What to Wear for Hot & Humid Weather

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Styling tips and outfit ideas for the outdoors, the office, or running quick errands

Co-authored by Tannya Bernadette and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 29, 2024 Fact Checked

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Fabric & Materials

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Styles & Cuts

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Accessories

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Video

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Expert Q&A

Phew! It’s hot out there! The cooler months are over, and the summer sun is upon you, so what does that mean for your wardrobe? What can you wear that keeps you cool and comfortable without sacrificing style? In this guide, we’ll teach you how you can put together an outfit suitable for that blazing heat in every occasion. Stick with these fashion rules, and you’ll be looking and feeling your best this summer.

Things You Should Know

Wear breathable light-colored fabrics like cotton, linen, and jersey to stay cool and attract the least heat.
Opt for looser styles of clothing that are short-sleeved or sleeveless to let your skin breathe and avoid sweat pooling.
Accessorize with protective gear like sunglasses and brimmed hats to look and feel cool.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Fabric & Materials

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1
Opt for clothing made of cotton, linen, or jersey. These fabrics are breathable and help your body release heat, which can help you sweat less. So, if you want to stay cool on a hot day, stick with a cotton, linen, or jersey T-shirt.^{[1]
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- Wear a cotton sundress to be fashionable and cool.
- Pair a linen collared shirt with linen pants for a relaxed, beachy vibe.
- Stick with a plain tank top made of jersey material for lounging or hiking.
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Choose light-colored fabrics. When picking out your summer outfit, stay away from dark and bold colors. Now, this isn’t to say you can’t have fun with wild patterns. Instead of black, wear white, beige, or gray. Lighter-toned colors don’t absorb as much sun as dark colors, making them ideal for hot days.^{[2]
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- Swap a dark blue shirt with a sky or pastel blue top instead.
- Ditch the black skinny jeans and wear white linen pants.
- Keep in mind that white clothing may be see-through, so make sure the fabric is thicker or you’re wearing something underneath.^{[3]
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  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
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Look for UPF-rated clothing. Whether you’re doing yard work, going hiking, or catching lunch with a coworker, sun-protected clothing can benefit you. UPF-rated clothing is an extra layer of sunscreen, protecting you from the sun’s hot summer rays. If you know you’ll be outside, opt for a UPF-rated shirt to keep from burning.^{[4]
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- Pair leggings with a UPF long sleeve quick dry shirt when hiking to keep yourself cool and protected.^{[5]
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- Wear a UPF shirt with linen or khaki shorts for a day out-and-about.^{[6]
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Avoid clothing made of polyester, nylon, or acrylic. These fabrics may look nice, but they can actually trap heat and cause you to sweat more. Stay clear of unbreathable fabrics like these to avoid sweat stains and be the most comfortable.^{[7]
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- As a general rule, also stay clear of winter fabrics like rayon and wool, as their thick materials are designed to keep heat in.
- Check the label on your garment if you’re unsure what type of fabric it is.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styles & Cuts

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1
Wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops. When in doubt, always go for something with little or no sleeves. These styles of tops let your skin breathe in the humidity. Plus, if you tend to have sweat lines, there’s less fabric to catch sweat.
- Go for a short sleeve collared button-down if you’re heading into the office.
- Pair a sleeveless button-down blouse with a skirt for a put-together look.
- Opt for a relaxed T-shirt if you’re hanging indoors or going for a hike.
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Opt for shorts and skirts over pants. On super humid days, having your legs free can be the most comfortable. Go for bottoms that don’t cover up or constrain your legs. Aim to wear shorts with a 5 in (13 cm) or longer inseam to stay cool and avoid leg rub.^{[8]
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Ashley Kahn
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Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Swap the skinny jeans for khaki or linen shorts.^{[9]
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- Throw on a cotton dress to run errands or head to the office.
- Try working out or hiking in a tennis skort for maximum comfort and style.
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Stay away from tight, constraining clothing. The best clothes to wear in the summer are clothes that move with you. When it’s hot and humid, sweaty clothes clinging to your skin is the last thing you want. Opt for a looser style top or dress that lets your skin breathe.^{[10]
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- Pick an A-line dress with loose arms and a twirling skirt for a night out.
- Choose a crop top for an afternoon hike or workout.
- Wear a button-down shirt with breathable cut-outs for a casual look.
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Add more workout clothing to your wardrobe. When in doubt, opt for athleisure wear. Sports bras, leggings, workout tops, and sports shorts are ideal for hot summer months. Not only are they comfortable, but they’re breathable and easy to move in. This is the one time the constricting clothing rule is exempt.
- You don’t need to be working out or exercising to wear athleisure clothes—simply wear what you feel comfortable in!
- However, you may want to skip the workout gear if you work in an office or other business space, as it could be seen as unprofessional.
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Avoid layering your clothing. The less clothing you wear in hot weather, the better—after all, it’s humid out there! If you are trying to stay modest, opt for long dresses, skirts, or shirts with longer sleeves. Just keep in mind that the more clothing you wear, the hotter you’ll be.
- Wear a maxi dress to cover your legs and stay cool.^{[11]
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- Cover your arms with a linen long-sleeved shirt for a relaxed look.
- Consider a light-weight cardigan or kimono if you feel more comfortable covered up.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessories

