Stylists also say that disrobing doesn’t suit everyone’s sense of style or comfort level.
“There’s this habit of not wearing anything in the summer, just wearing the smallest shorts and the smallest top because it’s too hot to wear clothes,” says Heather Neuberger, a stylist who wrote the book How to Date Your Wardrobe, “but I don’t think the majority of Americans feel comfortable that way.”
Instead, scientists and stylists agree, it’s important to make thoughtful choices about fabric, fit and color.
Scientists like Shepherd, who study fibers and fabrics at a molecular level, say linen is the coolest option for summer’s heat: The natural fiber is breathable, pulling sweat away from the skin where it can easily evaporate. But the stylists we spoke to were divided.
Stylist Denise Caldwell says linen is a great option, but Neuberger says she never recommends it unless a client specifically requests it.
“Linen is cool to wear, but after five seconds it looks like a paper bag,” Neuberger said of linen’s wrinkle-prone nature, but she added that “some people feel very confident in linen, so if you’re happy with the look, go for it.”
Neuberger likes lyocell, a fabric made from wood chips and often branded as Tencel, which she says is wrinkle-free and cool like linen, and she also recommends pleated fabric, a pleated cotton fabric that is thin and often breathable.
“There’s a texture already there that really gives your outfit dimension,” she said. In summer, light, textured fabrics “can create a really dynamic layering effect in winter because they have the flexibility to be worn with sweaters, button-downs, jackets, vests, all together.”
Caldwell, another stylist, suggested choosing natural fibers such as bamboo, which, like linen, keeps you cool, and also recommended looking for alternatives to heavy fabrics like denim.
“Chambray is light and sophisticated, making it a good option for those who prefer denim or jeans in the summer,” she said.
Scientists say that wearing looser clothing allows more air to circulate over your skin, helping to cool you down and reducing sweating.
“Avoid anything that’s too tight-fitting, and go for something light and airy,” Shepherd says. “If you’re just going out, I’d recommend something like a long-sleeved, loose-fitting linen shirt.”
The good news, according to stylists, is that loose-fitting clothing is in style regardless of age or gender.
“It’s a great time for oversized fashion right now, because the coolest styles tend to be oversized,” Neuberger says. “There’s really little resistance to this style, so it’s a great time to try something new.”
For example, she recommends “an oversized shirt made from organic fibers and wide-legged trousers that are breathable and offer sun protection.”
Caldwell emphasized that loose doesn’t mean it won’t fit. “It’s not about sizing up or buying an oversized size,” she says. “You can also buy clothes that are tailored to your size.” She pointed out a variety of sleeve shapes, including billow sleeves, balloon sleeves and flutter sleeves, which are wider than traditional cuts.
She also recommends loose-fitting clothing such as maxi dresses and fit-and-flare dresses. “What’s great about this dress is that it cinches in at the waist but still allows it to flow without being too tight. You want fabric that moves with the body, not sticks to the skin.”
Scientists say that dark clothes absorb more of the sun’s heat than light ones, which is why stylists recommend switching to lighter colors in the summer.
“This is a real shame because black is the number one color for New Yorkers,” Neuberger says, “but cream is perfect for summer.”
Caldwell suggested choosing pale pastel colors, “and whites, nudes, taupes, and bone-type colors that go well with a variety of skin tones but still fall within the pale palette,” she said.
She also recommends cool blues, but advises avoiding fiery reds, which can make you feel psychologically hot. Color and temperature perception.
Ultimately, people need to choose summer clothes that make them feel comfortable in the heat and in their own skin, stylists and scientists say, and while that might mean trying out new types of fabrics or looser-fitting clothes, it doesn’t mean you have to wear anything that feels unnatural to you.
“Some people feel like the seasonality of what to wear forces them to make decisions they’re not confident about,” Neuberger said. “At the end of the day, you don’t have to do what you think you should do. It’s important to take the time to think about what you want.”