliable Choice. ...
- Chambray: For Sophisticated Summer Style. ...
- Silk: Hypoallergenic Summer Wear. ...
- So, What Fabrics Don't Work So Well?
If you think about your daily routine, wearing a moisture-wicking fabric close to your skin can help keep you cooler in the heat of the day. Adding a long-sleeved shirt with SPF in it can make it a winning combination. Additionally, going from heat to air conditioning can be jarring to the senses.
Is being cute better or hot? ›
Cute is someone who's attractive, while hot is someone sexy.
While it might not seem like a huge difference at first, there are some key ways that people use “cute” and “hot” differently. Cute people are attractive, but in an innocent, endearing way. Hot people are attractive as well, but in a stunning, modelesque way.
How can I look attractive in summer? ›
- Smile a lot.
- Wear sunscreen any time you are in the sun.
- Drink plenty of water everyday.
- Get enough sleep, 7–8 hours at least daily.
- Exercise at least three times a week.
- Eat healthy.
- Try intermittent fasting.
- Take vitamins and supplements your body needs but can't get from your diet.
In fact, some will wreak havoc in the heat. Synthetics like polyester, nylon and acrylic feel more clammy because the manmade consistencies trap warmth near your body. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are your best choices as they're breathable and breezy. I also like silk because it's super lightweight.
But there's a lot we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the heat.
- Be sun smart. ...
- Wetter is better. ...
- Drink plenty of water. ...
- Limit your alcohol. ...
- Eat light meals to feel cooler. ...
- Limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day. ...
- Keep your home cool. ...
- Know the risks.
Best Practices
Lightweight , loose fitting and made of breathable fabric that allow airflow and air movement aiding in cooling the body. Light-colored that reflects the heat better than dark-colored clothes (which absorb heat). Shirts with long sleeves that cover the body and avoid sunburn.
Which fabric makes you sweat less? ›
By opting for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, viscose, wool, or silk, one can avoid excessive sweating. Synthetic fabrics like polyamide, nylon, or acrylic may contribute to discomfort associated with moisture.
What type of fabric keeps you the coolest? ›
Cotton is a natural fiber that's breathable, lightweight and widely accessible. Air easily passes through cotton fabric, allowing you to feel breezy and cool.
What do people wear in hot and humid climate? ›
Cooler Color
This is key when you want to keep cool. Pastels are also a good choice. To breeze through summer when it's still hot and humid, pay attention to what you wear. Choose natural fabrics, looser silhouettes and light colors.
How do you keep your body cool in humidity? ›
What can we do about it?
- Use a fan. Use a fan to increase air flow and accelerate sweat evaporation. ...
- Use 'ice towels' Wrap crushed ice in a damp towel and wrap it around your neck. ...
- Wet your clothes.
As a general rule, we recommend you stay away from synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon in hot and humid weather conditions since these materials tend to trap odors and bacteria. Garments made of synthetic materials cannot breathe and will trap the heat and make you feel warm.
