TRAVEL ADVICE
Life-Saving Tips for Selecting Hot Weather Clothing
Few things in life are as uncomfortable as being hot and sweaty in humid weather. Whether it’s the sticky and sluggish feeling, or the possibility of dehydration and sunburn, hot weather is something a lot of people dread.
Now, hot weather can mean either a muggy, humid heat or a dry heat. Either way, not exactly comfortable. There’s nothing you can do about the heat barring going indoors and turning on an air conditioner.
But what if you have to be outside for whatever reason? Then you’re going to have to put on some hot weather clothing in order to be more comfortable.
But how do you pick what clothing to wear? How can you even tell if a piece of clothing is going to be appropriate for hot weather?
This can be especially important if you’re traveling to foreign countries. A dry heat in a Texas desert is going to feel markedly different from a humid heat in a Thai forest. With the latter, you’ll feel like you’re moving through liquid and it might make your hair stick to your scalp. A dry heat, in some cases, can be almost refreshing and good for the skin.
When it comes to dressing for summer, for foreign travel, or just finding outfits for 80 degree weather, look out for clothes that are comfortable, but work well at making you look good.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Sizing
One of the first things to consider when you dress for the weather is size. You don’t want anything from-fitting. Form-fitting clothes aren’t always the most comfortable, unless it’s athleisure, and discomfort will only make the heat more prominent. So pick looser clothing, as this will allow airflow to help alleviate the heat.
Best Hot Weather Clothing Materials
Probably the most important thing to consider when choosing your hot weather clothes is the material that the clothing is made from. Some materials are more breathable, and thus better for hot weather than others. Others are great at insulating, which helps to retain heat. So, what materials are best for heat?
- Cotton — Light cotton is breathable and absorbs moisture, so it’s perfect for humid weather. Cotton is also relatively inexpensive, so it shouldn’t cost you too pretty a penny if you want to buy multiple pieces of clothing made from cotton. Be warned that cotton can be insulating, so make sure that you stay dry if you choose to wear cotton.
Cotton is so versatile that it can be puckered to make seersucker, which can then be used to make formal menswear.
- Linen — Another fabric that’s great for hot weather is linen. What makes it so great? For one, it’s highly absorbent so it’ll wick sweat. It’s made from flax fibers, which are breathable and lightweight.
- Khaki — While jeans were originally made for working, often in heat, denim isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear when the weather gets hot and humid. It’s a heavy fabric and it’s great for the humidity in summer or in general. Instead, put on some pants made from khaki, which is lighter and more breathable than denim.
- Silk — This is an incredibly breathable, lightweight, and soft fabric that’s not only perfect for hot weather, it’ll also feel good on your skin.
- Chiffon — This fabric is made from silk, polyester, or both. It’s a lightweight and sheer fabric that’s often used for shirts and scarves.
Hot Weather Outfits for Different Settings
It’s not just the fabric you need to consider. You should also choose the right kind of clothes to wear and for what occasions. For example, if you’re going to the beach then board shorts and a tank top, if you wear a shirt at all, should be fine.
If you’re heading into the office and the dress code isn’t super strict, then you can put on some light linen or khaki pants and a shirt made of a similar material. If you have to wear a suit, eschew the usual wool and opt for something seersucker.
In fact, eschew suits and layers of any kind in general. Layers such as vests and jackets, even when made from a lightweight and breathable fabric, will only add warmth that you don’t need on hot days. Wear shorts or athletic gear (which is designed to be breathable and sweat-wicking if not sweat proof outright) if you can.
Other Tips for Dealing with Hot Weather
Keep in mind that hot weather usually means an increase in sunshine, so it’s not just appropriate clothing that you have to wear. You’ll also have to put on sunscreen and drink a lot of water. In fact, increasing your fluid intake and staying hydrated are both great ways to beat the heat.
On that note, wear a hat. Not only will it protect the top of your head if you don’t have hair to do that, it’ll also keep the sun out of your eyes when you’re out and about. If you’ve got sunglasses, wear them, too. Keep the sun out of year eyes so you can see clearly and avoid accidents.
On that note again, wear comfortable underwear, preferably the kind that’s meant to keep your private parts cool or at least airy. The last thing you want is for your bits to cook in a stew of your own sweat.
Proper Seasonal Clothing Is an Investment You Should Make
There are plenty of weather clothes that are made for the outdoors and whatever they may bring. That means that they’re made for hot environments. You can get pants, shirts, and even underwear for hot weather. The brands that sell these clothes will often make them from a proprietary blend of different fabrics.
By wearing clothes from these brands, you’ll know what to wear for today’s weather, no matter what the weather is. So if you’re looking for lightweight clothing for hot weather, you can check out a sporting goods store or the appropriate section at a big box store.
You can’t control the weather. If the sun wants to shine, it’s going to shine. Depending on where you are, that’s going to result in a dry heat or you’re going to end up in a humidity that might feel like being trapped in soup. What you can do when it gets hot is to wear some hot weather clothing. It may not fix everything, but it’ll offer some measure of relief.
