A Fashion Expert Says Wearing More Clothes Can Help You Stay Cooler in a Heatwave

The right fabrics, colors, and layers can help you feel cooler, even when wearing more clothing sounds like the last thing you’d want to do.

When it is brutally hot outside, most of us instinctively reach for the smallest outfit possible.

A tank top. Shorts. Sandals. Done.

But summer dressing is not just about showing more skin. According to Leanna Spektor, style expert at Brand House Direct, the pieces that feel coolest are not always the ones that look the skimpiest.

Some of her advice is simple, and some of it sounds a little odd at first. And one tip made me think immediately of the way people dress in some of the hottest places I have visited.

I learned this firsthand while dressing for the heat in Luxor, Egypt, where I wore light colors and long clothing to stay covered without overheating. It was not about dressing modestly only; it was also far more comfortable in the sun.

Here are five expert-backed clothing hacks to help you stay cooler during summer heatwaves.

Wear More Clothes, But Make Them Loose

The idea of wearing more clothing in extreme heat sounds wrong at first. But Spektor says loose, lightweight coverage can actually help prevent your skin from baking in direct sun.

The key is choosing pieces that sit away from the body. A relaxed button-down, wide-leg pants, a tunic, or a loose cotton dress can create a little air pocket between your skin and the fabric. That space helps air move instead of trapping sweat right against you.

This does not mean piling on heavy layers. Tights, thick knits, clingy synthetic tops, and tight jeans are still a terrible idea when the temperature climbs. The goal is light coverage, not insulation.

Stick With Natural Fabrics

Fabric makes a huge difference in hot weather.

Spektor says polyester and nylon can block airflow and trap heat against your skin, which is exactly what you do not want during a heatwave. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton tend to be much more breathable.

I have been wearing my Quince linen pieces constantly this summer for that exact reason (pictured above), especially the loose pants and button-down shirt.

Cotton is also a solid choice. A loose cotton T-shirt, cotton dress, or lightweight cotton button-up can feel much better than synthetic workout-style fabrics when you are not actually exercising.

Wear Light Colors

Dark clothing may look sleek, but it is not your friend in full sun.

Light colors reflect more sunlight, while darker colors absorb it and convert it into heat. Spektor recommends white, cream, beige, and pastels when the weather is extremely hot.

“On very hot days, lighter colors are your friend,” Spektor says. “Dark shades absorb more heat from the sun and can make you feel up to 10 degrees warmer on the surface almost instantly.”

This is another reason my Egypt outfits leaned heavily into neutral, loose pieces. White and beige may not be the most exciting colors in your closet, but when you are walking around in punishing sun, they start looking a lot more appealing.

Freeze a Shirt, Bandana, or Small Accessory

This is the weirdest tip, but I kind of love it.

Spektor suggests putting a lightweight item, like a cotton T-shirt, bandana, or even underwear, into a sealed plastic bag and placing it in the freezer for about 30 minutes before heading out.

“This is especially useful before a commute or walk in direct sun, but it can also offer quick relief if you are stuck indoors in a hot house,” Spektor says. “Just make sure the fabric is dry first, though, as damp frozen clothes are not very comfortable.”

A chilled bandana is probably the easiest version of this to try. You can wrap it around your neck before a walk, an outdoor event, or even while doing yard work. It is not glamorous, but neither is sweating through your outfit before you leave the driveway.

Choose Breezy Shapes Over Tight Fits

Loose clothing is not just more comfortable. It is more functional in the heat.

Spektor says looser silhouettes allow air to move around your body, while tight clothing traps heat and moisture against your skin. That can make you feel hotter and stickier almost immediately.

Kaftans, palazzo pants, wide-leg linen trousers, oversized button-downs, and breezy tunics are all good options. They give you coverage without clinging to every inch of skin.

Do Not Forget the Accessories

The right accessories can make a hot day much more tolerable.

Spektor recommends wide-brimmed hats to shade your face, neck, and shoulders. Sunglasses with UV protection can also help reduce eye strain, which can make intense heat feel even more draining.

Spektor says some people also lightly dampen the ends or hems so the water creates a cooling effect as it evaporates.

And honestly, timing matters too. Even the smartest summer outfit is going to feel awful if you are standing in direct sun at noon. If you can plan walks, errands, sightseeing, or outdoor chores for early morning or evening, your clothes will not have to do all the work.

Extreme heat makes getting dressed feel annoying, but it does not have to mean wearing as little as possible. Loose layers, natural fabrics, light colors, and a little shade can go a long way.

For more practical travel, style, and summer dressing tips, follow me on Yahoo.

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