What should you wear in hot weather?
When temperatures rise, choosing the right clothing can make a significant difference to your comfort. The fibers, fabric structure, and fit of a garment all influence how well heat and moisture are managed, helping your body stay cooler throughout the day.
Here are five science-backed tips to improve comfort during hot weather.
1. Choose moisture-absorbing fibers
Not all fibers perform the same way in warm conditions. Natural fibers such as linen and lightweight cotton are known for their ability to absorb moisture and allow air to circulate. This helps sweat evaporate more efficiently, creating a cooler feeling on the skin.
Linen is often considered one of the most suitable fibers for hot weather thanks to its excellent breathability and moisture absorption properties.
2. Pay attention to fabric construction
The type of fiber is important, but fabric construction matters too. Lightweight fabrics with an open weave or knit structure allow air to move more freely, helping excess heat escape.
As a result, two garments made from the same fiber can offer very different levels of comfort depending on how the fabric is engineered.
3. Limit synthetic materials during extreme heat
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide absorb very little moisture. As a consequence, sweat tends to remain on the skin or on the surface of the fabric, which can lead to a sticky and less comfortable feeling.
In very hot conditions, natural fibers often provide a greater sense of freshness because they absorb moisture more effectively and support evaporative cooling.
4. Wear loose-fitting clothing
Many people instinctively choose lighter and tighter clothing when temperatures soar. However, loose-fitting garments are often more effective at promoting comfort.
Loose clothing creates an air layer between the fabric and the skin, encouraging natural ventilation. This airflow helps remove excess heat and moisture, improving thermal comfort throughout the day.
5. Look beyond color alone
The common belief that white clothing is always cooler than dark clothing is only partially true.
For garments worn close to the body, lighter colors can help reflect solar radiation and reduce heat absorption. However, when clothing is loose-fitting, factors such as fiber type, fabric construction, and airflow often have a greater impact on comfort than color alone.
In some situations, darker fabrics can even offer enhanced protection against UV radiation.
The science behind summer comfort
Comfortable summer clothing is not determined by a single factor. It is the result of a combination of fiber properties, moisture management, air circulation, garment fit, and protection from solar radiation.
By selecting breathable materials and well-designed fabrics, it is possible to significantly improve comfort during hot weather while maintaining effective protection from the sun.
Want to learn more?
Many of the insights presented in this article are also discussed in a recent RTBF feature on clothing choices during hot weather. In the article, Edwin Maes, clothing and textile expert at Centexbel, explains how fiber selection, fabric construction, moisture management, and garment fit can influence thermal comfort in warm conditions.
🔗 Read the RTBF article: Quels vêtements privilégier quand il fait chaud : lin, coton, habits amples sont conseillés, mais encore ?
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