How to dress for hot weather: tips & inspiration

The summer is finally here and some of us may already be feeling the effects of the heat.

Choosing the right clothing materials and styles during the warmer months might help you avoid those unexpected rashes and skin irritation, especially if you have eczema, psoriasis, skin allergies or more sensitive skin. Read our top tips below!

Before we get into the clothing tips, it’s important to change up your routine for the warmer months to reduce the chances of your skin acting up.

Cover any exposed skin with SPF30+ sunscreen before stepping out of the door.

Apply plenty of fragrance-free moisturiser after showering.

Make sure your cleanser and moisturiser contain lightweight ingredients like silicones, squalane, and glycerin that will hydrate your skin while allowing it to breathe.

Less is more during the summer months, stick to the basics such as concealer, bronzer and mascara for natural beauty. If you need coverage, go for a BB cream instead which contains moisturiser, SPF and foundation all in one product.

Try to only go outside during the cooler times of the day or workout indoors by a fan. Make sure to change out of the tight workout clothes straight after you finish to help your skin breathe.

If your skin is easily irritable or prone to heat rash, consider preparing ahead. Eurax 10% Cream acts fast and helps to soothe itching and irritation caused by heat rash, allergy rashes and sunburn.

Natural fibres are often a good choice when it comes to summer fashion as they tend to be breathable and soft. Cotton, bamboo fabric and silk are among the best choices for clothing, along with some others detailed below.

If your skin is easily irritated, cotton is one of the best options. Try to opt for 100% organic cotton if possible as it’s grown without harsh chemicals or pesticides. 

Cotton is known as a cool fabric so is great for the summer due to its breathability. It also is highly absorbent so helps to soak up body moisture from the skin.

Linen is made from the flax plant and is known for its breathability, which makes it perfect for hot weather. Linen fibres also tend to absorb moisture well and dry very quickly, which makes it great for the hotter temperatures.

It tends to be a stiffer & heavier fabric than others, however that makes it less likely to stick to the skin and is generally comfortable for more sensitive skin types.

Another fabric that has been used since ancient times is silk, which originated in China. It has been loved by many because of its softness and durability, however it’s also known as one of the most hypoallergenic fabrics.

Silk is highly absorbent and allows great air circulation which helps to keep your body temperature lower during summer.

Bamboo is one of the softest and least-damaging fabrics for sensitive skin. Clothes made from this fabric are highly breathable and absorbent, with some describing it even better than cotton.

As it’s also hypoallergenic, it’s a great option for those who have eczema or have highly irritable skin type. Some studies also suggest that bamboo fabric has antibacterial properties, which might help those with inflamed skin.

Viscose is made from wood pulp, so it’s still known as a natural fabric. It’s a fairly cheap fabric that is known for its silk-like feeling and breathability, making it a good choice for your summer wardrobe.

Closely resembling denim, chambray is a plain and finer weave fabric which makes it more breathable. It’s very lightweight and usually comes in darker colours.

As it’s a cotton textile, it’s very breathable and will keep you cool during the summer months.