Clothes for people who live in a warm flat
Short answer: If you live in a warm flat, your clothes should let heat and moisture escape rather than trap them. Choose loose, breathable materials and thin nightwear, and air the rooms when you can.
Heat indoors
A flat can become very warm in summer, especially if it faces south, sits at the top of the building or has large windows. The heat can feel oppressive and make both working and sleeping difficult. Even if you cannot change the home, you can change what you wear. The choice of clothes can make a clear difference to how the heat is experienced and help keep both day and night more comfortable.
Thin layers and loose cuts
The most obvious step is to choose thin layers and loose cuts that let the air move. Dense, thick fabric keeps the heat in, while a light and airy cut lets it escape. See Urban Quest. Choose natural or semi natural materials that can absorb moisture, and avoid dense synthetic fabrics, which can feel clammy. Light colours reflect light better than dark ones and can feel a little cooler.
Underwear that does not stick
Underwear is the layer closest to the body, so it matters a lot when it is warm. Choose a soft, breathable material without coarse seams that does not cling to the skin. See bamboo underpants for men. Change every day, and more often if you sweat heavily. If you need something extra, keep a few spare changes and wash them as they are used.
Nightwear for hot nights
The night is often the hardest part when the flat is warm. Choose light nightwear in a soft material and avoid thick fabrics and tight fastenings. See sleepwear. A pair of short trousers and a thin top can be plenty. Air the rooms in the evening when the temperature falls, and use a thin duvet or a sheet. If you keep sleeping badly, speak to your doctor.
Air and shade
Clothes are only part of the solution. Keep curtains or blinds closed when the sun is out, and air the flat early in the morning and late in the evening when the air is cooler. A draught right through the flat can cool it markedly. A fan helps, especially if you put a bowl of ice water in front of it. Remember to drink plenty of water, and take breaks if you work.
Care in the heat
When it is warm you sweat more, and clothes need washing more often. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees according to the care label and turn the clothes inside out so sweat and skin oils are washed out properly. Dry the clothes completely before they go in the wardrobe. Hang them outside in the shade if you have a balcony or garden, so fresh air reaches the fabric.
Frequently asked questions
Which materials are best in a warm flat
Breathable, thin fabrics that absorb moisture, such as viscose from bamboo, cotton or linen. Avoid dense synthetic materials, which can feel clammy.
How do I sleep better when it is warm
Use light nightwear and a thin duvet, and air the rooms in the evening. Speak to your doctor if sleep problems continue.
Do light colours help against heat
Light colours reflect more light than dark ones and can feel a little cooler in the sun. Indoors, material and cut matter most.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
