Working from home during a heatwave has its perks. You may not have air conditioning, but you can sip iced coffee without being judged. And you don’t have to think too hard about what to wear. Trousers and a vest? Definitely. Bikini? If you don’t have video calls, why not? But going outside when it’s 30 degrees is a whole other challenge. While you might have to wear a metallic bikini and shorts on TikTok, we’ve got some realistic outfit ideas to help you avoid the swelter this summer.
Look for natural fibers …
Sweating is your body’s way of cooling you down. However, some breathable fabrics, such as cotton, silk, merino wool, and linen, can also make the heat more bearable. Choose organic if possible; it’s grown without pesticides and is generally better for soil health.
… But know the pros and cons of each fabric.
Cotton and linen absorb moisture, so if you sweat a lot, you’ll feel damp and likely get sweat stains on your clothes. If you want to avoid this, look for pieces with loose silhouettes made from these fabrics. Try a flowy dress like this one from Albaray or loose pants like these from Toast . The fabric won’t cling to your body and will allow more air to circulate. Patterns or bold colors are also more likely to hide sweat stains than light solids. So-called “sustainable fabrics” like modal and lyocell (along with the more controversial viscose) are semi-breathable but wick moisture. Polyester and nylon wick moisture away to keep you feeling dry—a lot of activewear is made from them—but they’re usually derived from petroleum-based polymers.
Walk the fine line between a summer dress for vacation and a casual summer dress with confidence
If you’re going to wear this to the beach, it might seem a little too OOO for the office, but there are no hard and fast rules. Floor-length kaftans and maxi dresses can be tricky, as can anything sheer. I shy away from halter necklines and cutouts; I want to feel comfortable grabbing coffee with colleagues and chatting with managers. Dealing with skirt hems riding up or bra straps is a worry I don’t need.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use more holiday-themed pieces in real life. A crochet tank top like this one from Jigsaw can be worn over a cotton T-shirt. For a little more coverage, a scoop or plunging neckline midi dress like this one from M&S can also be worn over a contrasting T-shirt. An unbuttoned striped shirt over a white tank top is also a good option. Check out the menswear section of charity shops or search online for vintage striped shirts.
Take the sunlight test
Loose linens and light cottons are a bit more sheer than they first appear, especially on a sunny day. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and take a photo to check the sheerness. A good solution is plain underwear. Stripe and Stare make seamless sets (goodbye VPL) in a variety of nude tones.
Focus on shoes
Feet tend to swell when it’s hot, so opt for sandals with adjustable straps. I’ve rounded up styles that will help you walk 10,000 steps comfortably. If you want to wear sneakers, follow Gen Z’s lead and wear them with visible socks instead, which will help absorb moisture and prevent blisters.
Warning: there are plenty of styles of mesh shoes on the high street. Most are made from polyester – that is, plastic – and despite their tiny ventilation holes, they’re likely to make your feet uncomfortable and sweaty. Instead, opt for a simple sandal in soft leather. The same advice applies to male readers. A smart fisherman’s sandal – check out Grenson – or these double-strap sandals from John Lewis will work much better than plastic trainers.
Less is not always more
Just as drinking hot tea can cool you down, sometimes layering up can help keep you cool. Think air conditioning rather than sun exposure. One option is a loose skirt and pants over a puffy shirt dress or cropped top and shorts. In less formal settings, men can try an untucked linen shirt and pants — Toast has some great options.
To enjoy short shorts (but they are not mandatory)
Just because Paul Mescal and the catwalks advocate a three-inch inseam doesn’t mean your thighs have to agree. Arket has longer lengths that won’t dig into your quads. Or, buy a classic pair from Dickies.
The short shorts trend has also made its way into women’s clothing, but there are plenty of long shorts out there too. These shorts from Massimo Dutti can be work-appropriate, depending on your workplace, when worn with a T-shirt and chic flat sandals. For the weekend, try a pair of silky shorts with a loose shirt or an untucked, loose surf-style T-shirt – scour eBay for authentic second-hand versions.
Accessories are key
It might not make your physiotherapist happy, but ditch the rucksack on really scorching days – it’ll block out the air and make your shirt stick to you. Instead, try a lightweight crossbody bag or a basket bag – check out Etsy for handmade bags. They’re much more heatwave-friendly than a heavy leather tote bag. Baseball caps aren’t just for the sidelines anymore, either. If Rihanna can wear them to a haute couture show, you can wear them to work too. A portable fan is no slouch either. This John Lewis fan is £8.40 and has rave reviews. An anti-chafing cream, like this gel, is also a bag hero. Dab it around your toes and where your thighs kiss.
And finally – Wear what you want!
We’ve been waiting for weeks for the sun to shine in Britain. Now that it’s here, there’s no point in waiting for the ‘right’ time to wear that dress/skirt/pants you’ve had your eye on. Sequins for a pub lunch. A giant straw hat for a park picnic. Tassels for the farmers’ market. Thunder is coming! Don’t regret your wardrobe.
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