Weather Guide

What to Wear in Hot Weather

Extreme heat calls for ultra-breathable fabrics, minimal layering, and smart cooling strategies that keep you comfortable and presentable when temperatures soar.

Dressing for hot weather is a delicate balance between staying cool enough to function comfortably and maintaining a put-together appearance in conditions that challenge even the most minimal outfits. Heat management through fabric choice, fit, and color becomes critical when temperatures push past the comfort zone into genuinely oppressive territory. MyWear factors in heat index, humidity, and direct sun exposure to recommend outfits engineered for maximum cooling without sacrificing your personal style. From choosing the most breathable fabrics in your wardrobe to suggesting lighter color options and looser fits, MyWear helps you survive and thrive during the hottest days of the year.

Dressing Tips for Hot Weather

1 Wear loose-fitting clothes in light colors that reflect heat and allow maximum air circulation around your body.
2 Choose natural fabrics like linen, cotton voile, and chambray that absorb moisture and dry quickly through evaporative cooling.
3 Minimize layering to the absolute essentials and opt for single-layer outfits whenever the setting allows.
4 Protect your head with a breathable hat or cap, as heat absorbed through the scalp significantly raises overall body temperature.
5 Stay hydrated and choose outfits with pockets or pair with a bag that can carry a water bottle for constant access to fluids.

Layering Advice

In extreme heat, layering should be avoided whenever possible. A single layer of high-quality breathable fabric outperforms multiple thin layers.
If you must layer for professional settings, choose the thinnest possible undergarments and an unlined blazer or jacket in lightweight tropical wool.
Keep a lightweight coverup like a loose cotton shirt for transitioning between blazing outdoor heat and aggressively air-conditioned indoor spaces.
For evening events on hot days, bring a light layer to drape over your shoulders as temperatures drop slightly after sunset.
MyWear

Let MyWear Dress You for the Weather

MyWear checks the weather and suggests outfits from your wardrobe that match the forecast.

Free to download 4.8 App Store rating 50K+ downloads

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fabric for extremely hot weather?
Linen is widely considered the best fabric for extreme heat due to its exceptional breathability, moisture absorption, and fast drying properties. Lightweight cotton, particularly in voile or lawn weaves, is another excellent option that offers comfort and easy care. MyWear identifies linen and lightweight cotton pieces in your wardrobe and prioritizes them when the heat index reaches uncomfortable levels.
How do I dress professionally in a heatwave?
Switch to unlined blazers in tropical-weight wool or cotton, pair them with lightweight dress trousers, and choose dress shirts in breathable fabrics with the collar unbuttoned when possible. Light-colored suits in tan, light grey, or soft blue look professional while reflecting heat. MyWear's hot weather business mode recommends the most breathable professional options from your wardrobe and relaxes formality standards when temperatures become extreme.
Should I wear tight or loose clothing in hot weather?
Loose-fitting clothing is significantly better in hot weather because it allows air to circulate between the fabric and your skin, facilitating sweat evaporation and natural cooling. Tight clothing traps heat against the body and restricts the airflow needed for thermoregulation. MyWear adjusts its fit preferences toward relaxed silhouettes on hot days, selecting your looser garments over fitted alternatives when temperatures are high.
Can moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics beat natural fibers in heat?
For active situations like commuting, walking, or exercise, moisture-wicking synthetics can outperform natural fibers by rapidly transporting sweat away from the skin. However, for stationary and casual settings, natural fibers like linen and cotton offer superior comfort and a more luxurious feel. MyWear considers your planned activity level alongside temperature data to recommend the ideal fabric type for your specific hot weather situation.