Why wearing fewer clothes in the summer means feeling hotter

The seasonal change in clothing during the summer serves another purpose as well. During the hot months, choosing what to wear isn’t just a matter of style, but also a smart way to stay cool and protected from the sun.

Although our first reaction to the heat is to wear as little clothing as possible (e.g., shorts and tank tops), science and the traditions of peoples living in deserts and very hot climates show that proper coverage is much more effective.

Let’s take a closer look at what we should choose:

1. The ideal fabrics

When choosing clothes, the first thing you should look for on the label is the fabric composition. We need fabrics that “breathe,” allow air to circulate, and wick away sweat.

• Linen: The king of summer. Because of its loose weave, it allows body heat to escape. The fact that it wrinkles easily is simply proof of its naturalness and authenticity.
• Cotton: Classic, soft, and extremely absorbent. Opt for lightweight cotton (such as cotton satin or fine voile) on very hot days.
• Silk: A natural, beautiful fabric that adapts to your body temperature, keeping you cool.
• Tencel / Modal / Rayon: These are semi-synthetic fabrics made from plant fibers (wood cellulose). They’re incredibly soft, drape beautifully on the body, and feel as cool as silk, while being more affordable.

What to avoid: Anything 100% synthetic, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These fabrics trap heat and sweat, creating a “greenhouse” effect on your skin.

2. Long or short clothes?

The answer is clear: Loose-fitting, but airy (oversized).

Long, loose-fitting clothes act like a natural air conditioner. They create a layer of air between the fabric and your skin, which acts as insulation against the heat of the environment. At the same time, they protect your skin from direct sunlight and sunburn.

• For women: Long kaftans, airy maxi dresses, zip-off pants, and oversized linen shirts.
• For men: Linen shirts with rolled-up sleeves (they allow for better airflow than a tight T-shirt) and comfortable chinos or linen pants.

3. The Battle of the Colors: Dark vs. Light

Here, there’s a bit of a myth and a scientific truth.

• Light colors (white, beige, pastels): They reflect the sun’s heat, so if you’re out in the sun, they keep you cooler. However, the color white allows a higher percentage of UV radiation to pass through and reach your skin.
• Dark colors (black, navy blue, deep red): Absorb the sun’s heat, but they also absorb the heat emitted by our own bodies, while offering much higher protection from UV rays (they act like a better umbrella).

The Bedouins’ secret: Desert nomads often wear black, but very loose-fitting clothing. The heat absorbed by the black fabric creates an internal air current (due to the loose fit) that cools the body.

Is there a happy medium? And yet there is. If you’re going to be walking for a long time in the sun, choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothing (so you don’t “overheat”). If you want maximum protection from the sun’s rays, choose tightly woven clothing in bolder or darker colors.

Quick Tip: The Light Test

To see if a piece of clothing protects you from the sun, hold it up in front of a lamp. If light passes easily through the fibers and you can see clearly through it, then the sun’s rays will penetrate it just as easily. Choose fabrics with a dense but lightweight weave.

Source: in.gr