Climate change is changing weather pattern, requiring us to constantly adapt and adjust to the new normal (I hope not). One way to battle high temperatures is to give some thought to the clothes you pick, especially during the daytime.
Growing up in Dhaka, summer was hot but not as hot as it gets today. I spent my childhood at home and school without an air conditioner. I did absolutely fine, so were people of all ages. However, summers are now hotter than ever, not just in Bangladesh, but across the world. In summer 2022, here in Delaware, USA, where I live, I had switched on my air conditioner more frequently than I ever had to; there were days when the heat index rose as high as 105F or 40C.
As someone who adapts well to changing temperatures and does not need the aid of air conditioner, unless temperatures get dangerously high, I have found my own ways to survive in sweltering heat. One of them is choosing my clothes keeping in mind the day’s average temperature.
Some of you may wonder what clothing has to do with beating sweltering heat. Well, let’s find out!
Breathable materials
Breathable materials like cotton and linen are your best friends in hot weather. I steer clear of synthetics like polyester, rayon, nylon, viscose, etc. during summer days. Your body will thank you every time you don a cotton shirt, dress, skirt, tunic, or salwar kameez. Like me, you will be madly in love with natural fabrics once you find out how much comfort they can offer.
White and light colours
Black absorbs the most heat. You do not want to feel like you are in an oven on days that are already hot. Choose white, khaki, beige, tan, and pastels.
Of all the colours, white reflects the most light and heat. Because it is a poor absorber of light and heat, you will feel cooler in white clothes, both outdoors and indoors. White is my favorite color to wear on hot and humid days. Plain white garments, be it kurti, long dress, skirt, sari, shirt or traditional panjabi, make statement pieces; they are classy and classic.
Loose clothing
My favourite clothing items for summer are loose and flowy. Loose clothes allow air to pass along your skin, keeping you cool. In warm weather, wearing tight clothing that rubs against skin, may not only be extremely uncomfortable, but may also lead to skin inflammation among people who have sensitive skin.
Short sleeves vs. long sleeves
While wearing short sleeves on a summer day may sound just the right thing to do, I think wearing airy long sleeves are sometimes a better option, especially if you will be outdoors, because long sleeves keep you cooler by shielding more skin from the sun. Long sleeves also prevent you from getting suntanned.
I also carry a hat when I have to be outdoors on a sunny day!
By wearing right clothes of the right material/s, color/s, length, and fit, you can make a sultry summer day bearable-breathable.
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