With high temperatures sweeping over parts of Europe and the United States – and it hasn’t exactly been wintry in Malaysia, either! – it can be hard to know how to dress to best avoid the inconveniences caused by stifling heat.
From fabrics and colours to accessories, here are some golden rules for staying stylish and comfortable during a heatwave.
Look for linen
Choosing the right fabrics is essential, especially during spells of cold or hot weather. When the mercury rises, forget fabrics that stick to the skin, leave unsightly stains, or cause sweating – like many synthetic materials – and reach instead for naturally breathable, absorbent or anti-odour fabrics (yes, they exist).
Clothes made of linen or hemp can be real wardrobe allies through the scorching months thanks to their thermoregulating properties, which allow body heat to escape throughout the day. The icing on the cake is that these two natural and plant-based materials also absorb moisture, avoiding any discomfort linked to perspiration.
Less known for its breathable properties, cotton is also a material that can be a good choice in hot weather. Focus on its lighter variants, such as voile or muslin, which can help you face a hot spell without fear of discomfort.
Another option for braving the heat with style is Tencel fabric, made with cellulose from certain trees such as eucalyptus or bamboo.
Wear white or yellow
Darker colours should be avoided in hot weather, as they tend to absorb the sun’s rays and thus increase the feeling of heat. It is strongly advised to wear white clothing, especially for tops, but this is not the only option.
In a 2020 study, a team of Japanese scientists exposed nine polo-shirt-clad mannequin torsos to the sun – at an estimated 30°C – to determine which clothing colours to favour in a heatwave. White obviously came out on top, but the study showed that yellow, grey, red and even purple were good options during heatwaves.
Pastel shades also appear to be a good alternative to white, since they do not soak up the sun’s rays, and allow you to liven up your look a little more.
For lovers of black – and there are many of them – the day will undoubtedly feel longer (and hotter), so reduce discomfort by opting for loose and lightweight clothes.
Go to town on accessories
Warm weather often involves a quest for comfort. As a result, men and women tend to turn to timeless clothes – outfits that are more classic and, therefore, much less fun.
Here, accessories can be used to add a touch of originality, so load up on sunglasses, hats – the bucket hat remains a safe bet – or a more striking-than-usual lightweight bag, like the raffia models popular this season.
While boosting your style, some of these also protect you from the damaging effects of the sun. Stay cool and stay safe!