Summer is drawing near, and the current COVID-19 situation won’t last forever. Eventually, we will all be out of our homes, having barbecues, and going on vacations once again. Whether you’re planning to hang out in your own backyard, camp at your favorite local camp ground, or take an affordable offseason trip to the Bahamas, Panama, or Brazil, you’ll need to be sure that you have an accommodating wardrobe. On the beach, it’s easy—all you need is a swimsuit, a towel, and some sunscreen. Below is some Hot Weather Clothing to Stay Cool.
Unfortunately, we can’t spend all our time in casual summer clothing at the beach, gathered around a campfire, or on a boat trying to catch a trophy fish. Business meetings, work, and special events call for business casual or even formal attire. Here’s an essential guide to hot weather clothing to keep you cool.
Wear Light Colors
Always wear light colors in the bright sunshine of summer, especially if you must wear suits and other formal attire. Dark colors absorb the sunlight and will increase your body temperature. Keep on wearing what you like and what reflects your personal style, but lighten it up. Mix it up and add a bright color to the ensemble, but the overall theme needs to be light. Those light colors will keep you cooler during the day until the sun goes down.
Choose the Right Fabrics
Wearing a tank top made of polyester will make you feel hotter than if you wore a long-sleeve shirt made from cotton. The kind of fabric the clothing is made from makes a huge difference in hot weather. For summertime, cotton and linen are the best options—especially for suits. They are both natural fibers, they are lightweight, and they breathe.
Cotton is the best choice for virtually any article of clothing because it comes in a variety of styles and weaves. In addition to being lightweight, it is also moisture-wicking. While it’s often the butt of jokes, seersucker will keep you the most comfortable because it has a loose weave, allowing for better air circulation.
Loosen the Fit
Tight clothing is the trend right now, from jeans to shirts. That style will work if you’re chilling in the air conditioning all day. When you venture outdoors, though, the clothes need to loosen up. Loose clothing lets the air get in between your skin and the clothes to cool you down. Even short shorts will make you sweat if they are skintight. Don’t rush out and buy XXL everything—most designers make a loose version of their clothing. Some brands are specifically designed for hot weather, so take a look around and find something cool.
Wear Khaki Trousers
Wearing pants in the summer to keep cool might seem counter-intuitive, but it works. Whether you call them trousers, chinos, or khakis, make them part of the lineup. Wearing light-colored khaki pants will shield your legs from the sun’s brutal rays. Refer to the section about selecting fabrics when choosing pants as well. Wear pants made from natural fabrics that breathe, let the air move through, and let sweat evaporate. Pants that are just off the shoe let a breeze run up the pant leg and cool the skin.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
