Clothing for a wet summer
Short answer: A wet summer brings mild days with frequent showers and damp air. Choose thin layers that dry quickly, always carry a light rain jacket and a spare pair of socks, and make your home a comfortable place for the rainy evenings.
When summer turns wet
Some summers bring more rain than sunshine. Low pressure systems roll in from the west one after another, and the days alternate between showers, grey skies and short sunny spells. The temperature is often mild, between 15 and 22 degrees, but the damp means your clothes rarely feel completely dry. Holidays and day trips need to be planned with rain in mind. With the right layers and a little preparation, a wet summer can still be a good summer, and many people end up enjoying it more than they expected.
Thin layers that dry
For a wet summer, thin layers are better than thick ones. A thin fabric dries faster when it gets wet from rain or sweat. Viscose made from bamboo is soft and absorbs moisture, and thin viscose fabrics dry relatively quickly in mild air. A light rain jacket that rolls up is the most important garment of the summer. Choose one that breathes, so you do not feel clammy underneath when the sun suddenly comes out after a shower and the temperature rises again.
Wet feet and spare socks
Rain and wet grass soak your feet, especially in trainers and canvas shoes. Keeping a spare pair of socks in your bag is a simple habit that rescues many summer days. Socks with a small cuff protect against rubbing when your shoes are damp. See bamboo tennis socks for men. If you need socks for trainers, sandals and smarter shoes alike, you can find an overview under all bamboo socks for men. Pack a pair or two more than you think you will need.
Rainy days at home
A wet summer brings more days and evenings indoors than you might expect. Soft, loose layers are pleasant for playing games, reading or watching films. See bamboo loungewear for men. Change into dry clothes when you come in from the rain, so you are not sitting in damp trousers all evening. A cup of tea and a blanket can make a rainy evening truly cosy, even in July, and it gives the day a calm and pleasant ending.
Holidays in the rain
If you are going on holiday during a wet summer, pack for the weather. Bring more socks and underwear than usual, because clothes dry slowly in a tent or holiday cottage. Pack a light rain jacket and perhaps waterproof trousers, and choose shoes that can cope with water. A plastic bag or packing cube for wet clothes keeps your dry clothes dry inside your bag. Bring a warm layer too, for cool evenings by the water or in the tent.
Drying in damp summer air
When the air is damp, laundry dries slowly both outdoors and indoors. Hang it under a shelter or indoors with a window open. Shake your clothes out well before hanging them, and give them plenty of space. Wash according to the care label and do not use too much detergent. Viscose should not be tumble dried on high heat. Shoes should dry with newspaper inside and have at least a day between wears.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important garment in a wet summer
A light rain jacket that rolls up and can stay in your bag all the time.
Why are thin layers better in the rain
Thin fabrics dry faster than thick ones, whatever the fibre.
How do I keep clothes dry in my bag
Pack wet and dry clothes separately, for example in a packing cube or plastic bag.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
