Hot flushes in the middle of the day

Short answer: A hot flash comes and goes within a few minutes. Wear a thin layer against the skin that absorbs moisture, and an outer layer you can remove in five seconds when the temperature shifts without warning.

Why layers are the answer

A hot flash comes and goes within a few minutes, without warning. A thick garment cannot be removed fast enough or put back on afterward. Two or three thin layers can be adjusted along the way without having to find somewhere else to change clothes.

The layer against the skin

The innermost layer should absorb moisture before it reaches the outer layer and makes the skin feel clammy. Bamboo viscose does exactly that and releases the moisture into the air afterward, so the skin feels dry again faster than with synthetic fibers. See bamboo undershirt for women.

The outer layer needs to come off fast

An outer layer with buttons or a zip at the front comes off faster than something that goes over the head. That makes a difference when a hot flash hits in the middle of a meeting or a conversation, where you do not want to make a scene.

Colors and fabric

Heathered and medium tones hide damp marks best throughout the day. Avoid light gray, which shows the most, no matter how little moisture there actually is. See bamboo t-shirt for women and bamboo tops for women.

Underwear plays a part too

A thin layer that sits close to the body moves moisture away from the skin best. Loose fabric does less, because air pockets stop the moisture from being carried on to the outer layer, where it can evaporate.

How many layers is enough

Two thin layers cover most days, while a third can be carried along for cold rooms or evenings. Several thin layers are always easier to adjust than a few thick ones, because each layer can be removed one at a time.

Washing that keeps the fabric working

Fabric softener sits on the fibers like a film and makes them less able to move moisture. Wash without fabric softener at a low temperature, so the material keeps doing its job day after day without losing that ability.

What you can do day to day

Keep an extra thin layer in your bag or at the office, so you always have something to change into. It takes little room and means a hot flash does not have to disrupt the rest of the day.