Working from home during heatwaves has its advantages. You may not have air con but you can swallow an iced coffee without judgement. Also you don’t have to think much about what to wear. Pants and vest? It is a given. A bikini? If you don’t have video calls, why not? But going outside in 30C is another challenge. While TikTok might make you wear a metallic bikini and jorts, here are some realistic outfit suggestions to stop you sweltering this summer.
Look for natural fibers …
Sweating is your body’s way of cooling you down. However, some breathable fabrics – including cotton, silk, merino wool and linen – can also make the heat more bearable. 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, which means that if you sweat a lot you will feel damp and your clothes will likely have sweat patches. If you want to avoid it, look for pieces made from these fabrics in a room silhouette. Try a wafty dress like this one from Albaray or loose trousers, like these from Toast. The fabric will not cling to your body and will allow more air to circulate. Patterns or dark colors will hide sweat patches more than light solid colors. So-called “sustainable fabrics” like modal and lyocell (along with the more controversial viscose) can be semi-breathable, but absorb moisture. Polyester and nylon will wick away moisture, leaving you feeling dry – a lot of sportswear is made from these – but they are often derived from polymers made from oil.
Walk the fine line between holiday sundress and everyday sundress with confidence
If you wore it to the beach it might feel a little too OOO to wear to the office, but there are no hard and fast rules. It could be difficult the Kaftans and the maximum meters that skim the floor, as could anything strong. I am wary of necklines and cutouts; I want to feel comfortable having coffee with colleagues and chatting with managers. She worries that I don’t want him wandering around with hemlines riding up or fiddling with bra straps.
This is not to say that you can’t make more holiday inspired pieces work for the real world. A crochet tank top like this one from Jigsaw can be popped over a cotton T-shirt. When you want a bit more coverage, midi dresses like this one from M&S can be worn over a T-shirt in a contrasting colour. Another good choice is a striped unbuttoned shirt over a white vest. Look in the men’s section of charity shops or search online for vintage striped shirts.
Do the sunlight test
Loose linen and fine cotton are often a little more visible than they first appear, especially on a sunny day. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and take a photo to check transparency. Non-patterned underwear is a good arrangement. Stripe and Stare make seam-free sets (hello VPL) in a range of skin tones.
Focus on footwear
Feet tend to tend when it’s hot, so choose sandals with adjustable straps. I’ve put together a collection 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 type, which will also help absorb moisture and prevent blisters.
Warning: there are many styles of mesh shoes on the high street. Most are made of polyester – AKA plastic – and despite the tiny ventilation holes, they’re likely to grate and make your feet clammy. Instead, go for a simple sandal in soft leather. The same advice applies to male readers. A smart pair of fisherman’s sandals – check out Grenson – or double-strap sandals like these from John Lewis – will work much better than sporty slides.
Less is not always more
In the same way that hot tea can cool you down, sometimes a cover up can keep you cold. Consider ventilation rather than sun exposure. One option could be a billowing shirt dress or a loose skirt and trousers over a top and short-shorts. In less formal settings, men could try an untucked linen shirt and trousers – Toast has great options.
Have fun with it short-shorts (but not mandatory)
Just because Paul Mescal and the catwalks are advocating the three-inch seam, that doesn’t mean your thighs have to participate. Arket has longer lengths that won’t stick to your quad. Or buy a classic pair from Dickies.
The short-shorts trend has also entered womenswear, but there are also many longer shorts. These from Massimo Dutti, when worn with a T-shirt and smart flat sandals could be work appropriate, depending on your workplace. For the weekend, try silk shorts with a crisp oversized shirt or a baggy, surf-style T-shirt with no tie – scour eBay for authentic second-hand versions.
Accessories are key
It might not make your physiotherapist happy, but it might lose the rucksack on really bad days – it’ll block air to tie your shirt. Instead, try a lightweight crossbody or basket bag – check out Etsy for handmade bags. They are much more suitable for a heat wave than a heavy leather tote. It’s not just baseball caps on the fence, either. If Rihanna can wear one to a couture show, you can wear one on your commute. Portable fans are not to be trifled with either. This fan is £8.40 at John Lewis and has great reviews. An anti-chafing cream like this gel is also a handbag hero. He rubs around toes and where her thighs kiss.
And finally – wear what you want!
For weeks in Britain we have been waiting for the sun to shine. Now it’s here, no more waiting for the “right” occasion to wear that dress/skirt/co-ord you’ve been eyeing in your wardrobe. Sequins for a pub lunch. A giant straw hat for a park picnic. Edge of the farmer’s market. Thunder is coming! Don’t get wardrobe regret.
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