Sweaty Girl Summer Has begun – How to Dress Cool in the Heat

Whether you’ve always gotten sweaty in the heat or are a woman in your 40s (if you know, you know), dressing chic and cool during a heatwave can be quite the feat.

Many stylists like myself don’t enjoy summer dressing for the season lacks the layering element making less outfit combinations possible.

But don’t worry—the fabrics, prints, and accessories that you can play around with even as a sweaty lady can more than make up for it!

6 Tips for Staying Cool & Chic in the Heat

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click through and/or make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

These are the summer styling tips I follow to avoid overheating and over-sweating during the hottest months of the year.

1. Choose the Right Fabrics

The best fabrics for sweaty people do exist! Natural lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and hemp are lovely because they are light, breathable and dry quickly.

Silk can also be cooling in the summer. Fine textured, patterned silks are best. Avoid thicker slick satin silks, especially in a single color fabric. These will show sweat marks no mercy and the fabric will stick to your, well, stickiest parts!

If you can’t find 100% natural fabrics, you can opt for rayon blends, or choose a viscose rayon. This semi-synthetic fabric is much breezier than other rayon types and doesn’t cling while drying quikly. It’s a lovely light fabric for pants, shorts and skirts in particular.

I don’t care what anyone says, merino wool and any type of polyester are the sweaty summer girls’ worst nightmare.

Always check the labels to make sure what the composition of fabric you’re buying. Some items can be deceiving and you’ll regret it when it’s too late!

2. What you Wear underneath is important

Both upper and lower underwear should be considered. If you need support, try a wire-free bra made of a thin but sturdy material.

Moisture-wicking sports bras prevent sweat pools forming under the ladies. Many brands make cooling bras such as this one from Hanes.

For smaller sizes opt for cotton or breezy tulle bralettes. Or if you feel comfortable, do as I did and go bra-free!

Below the belt, your nether regions also need attention so they can breathe. I highly recommend cotton underwear and avoid synthetics.

If thigh chafing is an issue, pick a pair of mostly cotton bike or yoga shorts with a minimum amount of stretch (usually elastane). I have these from Amazon and they’re great.

Don’t want to add an extra layer under your skirts or dresses? Understandable. Megababe thigh rescue might help to keep you irritation-free.

3. Colors and Prints Matter

I’ve always been a sweaty summer gal, so I’ve become well-versed with what colors and prints are not ideal. My advice is a little contradictory, so bear with me!

Certain clothing colors and prints can both prevent any visible sweat marks and reduce sweat.

White and light color fabrics don’t absorb the heat as the sun’s rays will bounce off of you. However, black is my go-to color as it shows less sweat. But it also attracts heat, so pick your battle when it comes to black!

Choosing breathable clothing in multi-color patterns that have both dark and light colors is a great solution.

My favorite patterns for summer are florals, gingham, camo and animal prints. The more colors or shades, the better!

And don’t forget about graphic tees and t-shirt dresses. I love my oversized white cotton tees that have a large print all over the front, like my band tees.

4. The Looser the Better

It might sound like more fabric might weight you down in summer, but don’t knock it ’till you try it. Looser clothing like an oversized t-shirt, tunic, shirt, dress or wide leg pants are less likely to overheat sweat-prone areas.

Can’t or simply don’t want to keep clothing looser? Then try to at least avoid tightness in areas you sweat the most. This could be around the neck, under-boob area, under the armpits, back of knees and the waist.

I avoid high necklines, tight collared shirts and thick elasticized pants and stay away from belts! Instead, I look for larger armholes, looser tops, and tees. I generally prefer tank tops, oversized dresses, jumpsuits and rompers in the heat.

5. Keep Hats large and Purses Small

I see that oversized totes and bags are trending this summer. And to that, I say, absolutely not!

Even my medium sized cross-body purse I so love during spring and fall/winter is unusable in the high summer months.

Instead, I prefer to wear crochet, canvas totes and belt bags (worn over the shoulder). Small, light leather crossbody bags with thin straps work well, too. If you must carry a larger bag, choose raffia, straw or a loosely woven material.

Just like with my clothing, I avoid nylon and/or polyester fabrics or straps or any bag described as “water repellent” that must touch my body for longer periods of time.

My favorite hats are woven straw hats with large brims. Not only does it block the sun to prevent sun damage, but a large-brimmed fedora or sunhat will shield you from the sun and heat while remaining breathable.

6. Have Back-Up Outfits Ready

If you’re anything like me, even when doing my best to dress for the heat, I will still often get sweaty. That usually means multiple changes during the hottest of days!

So similar to my advice on having 2-4 go-to outfits ready for mindless dressing, I say have at least 1 extra summer outfit easily available to change into if sticky clothing becomes a problem!

My favorite Clothing to Wear in Hot Weather:

• Linen anything (tanks, pj-style pants, dresses, shirts, shorts)
• Printed a-line sundresses
• Strappy or puff sleeved plum tops
• Oversized fine stripe or patterned button-down shirts
• Crochet tops and dresses
• White cotton eyelet dresses
• Loose jumpsuits
• Loose tiered cotton boho skirts

2 Last Tips for Staying Chic & Cool in Style This Summer

Now that you know how to dress in style for summer without melting in the heat, my non-fashion related tips are these: menthol roll and rosewater spray.

As someone prone to heat (anxiety or otherwise related) I never leave home without my Saje Peppermint Halo roll on. I apply it to the base of my neck and upper back for a cooling sensation on the skin.

Heritage Rosewater spray is another great way to keep cool and add a refreshing rose scent.

And of course, hair ties are great for keeping your hair up and off your sweaty neck!

Check my high summer oufits here, for style inspiration.

What do you do to keep cool and stylish during the hot summer season?

MoRe Summer Posts:

xo Cristina