During the hot months, choosing your clothes is not only a matter of style, but also a wise move to stay cool and protected from the sun.
Although our first reaction to the heat is to wear as little clothing as possible (e.g. shorts and tank tops), science and the tradition of peoples living in deserts and very hot climates show that proper coverage is much more effective.
Let’s take a closer look at what we should prefer:
1. The ideal fabrics
When choosing clothes, the first thing you should look at on the label is the composition. We need fabrics that “breathe”, allow air to circulate and wick away sweat.
- Linen: The king of summer. Due to its loose weave, it allows body heat to escape. The fact that it wrinkles easily is just proof of its naturalness and authenticity.
- Cotton: Classic, soft and highly absorbent. Opt for lightweight cotton (such as cotton sateen or fine voile) for very hot days.
- Silk: A natural, beautiful fabric that adapts to your body temperature, keeping you cool.
- Tencel / Modal / Rayon: These are semi-synthetic fabrics made from plant fibers (wood cellulose). They are incredibly soft, “fall” beautifully on the body and give a feeling of coolness like silk, while being more affordable.
What to avoid?
Anything 100% synthetic, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These fabrics trap heat and sweat, creating a “greenhouse” feeling on your skin.
2. Long or short clothes?
The answer is clear: Long, but airy (oversized).
Long and loose clothes act as a natural air conditioner. They create a layer of air between the fabric and your skin, which acts as insulation against the heat of the environment. At the same time, they protect the skin from direct sunlight and sunburn.
- For women: Long kaftans, maxi airy dresses, pants-zip panties and oversized linen shirts.
- For men: Linen shirts with rolled-up sleeves (they offer better air circulation than a tight t-shirt) and comfortable chinos or linen trousers.
3. The battle of colors: Dark vs. Light
Here is a little myth and a scientific truth.
Light colors (white, beige, pastel): They reflect the sun’s heat, so if you’re in the sun, they keep you cooler. However, white allows a greater percentage of UV radiation to pass through and reach your skin.
Dark colors (black, navy, deep red): They absorb the sun’s heat, but they also absorb the heat that our own body emits, while offering much higher protection from UV rays (they act as a better umbrella).
The Bedouin secret: Desert nomads often wear black, but very loose clothing. The heat absorbed by the black fabric creates an internal air current (due to the loose line) that cools the body.
Is there a golden ratio? And yet there is
- If you’re going to be walking for a long time in the sun, choose light-colored, loose clothing (so you don’t “burn”).
- If you want maximum protection from radiation, choose densely woven clothing in brighter or darker colors.
