Summer Style Guide for Those Who Hate the Heat
If you prefer fall and winter over summer, there are still ways to make the season more comfortable. You might even learn to love the warmer months with the right wardrobe. When it’s super-hot outside, you need lightweight and breathable clothing. Both qualities are common to today’s summer fabrics, so it’s easy to find outfits that check all the boxes. You don’t have to give up style for wearability, either. Many summer outfits are as stylish as they are comfortable. Keep reading to discover our hot-weather apparel picks for women and men who hate the heat:
Linen Apparel is a Must-Have
When dressing for practically any summer occasion, you can’t go wrong with linen or a linen blend. This lightweight, summer-ready material is woven from flax, a sustainable plant common to Europe. While flax linen can come from many countries, Belgian flax linen is considered by some to be the best of the best. No matter where your linen comes from, you’ll likely appreciate this elegant fabric’s superior airflow and breezy feel.
Consider women’s capris with a sleeveless or short-sleeve button-down linen top. It’s OK to mix and match fabrics, too. You might wear a linen blouse with cotton shorts or a jersey tunic with wide-leg linen pants. When shopping, you may come across linen-cotton blends. They’re often machine-washable for easy cleaning and provide the durability of cotton with the subtle texture and excellent breathability of linen.
Men’s linen shirts are a summer essential. For him, there are men’s T-shirts crafted from linen with cotton, along with linen button-downs for resort-ready style. Men can wear linen shirts with any type of shorts, including versatile, on-trend cargo and classic chino shorts.
Stay Cool in Supima Cotton
We can’t say enough about Supima cotton for all seasons, including summer. One of the reasons we love this type of cotton is because it’s sturdy and colorfast. Supima cotton is grown in only a few midwestern and western states, comprising under 5% of domestic cotton production. It has a long-staple fiber twice as strong as regular cotton, with superior color and shape retention. Supima cotton weaves into a strong fabric you can wear and wash repeatedly without losing vibrancy or structural integrity.
There are men’s and women’s T-shirts made from Supima cotton, in classic crewneck and V-neck styles. A white Supima cotton tee with linen or cotton shorts is an outfit that works for virtually everyone, and you can accessorize it or keep it simple. A brimmed hat is an excellent accompaniment to any summer outfit to protect your head from the sun and provide additional shade.
Slip Into a Cotton Sundress
Women’s dresses come in many fabrics and styles. A dress can be your best friend if you can’t stand hot temperatures. Look for gauzy cotton or linen or opt for a lightweight blended fabric. Sleeveless midi and maxi dresses for women are ideal for many summer occasions. Thanks to the roomy, flowy material, you’ll stay cool and comfortable, with plenty of freedom of movement. Even if you opt for a cotton jersey fit-and-flare dress, adding a small percentage of spandex ensures a comfortable fit that you can move in.
Step Out in Shorts and a Tank Top
For him or her, shorts and a tank top are classic summer outfits to beat the heat. Plus, you can layer it and dress it up or down. Men’s shorts come in many styles, including lightweight cotton blends with a full elastic waist for lounging or working out. For a dressier look a pair of cotton khaki chino shorts can be paired with a tank under a button-down. If you’re going entirely casual, wear a cotton tank top with shorts on its own. In a lightweight short-sleeve style, you can layer the look with a checkered button-down left untucked.
Women’s Bermuda shorts are a tailored look for her, which can be paired with a women’s white blouse for safari-inspired style. Or you can wear elastic-waist cotton shorts with a ribbed women’s cotton tank top for a cool athleisure look that’s light and breathable. When putting together a shorts-and-tank combo for him or her, the keys are choosing breathable summer fabrics and layering with other lightweight tops for when it cools down in the evening.
Swimwear for Her
Swimwear is a must-have when it comes to keeping cool during the summer. Even if you don’t plan on visiting a pool or beach, you can wear a bathing suit in your backyard or to a neighborhood pool party. All women’s swimsuits are great for staying cool, although you might want to avoid long-sleeve swim shirts and leggings. A one-piece swimsuit or tankini in your preferred style is all you need to keep cool. For maximum wear, choose chlorine-resistant swimwear made with Lycra® XtraLife™, which delivers 10 times the durability of regular spandex.
Swimwear for Him
Different men’s swim trunks for the beach, pool, or backyard exist. Men's board shorts are the way to go if you want a sporty style in a comparatively short length. They come in nylon and polyester fabrics, some of which have spandex. Most have elastic waists with drawcords for an adjustable fit and all-day comfort. Volley trunks usually have adjustable full elastic waists, except they’re available in longer lengths than board shorts. Some have pockets and most are lined for modesty and comfort.
Try on different outfits to see what you feel best this summer. You don’t have to stay inside in air-conditioned environments to enjoy the season. With some fashion experimentation, you can find light, airy outfits that help you stay cool. Look for lightweight cotton pajamas at home and opt for cotton percale or linen bed sheets over heavier materials such as flannel.