Working from home during a heatwave has its benefits. You may not have air con but you can slurp an iced coffee without judgment. You also don’t have to put much thought into what to wear. Pants and a vest? It’s a given. A bikini? Unless you’ve got video calls, why not? But venturing outside in 30C is another challenge. While TikTok would have you rocking a metallic bikini and jorts, here are some realistic outfit suggestions to stop you sweltering this summer.
Look for natural fibres …
Sweating is your body’s way of cooling you down. However, some breathable fabrics – including cotton, silk, merino wool and linen – can make the heat more bearable, too. Choose organic if you can – it’s grown without pesticides and is usually better for soil health.
… but know the pros and cons of each fabric
Cotton and linen absorb moisture, meaning that if you sweat a lot you will feel damp and likely end up with sweat patches on your clothes. If that’s something you want to avoid, look for pieces made from these fabrics in roomy silhouettes. Try a wafty dress such as this one from Albaray or loose trousers, such as these from Toast. The fabric won’t cling to your body and will allow more air to circulate. Patterns or dark colours will also disguise sweat patches more than light solid colours. So-called “sustainable fabrics” such as modal and lyocell (along with the more controversial viscose) are semi-breathable, but do absorb moisture. Polyester and nylon will wick away moisture, leaving you feeling dry – lots of sportswear is made from these – but they are often derived from polymers made from oil.
Tread the fine line between a holiday sundress and an everyday sundress with confidence
If you’d wear it on a beach then it may feel a little too OOO to wear to the office, but there are no hard and fast rules. Kaftans and maxidresses that skim the floor might be tricky, as might anything sheer. I’m wary of halter necks and cut-outs; I want to feel comfortable fetching coffee with colleagues and chatting to managers. Faffing around with hemlines that ride up or fiddling with bra straps is a worry I don’t need.
This isn’t to say that you can’t make more holiday-inspired pieces work for real life. A crochet tank top such as this one from Jigsaw can be popped over a cotton T-shirt. When you fancy a little more cover-up, scoop- or plunge-neck midi dresses such as this one from M&S can also be worn over a T-shirt in a contrasting colour. An unbuttoned striped shirt over a white vest top is another good option. Scout the men’s section in charity shops or search online for vintage striped shirts.
Do a sunlight test
Loose linen and fine cottons are often slightly more see-through than they first appear, especially on a sunny day. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and take a photo to check for transparency. Non-patterned underwear is a good fix. Stripe and Stare do seam free sets (goodbye VPL) in a variety of skin colours.
Focus on footwear
Feet tend to swell when it’s hot, so choose sandals with adjustable straps. I’ve just done a roundup of styles that will ensure you can walk 10,000 steps in comfort. If you want to wear trainers, follow gen Z’s lead and wear them with visible socks rather than the trainer sort, which will also help absorb moisture and prevent blisters.
Warning: there are lots of styles of mesh shoes on the high street. Most are made from polyester – AKA plastic – and despite teeny-tiny ventilation holes, they are likely to grate and make your feet clammy. Instead, go for a simple sandal in a soft leather. The same advice applies to male readers. A smart pair of fisherman sandals – check out Grenson – or double-strap sandals such as these from John Lewis – will work much better than plastic sporty sliders.
Less is not always more
In the same way that drinking hot tea can help cool you down, sometimes covering up can keep you chilled. Think ventilation rather than sun exposure. One option might be a billowing shirt dress or a loose skirt and trousers over a crop top and short-shorts. In less formal settings, men could try an untucked linen shirt and trousers – Toast has some great options.
Have fun with short-shorts (but they aren’t mandatory)
Just because Paul Mescal and the catwalks are championing the three-inch seam doesn’t mean your thighs have to partake. Arket has longer lengths that won’t cling to your quads. Or buy a classic pair from Dickies.
The short-shorts trend has also made its way into womenswear, but there are plenty of longer shorts, too. These from Massimo Dutti, when worn with a T-shirt and smart flat sandals could be work appropriate, depending on your workplace. For weekends, try a silky short with a crisp oversized shirt or untucked, baggy surf-style T-shirt – scour eBay for authentic secondhand versions.
Accessories are key
It might not make your physiotherapist happy, but perhaps lose the backpack on truly scorching days – it will block air making your shirt cling to you. Instead, try a lightweight crossbody or a basket bag – see Etsy for handmade bags. They are much more heatwave-appropriate than a heavy leather tote. Baseball caps are no longer just for the sidelines, either. If Rihanna can wear one to a couture show, then you can wear one on your commute. A portable fan is also not to be scoffed at. This John Lewis fan is £8.40 and has rave reviews. A chafing prevention cream such as this gel is also a handbag hero. Rub it around toes and where thighs kiss.
And finally – wear what you want!
For weeks in Britain we’ve been waiting for the sun to shine. Now it’s here, there’s no point in waiting for the “right” occasion to wear that dress/skirt/co-ord that you’ve been longingly gazing at in your wardrobe. Sequins for a pub lunch. A giant straw hat for a park picnic. Fringing for the farmer’s market. Thunder is coming! Don’t get wardrobe regret.
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