How to Dress for a Heat Wave

A dangerous heat wave is sweeping across the United States this week, pushing temperatures into the triple digits in many places. Millions of Americans are expected to feel the heat, even at night when temperatures usually drop. The timing is especially tricky because holiday crowds and America's 250th-anniversary celebrations are drawing people outside. Knowing what to wear can make a real difference in how safe and comfortable you stay.

Experts say that as climate change makes heat waves stronger and more common, learning how to dress for extreme heat is more important than ever. Preeti Gopinath is an associate professor of textiles at Parsons School of Design in New York. Stylist Britt Theodora also works in New York. Both shared their advice on choosing clothing that keeps your body as cool as possible.

Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and silk are some of the best choices for hot weather. These fabrics soak up sweat and let it move away from your skin and into the air, which helps cool you down. However, not all cotton works the same way — dense fabrics like denim are tightly woven and trap heat. Lighter weaves like seersucker or poplin are much more breathable. Theodora recommends saving silk for the evening, since you are less likely to sweat heavily after the sun goes down.

Synthetic fabrics, like the ones used in workout clothes and rain jackets, are designed to wick moisture away from your skin. That can sound helpful, but in extreme heat, synthetics tend to trap heat against your body because they are less breathable than natural fabrics. This problem gets worse when your skin is dry and sweat cannot evaporate to cool you down. For the hottest days, natural fibers are the safer bet.

The bigger and looser your clothing, the better it will work to keep you cool. Loose clothing allows air to swirl around your body, picking up sweat and letting it evaporate into the air. Gopinath also recommends loose long-sleeved tops, which can protect you from sunburn while still allowing airflow. If you want to look stylish, Theodora suggests balancing a slightly fitted top with roomier bottoms, or using accessories to add flair without sacrificing comfort.

The color of your clothing also matters in the heat. Darker colors absorb more heat from the sun, while lighter colors reflect sunlight and stay cooler. Dark colors do hide sweat stains better and offer some sun protection. For a good middle ground, Gopinath recommends patterned or brightly colored clothing that sits away from your skin, giving you both style and comfort.

Metals like gold and silver conduct heat, meaning jewelry made from these materials can actually make you feel warmer. Gold-plated jewelry can also tarnish when it gets wet from sweat, and pearls can turn yellow if exposed to too much sunlight. On hot days, it may be smart to leave heavy metal jewelry at home. Choosing lightweight, non-metal accessories is a simple way to stay cooler and protect your belongings.

Plastic or foam shoes do not absorb sweat, which can lead to smelly feet on hot days. Gopinath recommends wearing cotton socks with most closed-toe shoes because cotton soaks up moisture and keeps feet more comfortable. Hats are also a smart choice on sunny days — cotton baseball caps protect your face and absorb sweat at the same time. People who are bald or have thin hair should especially make sure to wear a hat to shield their head from sunburn.