A fashion expert has revealed the best ways to dress during intense summer heat, sharing unusual tips that can help people stay significantly cooler.
This summer, the UK has already set record-high temperatures, and now a fourth heatwave is en-route with temperatures forecasted to rocket up to 36C.
Noor de Swart, Founder and CEO of Super Label Store, says that wearing certain fabrics and specific colors can dramatically impact how hot you feel during extreme temperatures, with some counterintuitive choices offering better protection than wearing minimal clothing.
Wear More Clothes
It may sound odd but wearing more clothing on hot summer days can prevent you from working up a sweat – desert cultures often cover most of their bodies with lightweight fabrics for a reason.
“Obviously, avoid heavy layering with items like tights and thick jumpers, but try adding some lighter layers into the mix. Covering up in light layers will help to keep you protected from sun exposure while still allowing sweat to evaporate and cool the body,” she reveals.
Freeze Your Clothes (or Accessories)
It might sound extreme, but popping lightweight items like a cotton T-shirt, bandana, or even underwear into a sealed plastic bag and placing them in the freezer for 30 minutes before wearing them can give you an instant cooling effect.
“It’s a quick hack to lower your body temperature before heading out into the heat, especially useful if you’re commuting or stepping into direct sun. Just make sure the clothes are dry before freezing them to avoid damp discomfort,” De Swart says.
Natural Fabrics
Many people make the mistake of wearing polyester or nylon during summer, but De Swart explains that these fabrics block proper airflow, causing your body temperature to rise faster than natural alternatives and trapping heat against your skin throughout the day.
“Natural fibers allow air to circulate better and let sweat evaporate from your skin. Linen, for instance, is a cooler option and a solid trend that returns every summertime,” De Swart observes.
“Cotton is also a staple in every wardrobe, so if linen isn’t something you want to venture into, a cotton T-shirt or dress will do the job.”
Wear Light Colors
Light colors bounce sunlight away instead of soaking it up, keeping your body temperature lower. So, when it’s extremely hot, your safest (and best) choices are white, creams, beiges, and pastels – combined with the right fabric, you’ll definitely feel the difference.
On the other hand, dark colors absorb sunlight and convert it to heat, making them a no-go on extremely hot days. “Black, navy, and dark clothes in general can make you feel up to 10 degrees warmer than identical white clothing when you stand in direct sun,” De Swart explains.
Loose Fitting Clothes
Loose clothing is a great choice for hot days, because it creates space between the fabric and your skin, allowing air to flow and cool you down. Tight clothing, on the contrary, traps heat and moisture against your body, which will make you feel even more uncomfortable.
Styles like kaftans, palazzo pants, and breezy tunics provide both comfort and practicality during intense heat, with the air pocket between fabric and skin acting as natural air conditioning.
Bonus Tips: Smart Accessories Make a Big Difference
De Swart also reveals accessorizing hacks to help you beat the heat this summer. The expert recommends wearing wide-brimmed hats, as they can keep your face, neck, and shoulders shaded, while sunglasses with UV protection reduce eye strain, which can make the heat feel even worse.
“Another great hack for staying cool is wrapping cotton bandanas soaked in cold water around your neck, while some may find that dampening the ends of sleeves or hems creates a cooling effect as the water evaporates.”
Noor de Swart adds that timing your activities wisely makes a significant difference no matter what you wear.
“Your clothing choices matter tremendously during extreme heat, but planning outdoor activities for morning or evening helps just as much,” she said. “The best outfit in the world will still be uncomfortable if you’re standing in direct sun at noon.”
The expert also notes that many people focus only on staying cool while forgetting about sun protection. “The goal should be both comfort and protection. Your skin will thank you for thinking beyond just the temperature,” she says.