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1
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Who says hot weather accessories can’t be fashionable? Elevate your outfit with a matching pair of sunglasses to say, “I’m cool inside and out.” Not only are sunglasses super stylish, but they also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.^{[13]
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- Opt for a pair of aviators to add some class to an everyday office look.
- Go for sunglasses with a circular rim for a trendy beach-day look.
- Double-check that your sunglasses have UV protection; otherwise, you won’t get the needed protection from the sun.
2
Reach for a hat with a brim. Hats can be your best friend in the hot weather! Brimmed hats are great for staying cool because they help keep the sun off your face. Plus, they can also be super cute.
- Pair a flowing sundress with a floppy sun hat for a classic summertime look.^{[14]
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- Stick with a baseball cap for hiking or running errands.
3
Wear shoes that are comfortable and breathable. Many people suffer from swollen or sweaty feet in the summer. Luckily, this can be prevented by wearing shoes or sandals that aren’t constraining. Opt for footwear with comfortable soles made of canvas or cotton, and avoid those made of leather or rubber.^{[15]
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- Pair a mini sundress with matching canvas slip-on shoes for a cute yet casual look.
- Go for the classic flip-flop if you’re going to the beach.
- Try slipping on a pair of Crocs when running errands.
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Apply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin. No matter what your hot day entails, it’s always best to put on sunscreen. This is by far the most important accessory for hot, sunny weather, as sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Put sunscreen on before you head out the door, and toss a bottle in your bag or car for later.^{[16]
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- You’ll need about a palmful of sunscreen to cover your entire body.
- Apply sunscreen before or after other skin products like makeup or moisturizing—do whatever’s best for you.
- Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
- Pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and always opt for SPF 60 or higher if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
5
Add a cooling neck scarf to your look if you’ll be outside for long periods. If you’re heading out into the hot, humid air for a hike or walk along the beach, think about taking a bandana or neck gaiter with you. These accessories can add a sporty flare to your look and keep you cool.
- When you get hot, wet your bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter and place it on your neck for an instant cooling effect.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What do you wear when it's really hot outside?

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.

Tannya Bernadette

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

You can wear a high-waisted skirt with a very light-weight knit sweater and only tuck in the front. You can also wear a crop top. If you don't like to show your midriff, you can even opt for a cropped style that's a little longer so it doesn't actually expose any skin.

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Question

What are some dos and don'ts for dressing in very hot weather?

Ashley Kahn
Wardrobe Stylist
Ashley Kahn is a Wardrobe Stylist based in Houston, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, Ashley styles women both in-person and virtually and is passionate about empowering women through the art of personal style. She believes every woman deserves to feel comfortable, classy, and confident every single day. Ashley holds a business degree from Sam Houston State University. She has been featured on KPRC's Channel 2 Houston Life and ABC 13's Check This Out Houston and in the Houstonia magazine. Ashley has also hosted Macy’s “The Wardrobe Edit” and the “It List” fashion shows.

Ashley Kahn

Wardrobe Stylist

Expert Answer

Shorts are a great way to stay cool, but you don't have to wear them super short. A 5" length is a good option to look stylish without showing too much skin, and you'll actually stay a little cooler—your legs won't rub against each other, which can cause heat and friction.

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