Humid heat versus dry heat
Short answer: Thirty degrees with high humidity feels worse than thirty-five with dry air. Moisture stops the sweat from evaporating, and then the body's cooling does not work. Choose loose, thin clothes that draw moisture away from the skin, and the heat becomes easier to bear.
Why humidity is decisive
The body cools by letting sweat evaporate from the skin. If the air is already saturated with water, the sweat cannot evaporate, and the cooling effect disappears. The sweat just stays there, and the skin feels wet and heavy. That is why a humid summer day often tires you more than a dry day at a higher temperature.
Dry heat in practice
In dry heat, sweat evaporates almost at once, and you barely notice it. The skin soon dries again, and a light breeze works as a natural cooling feeling. You can sit a long time in dry heat without feeling clammy, as long as you drink enough and stay in the shade.
What you can do with clothing
Choose loose, thin fabric that draws moisture away from the skin and spreads it over a larger area, so it can evaporate. Avoid tight, dense fabrics that lock the sweat in. Light colours and an open fit also help, because air can move freely between clothing and skin. See bamboo t-shirt for women.
The two extremes
In dry heat a loose layer works like shade and cools. In humid heat it is first and foremost about getting the moisture away from the skin. So there are two different challenges, and each needs its own approach. If you know the climate where you are going, you can choose clothes and layers to suit it.
Dresses in the heat
A light dress is a simple solution, because air can move freely under the fabric and you only have one layer to think about. Choose a loose cut in a soft, thin fabric that does not stick to the body when you sweat. That makes a humid day easier to bear. See bamboo dresses.
Underwear in humid heat
Underwear sits closest to the skin and is where moisture collects first. Choose a thin, soft fabric without heavy seams, so nothing chafes in the heat. Change into fresh underwear during the day if you sweat a lot, and keep a spare set in your bag. See bamboo underwear for men.
Fan and draught
Moving air removes the saturated layer right next to the skin and lets the sweat evaporate. That is why a fan works even in humid heat, although it does not change the temperature. Place it so the air passes over the body, and open two windows for a through draught when possible.
Water and breaks
Drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade or a cooler room when you can. The body uses a lot of water on sweating, and in humid heat it is hard to feel how much you lose. Avoid big tasks in the hottest hours if you can plan the day freely.
Care and fit
Wash clothes worn in humid heat according to the care label and let them dry fully before putting them away. Damp clothes in the wardrobe can smell stale. The fit should be loose and calm, so air can get in and the clothes do not cling to the skin when you sweat.
Frequently asked questions
Why is shade less effective in humidity
Because the problem is not the rays of the sun but the water content of the air. Shade removes the sun, but it does not make the air drier, so the sweat still stays on the skin.
Does a fan help in humid heat
Yes, moving air removes the saturated layer right next to the skin, so the sweat can evaporate again. It does not change the temperature, but it changes how it feels on the body.
Is cotton bad in humid heat
It saturates quickly and dries slowly. Bamboo viscose spreads the moisture better, but in both cases a loose fit and a thin fabric matter most for keeping you cooler.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear.
