A checklist for your summer wardrobe
Short answer: Summer clothes should be light, airy and easy to combine. Go through your wardrobe in five steps: sort, check the fabric, choose colours, think about sleep and feet, and write down what is missing.
Step 1: Put winter away and bring summer out
Start by packing away the thick jumpers and warm socks so they do not take up room in the cupboard. Bring the summer clothes out and look them over. Look for holes, worn collars and stains that set last year. Wash everything before it goes in, and air it if it has been stored for a long time. Stains that have been left for a season are harder to remove, so deal with them now rather than in July.
Step 2: Choose airy fabrics
On hot days, fabrics that let air through are best. Linen, cotton and viscose from bamboo often feel lighter than tightly woven synthetic fabrics. Avoid fabric that sticks to the skin when you sweat. Hold a garment up to the light and see whether you can make out your hand behind it. The more open the weave, the more air gets through. Remember too that loose cuts give more ventilation than tight ones.
Step 3: Keep the palette simple
Choose three to five colours that go together, and you have far more combinations than you think. Light colours reflect sunlight and often feel cooler than dark ones. If you sweat easily, choose patterns or mid tones, which hide marks better than pure white or grey. Remember that white and light clothes can yellow under the arms if sweat and deodorant are not washed out properly.
Step 4: Socks and footwear for hot days
Feet get warm in summer, and socks make a difference. Thin socks of natural fibres or viscose from bamboo take up moisture and do not feel stuffy. See bamboo socks for women if you want a soft model for everyday and holidays. If you need several different pairs for sandals, trainers and walks, all bamboo socks for women is a good place to start, because you can compare lengths and thicknesses in one place.
Step 5: Think about the nights too
Warm nights call for a different bed from the winter one. Swap the thick duvet for a lighter one and check whether the sheets feel clammy. Sheets in viscose from bamboo feel smooth and often slightly cool to lie on. Read about bamboo envelope sheets if you want a sheet with corners that sit around the mattress. Air the bed every morning by turning the duvet back, so the moisture can evaporate.
Step 6: Make the list and buy in moderation
Write down what you are missing: perhaps two loose tops, a pair of shorts and fresh socks. Check whether anything can be repaired before you buy new. Take your measurements with you if you shop online. Buy a few pieces of good quality and do not follow the season's trend blindly. Summer clothes must be washable often without losing shape, so read the care label before you put them in the basket.
Frequently asked questions
When should I switch to summer clothes
When the daytime temperature is stable and the nights are no longer cold. Pack the winter clothes away in good time, but keep a thin layer ready for cool evenings.
Which colours are coolest to wear
Light colours reflect more sunlight than dark ones and often feel cooler in direct sun. In shade the difference is smaller, and then the fabric matters more than the colour.
How do I remove sweat stains from light clothes
Wash the clothes soon after wearing and pre-treat stains with a little mild soap. Avoid too much heat, as it can set the stain.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
