Millions of Americans are poised to experience dangerous and extreme heat this week as a heat wave makes its way across the country. Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits with little relief, even at night.
The heat wave is especially concerning as the holiday weekend and America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations draw crowds outdoors. The heat could very well be our new normal as climate change makes heat waves more intense and cities face record-breaking temperatures.
Appropriate clothing is one way to prepare for the heat. Conventional wisdom states that loosefitting and lightweight garments are best at keeping us cool, but what does “loose” or “light” mean when you are staring at your closet and deciding what to wear?
In interviews, Preeti Gopinath, an associate professor of textiles at the New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York, and Britt Theodora, a stylist in New York, offered their advice on how to stay cool and comfortable in your clothing in extreme heat.
Go for flowing linens and (some) cotton.
In hot weather, wearing clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen and, to some extent, silk can help you stay cool.
“Linen and cotton are naturally breathable materials,” Gopinath said. Those materials allow for the transport of moisture from the skin to the air by absorbing sweat through the fabric.
However, just because a garment’s tag states that it is made of 100 percent cotton does not necessarily mean that it will help cool you down. Denim shorts, jeans and jackets, which are usually made of cotton, have a dense weave structure that makes them less breathable than clothing made from seersucker or poplin.
Theodora recommends saving your silk for the evenings, when you’re less likely to sweat, as the material requires more maintenance and care than regular cotton.
Sweat-wicking synthetics might not help.
Synthetic fabrics, like those found in workout wear and rain jackets, are known for their moisture-wicking capabilities, as they help pull sweat away from the skin. But in extreme heat, they tend to trap heat against the body, as they are less breathable than natural fabrics. The heat trapping can be exacerbated when the skin is dry in hot weather, and sweat is not evaporating to keep the body cool.
Banish the body-con.
The bigger and looser, the better. Clothing that sits away from the body is better at keeping you cool than tightfitting garments.
“Having loose clothing allows air to actually swirl around, and that swirling air will pick up sweat off your body,” Gopinath said. “When it picks it up off your body, it evaporates into the air, and that cools your skin.”
She also recommends long-sleeved tops that are loose on the body, as they can help reduce the likelihood of a sunburn.
You don’t have to sacrifice style. Theodora advises taking note of the proportions and finding ways to balance the volume, either through accessories or wearing a slightly form-fitting top with roomier bottoms.
Lighter colors absorb less heat.
While darker colors are more forgiving of sweat stains and offer sun protection, they also absorb more heat compared with light-colored clothing, which reflects sunlight.
For a middle ground, Gopinath recommends patterned and other brightly colored clothing that sit away from the skin.
Outfit change, anyone?
If you commute in air-conditioned transportation or work in a freezing office, Theodora suggests packing a shirt or shawl to drape over your shoulders for those settings that is light enough not to weigh you down.
Some may choose to switch up their outfits entirely and bring an extra shirt to the office.
“Sweaty clothing is not a problem, because as it gives up the moisture, it will cool down,” Gopinath said. “But you will feel uncomfortable from being clammy.”
Rethink your accessories.
Gold and silver are conductors of heat, and jewelry made of these materials can trap more heat against your body. Gold-plated jewelry can also tarnish when it comes into contact with moisture, such as sweat, and exposure to sunlight can cause pearls to yellow.
Let’s talk about stink …
Loose, airy clothing made from natural fibers is less likely to hold on to odor than synthetic clothing that clings to the body. The same goes for footwear. Plastic or foam shoes won’t absorb sweat and could result in smelly feet. Gopinath recommends cotton socks, which absorb moisture, with most closed-toe shoes.
Embrace hats.
Hats are recommended, as long as they protect your face from the sun. Cotton baseball caps have the added benefit of absorbing sweat. People who are bald or have fine hair should take special care and integrate a hat into their ensembles, as they can also protect their heads from the sun.
