Dressing for high summer humidity
Short answer: When the air is warm and humid, sweat evaporates slowly and you feel clammy. Choose loose clothing in thin, breathable fabrics, change your socks during the day, and bring a light layer for cool rooms and evenings.
Why humid heat feels heavy
The body cools itself by sweating. Sweat evaporates from the skin, and evaporation carries heat away with it. When the air is already full of moisture, sweat evaporates slowly, and the body loses its most effective way of cooling down. That is why 25 degrees with high humidity feels much warmer than 25 degrees in dry air. Sweat stays on the skin, clothes cling, and you feel tired and hot even in the shade. Many people also sleep less well on humid nights for the same reason.
Loose and thin works best
In humid heat, air needs to move between your clothes and your skin. Loose clothing leaves room for sweat to evaporate, while close-fitting clothing traps the moisture. Thin fabrics with an open weave or knit let air pass through. Viscose made from bamboo is soft and absorbs moisture, and a thin viscose fabric often feels cool against the skin. Light colours reflect sunlight better than dark ones. Avoid thick seams and double layers, where heat tends to build up during the day.
Feet in warm, humid weather
Feet have a great many sweat glands, and in closed shoes they soon become warm and damp. That can be uncomfortable and can cause odour. Choose socks in a thin fabric that feels pleasant and absorbs moisture, and change them at midday if you can. With trainers, a sock with a little cuff is practical, because it protects the heel from rubbing. See bamboo tennis socks for women. Let your shoes air out between wears, ideally for a whole day, so they are fully dry before you put them on again.
Everyday socks
On days when you need to look smart but it is humid and warm, ordinary socks in a thin fabric can be a good choice for closed shoes. See bamboo socks for women. The most important thing is that the socks fit, so they do not crease and rub, and that they are not too thick for the season. If you own several pairs, rotate between them during the week so each pair has time to be washed and dried completely before you wear it again.
When the air conditioning is on
High humidity outdoors often means cool rooms indoors, where air conditioning or ventilation is running. Moving from humid heat into cool air can make you shiver, especially if your clothes are damp with sweat. A light layer to put over your shoulders is practical. A thin sweatshirt can sit in your bag and be pulled on at the office, on the train or at the cinema. See bamboo sweatshirt for women. The same applies to late evenings, when the temperature finally starts to fall.
Washing and drying in humid weather
In humid weather, laundry dries slowly outdoors. Hang it somewhere with good airflow, preferably in the shade, where it will not sit in damp air all day. Sweaty clothes should not lie in a closed basket but be hung up until they can be washed. Wash according to the care label and do not use too much detergent, as residue can make fabric stiff. Viscose should not be tumble dried on high heat, so leave it to hang dry instead.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I sweat more when the air is humid
You do not necessarily sweat more, but the sweat evaporates more slowly. That is why it stays on your skin.
Is close-fitting sportswear good in humid heat
It can work well for exercise, but for everyday wear loose clothing lets more air reach your body.
How often should I change socks in warm weather
Once at midday is a good habit if your feet become damp.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
