What you should know about clothes for the warm season

Short answer: In summer, chafing and moisture are the two problems heat creates for clothing. A loose cut and a moisture wicking material solve both, while less fabric alone only solves one of them. Think about cut and material first, and about quantity afterward.

Evaporation cools better than bare skin

A thin layer that moves moisture out into the air actually cools better than bare skin does against a tight outer layer. Sweat evaporates faster from a moisture wicking fabric than from the skin itself, once the fabric sits loosely. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

Loose rather than tight

Air between skin and fabric is what gets evaporation going and keeps it going through the day. Tight clothing presses fabric against the skin and stops air from circulating, so moisture stays put instead of leaving. See bamboo T-shirt for women.

Chafing happens where skin meets skin

Skin against skin rubs extra hard when it is warm and humid outside. Long legs on underwear or a pair of boxer briefs remove the problem, because fabric slides against fabric instead of skin against skin. See bamboo underwear for men.

Socks rather than bare feet

Without a sock, sweat between foot and shoe has no way out, and moisture builds up inside the shoe for the rest of the day. A thin sock in a moisture wicking material draws sweat away from the skin. See all bamboo socks for women.

Change more often in the heat

In heat, underwear should be changed daily and more often if you have sweated heavily through the day. A damp piece of clothing holds warmth differently, but it also gives bacteria good conditions and causes odour faster. See washing and care.

Colour and fabric work together

Dark colours absorb more heat from the sun than light ones, but the fabric's ability to move moisture away often matters more for how you feel. A loose cut in a light colour is the best starting point in summer heat.

Sleeping through the heat

At night, temperatures rarely drop enough during a hot spell, and a thin, moisture wicking layer helps more than no clothing at all, because it carries sweat away instead of letting it cool the skin unevenly. See bamboo T-shirt for women.

Wash more often in summer

Sweat and sunscreen settle into fibres faster in the heat, which calls for more frequent washing to keep the fabric fresh. Wash at forty degrees without fabric softener, so moisture transport stays intact. See bamboo underwear for men.

Travel clothing for warm destinations

For trips to warm countries, a few light pieces that dry fast beat many heavy ones. A couple of extra sets of underwear and socks weigh less in the suitcase than an extra shirt and dry overnight in a hotel bathroom.

Frequently asked questions

Is less clothing always cooler in the heat?

Not necessarily. A thin layer that moves moisture away from the skin often cools better than bare skin under a tight outer layer, because evaporation gets going properly.

How do I avoid chafing when it is hot?

Choose long legs on underwear or a pair of boxer briefs. Fabric against fabric slides better than skin against skin, which otherwise rubs extra hard in heat.