Heatwave Style Tips To Keep You Cool

The UK’s hotting up again – and, if the climate crisis is anything to go by, will continue to be hotting up every summer for some years to come! Morbid humour aside, it’s old news now that the Great British Summer is anything but rain and drizzle. We’re accustomed to the sprints of deep warmth, intense humidity and unrelenting sun that crop up frequently through the warmer months; only, other aspects of our culture haven’t quite caught up to them.

For one, our homes aren’t equipped with the same life-saving air conditioning that homes on other continents are – one of the many reasons that British summer is actually, literally less tolerable than tropical summers in the Americas. Fashion is another crucial area in which we are climate-challenged; there are stylish ways we can stay cool that haven’t quite become common knowledge yet. What are they?

Choose Breathable Fabrics

Naturally, any clothes you wear in warmer weather want to be breathable. When you sweat, you want that sweat to have somewhere to go; it’s designed to take heat with it, after all! This is why lightweight, breathable materials such as linen, cotton and certain moisture-wicking fabrics can feel more comfortable during very hot weather; when you wear them, you give your sweat somewhere to go. Heavy, synthetic fabrics, meanwhile, are far better at trapping heat and reducing airflow.

Opt For Loose Silhouettes

Airflow is a key consideration in other ways, too. Whatever the fabrics you’re plumping for, you also want the shapes of your outfits to encourage airflow. This means picking items with relaxed cuts and loose silhouettes. Oversized shirts, wide-leg trousers, and billowy women’s dresses are ideal for balancing style with heat-based practicality. 

Keep in mind, also, that you want any items you buy to be as full-coverage as possible – that is, long-sleeved and floor length. This is better for cooling you down, as your sweat evaporates all too quickly in direct sunlight. 

Colour And Styling Tricks

Colour has a great deal of import when it comes to summer heatwave comfort, too – far beyond the style implications of certain palettes over others. Darker colours absorb more heat from the sun’s rays, meaning you get hotter quicker when you’re wearing dark blues or blacks. Keep things (quite literally) light, and your clothes will reflect much of that heat away, thus keeping you cooler for longer.

Finish With Heatwave-Friendly Accessories

Last but not least, accessories are the making of an outfit – and can also be the making of your heatwave comfort. Practical accessories like wide-brimmed hats keep you in the shade, while sunglasses keep your eyes safe from those pesky UV rays; breathable footwear is vital for keeping comfortable while on your feet for extended periods of time.