My fellow Fashion Editor Matilda Stanley raved about the Uniqlo Airism range to me last summer, and my husband recently threw away all the T-shirts in his wardrobe in favour of Uniqlo's sweat-wicking white tee. But before now, I didn't really think I needed to worry too much about heatwave-friendly clothing. After all, hot days are few and far between in this country, right...?
Happily, as we head into yet another heatwave, the bestselling Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Airism dress is still in stock, and it's the best £25 you'll spend this week. Not only is the fabric incredibly stretchy, making it one of the most stylish summer dresses to hide a tummy, but it's also made from an innovative sweat-wicking fabric to help keep you cool. And it really does work.
I have the classic black option, which feels smart enough for work, but is comfortable enough for a day in the garden. The simple sleeveless shape is super flattering, and it can be styled up with gold jewellery or down with your best white trainers.
It's got pockets - hallelujah - plus I know from my husband's Uniqlo Airism obsession that this fabric a) washes well and b) pretty much refuses to crease. Oh, and it's also available in four other colours, including chocolate brown, which is next on my list. I know, it sounds almost too good to be true!
Shop the dress
Struggling to decide what to wear in this heat? This minimalist dress will be your late summer saviour. It's available in sizes XXS to XL, plus the fit-and-flare silhouette is flattering for all body shapes. I ordered my usual size, which is perfect, but if you think a looser fit would help with the hot weather, don't be afraid to go up a size or two. It's not lined, so it's very lightweight, which is perfect for these soaring temperatures, but layer it up with a cardigan and ankle boots, and you can wear it long into autumn, too.
It's just so easy to wear. No zips, no buttons, no plunging necklines to constantly readjust. In fact, the neckline means you can happily wear your best bra underneath, and it would work with any shoe, from flip-flops to loafers.
Don't just take my word for it. The customer reviews on this dress are plentiful and overwhelmingly positive. One wrote: "Compared to a standard cotton dress, I definitely didn’t overheat as much. The drape and shape are beautiful, and the length is ideal - neither too long nor too short. It’s very versatile and can be dressed up or down easily, making it a real wardrobe staple. A big bonus is that it doesn’t crease after washing, so I can wear it straight once dry. It has quickly become my go-to dress."
Another urged people to "Buy this dress for the heatwave", and another called it "lightweight and comfortable for all ages".
One review reads: "As a 70-year-old woman I feel great in it. Easy to dress up or down so ideal for travel. Just wish I had got more colours," and yet another happy customer called it "indispensable".
Shop more Uniqlo heatwave essentials
Not content with their genius Airism collection, Uniqlo also offers a line of UV-protected clothing. These wide-leg trousers would look so chic paired with a simple camisole or T-shirt, but hurry because in this weather they're likely to sell out.
I've been looking for a breezy white skirt for weeks, and this one fits the bill perfectly. A stylish alternative to jeans for the hot weather, it's 100% cotton, and it's got pockets.
Who wants to be wearing underwire in a heatwave? Allow me to introduce this two-in-one top, which has built-in support in that all-important Airism fabric.
Linen is a must in this weather, and these have got an adjustable waistband as well as a relaxed fit. When I'm not wearing my Airism dress, you'll find me in these.
Another top-rated heatwave hero, one reviewer noted how great the coverage of this top is, so you don't need to worry about bra straps showing.
I struggle to find hats I like to wear in the heat, but this machine-washable option is perfect for packing in your holiday suitcase. There are three colour options, and it's got UV protection for extra safety.
What is Uniqlo Airism?
The Uniqlo website explains why the innovative Airism range is such a popular choice for the summer months: "The special material which is made of ultra-thin fibers absorb and emit water vapor from your body. The first-class moisture absorption and desorption mitigate sweaty feelings and heats inside clothes."
The Airism range includes underwear, pyjamas and even shapewear.
