Clothing for a week of heatwave
Short answer: In a heatwave your clothes need to be light, loose and quick to change. Choose soft, open fabrics in light colours and keep several spare sets, so you are not walking around in clammy clothing.
What the body needs in the heat
When it is hot for several days in a row, the body works to get rid of heat, and it does so mostly through sweat that evaporates from the skin. Clothing that fits tightly or holds on to moisture makes that harder. You therefore want clothes that are light, do not cling and let air pass through. Think of clothing as a tool for making the days bearable, not as something that has to look the same all the time.
Light tops with a loose fit
Choose tops that do not sit tightly across the shoulders and stomach, so air can move between fabric and skin. Thin tops made of viscose from bamboo are soft and feel cool when they touch the skin, and they are quick to change if you have been sweating. See bamboo tops for women. Light colours reflect more of the sun than dark ones, so white, cream and pale pastels are a good choice if you need to be outside around midday.
Spare clothes instead of one set
In a heatwave one set that you put on every day is not enough. Clothes get damp quickly, and it is unpleasant to put them on again the next morning. Keep three or four tops in rotation, so that each can air dry. If you are looking for extra clothes without paying full price, you can see what is on sale here: the sale for women. It is an easy way to get more changes into the wardrobe.
Underwear and the days when you feel uncomfortable
Heat can make many people feel more uneasy in the body, including on the days of menstruation. Soft, airy underwear that does not pinch or cling can make a difference to comfort. See period underwear. Use it if it suits you, and change regularly. If you need advice about pain or heavy bleeding, talk to your doctor.
Sleep and rest when the nights are warm
Warm nights are hard, and sleep often becomes lighter and more broken. Choose thin nightwear or sleep in a small T-shirt, and use a thin sheet instead of a duvet. Air the bedroom in the morning and evening when the temperature is lower, and close the curtains during the day to keep the sun out. Soft, light fabrics make it easier to fall asleep, even when the thermometer refuses to fall.
Looking after clothes in the heat
When you sweat, clothes should be washed more often, and a low temperature is often enough. Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and skip fabric softener. Dry it on a rack in the shade or indoors, since strong sun can weaken colours. Hang clothes up as soon as you take them off, and do not leave them in a heap. Remember to drink plenty of water, and see a doctor if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Frequently asked questions
Which colours are best in a heatwave
Light colours reflect more sunlight than dark ones and are therefore often more comfortable outdoors. Indoors the lightness of the fabric and the fit matter more than the colour.
Should clothes be tight or loose in the heat
Loose clothes let air move between fabric and skin and cling less. Very tight clothes can hold on to heat and moisture.
How often should I change clothes in a heatwave
Change when your clothes have become damp or cling to you. For many people that means once or twice a day, depending on how active you are.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
