Staying cool in the heat

Some days, it can be so hot outside you feel you are going to melt under the sun. Dressing in times like this can be quite challenging especially when you are going to work for instance and you want to stay fashionable and at the same time, not reveal too much.

You can dress for this weather by looking for clothing made of fabrics and materials that will keep you cool.

Go for cotton or linen. These fabrics will not constrain your body or cause you to sweat.

Avoid clothing made of polyester, nylon or silk. They may look nice, but they are not breathable materials as they will cause you to sweat and also retain body odours, making your hot weather day very uncomfortable.

Stick to light coloured fabrics because these colours on the lighter end of the spectrum such as white and grey, will absorb less sun than darker colours.

Clothing in dark colours should be avoided because they will trap light and make you feel hotter.

Also, opt for dresses with looser, simpler cuts and styles. Don’t wear skin tight clothing and those that will constrain your body as you move. In summary, the looser the cloth is, the cooler you will be. This will help create a layer of air between your skin and your clothing.

You can stick to sleeveless tops or short sleeved clothes. Men, who may not have the option of going sleeveless can wear long sleeved button up shirts in breathable materials. In addition, do not layer your clothings.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Go for the ones with UV protection, that is those that will block the ultraviolet light from reaching your eyes. Not all glasses come with UV protection, so it’s important to choose lenses equipped with a UV coating.

Choose comfortable, breathable shoes because many experience sweaty, swollen feet in the hot weather. Wear shoes that are made of materials such as canvas or cotton. You can also choose open toe styles such as sandals to ensure your feet have room to breathe.

As regards hair, go for ones that don’t stick to your neck, back or face. You can always count on hairstyles such as braids, ponytail, cornrows, bantu knots, Ghana braids or bob hairstyles.