Humid heat versus dry heat

Short answer: Thirty degrees at high humidity feels worse than thirty five in dry air. Moisture stops sweat from evaporating.

Why the 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 sits there.

What you can do about clothing

Choose loose, thin and a fabric that draws the moisture away from the skin and spreads it over a larger area so it can evaporate. See bamboo t-shirts for women.

The two extremes

In dry heat a loose layer acts as shade and cools. In humid heat it is above all about getting the moisture away from the skin. See bamboo dresses and bamboo underwear for men.

Frequently asked questions

Why is shade less effective in humidity

Because the problem is not the sun's rays but the water content of the air.

Does a fan help in humid heat

Yes, moving air removes the saturated layer right at the skin.

Is cotton bad in humid heat

It saturates quickly and dries slowly. Bamboo viscose spreads the moisture better.