https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:56:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812845 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 05:18:34 +0000 Anonymous 1812845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Been there cleaning out parent's house in August with no airconditioning ( electricity had been turned off). That Cindysmith says...sleeveless loose tops and linen loose cropped pants. I would also add that it helps to wear a wet, rung out cotton bandana around your neck. Watch out for toxic chemicals and asbestos when cleaning out an older house. I wish you well. It is a horrible job </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812844 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 05:16:06 +0000 Greyscale 1812844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know exactly what you mean about the challenge of making an outfit rather than just clothes. Since I don't have to deal with heat much in SF, I've simplified my hot weather capsule down to a uniform that I repeat when I travel: loose jean shorts or jean skirt, tank top or sleeveless button down, and Converse or sandals. I realized that what pulls it together for me is that it's all a little hard-edge/rocker: all black as usual, and the ripped cutoffs are less refined than my usual jeans, etc. So I made sure that the shoes pull it in that direction too. Sometimes I even add a black bandana. So I would think of a style that you like as a unifying theme, and run with it: boho, classic/preppy, rocker, etc. (I could imagine doing a similar capsule but with entirely white tops and more minimalist footwear).</p> <p>I spent a few weeks in Sydney's hot summer for a musical performance that had a lot of outdoor rehearsals [it was a marching band type thing, Edinburgh Military Tattoo if any of you know it, but that's a digression] and I changed tops at least once a day. You can get really sweaty moving things around (especially if attics are involved!!) so you might consider that. Lots of extra laundry but I felt so much more calm and collected. And yes definitely consider a bra that wicks moisture. I never think to do that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812840 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 04:26:33 +0000 greycat6 1812840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have great tips here and I will be using some of them myself when the temperatures rise.</p> <p>I spent a long weekend in Las Vegas recently watching a youth baseball tournament which made for hot and dusty conditions. &nbsp;I found loose, linen tops and cropped wide leg pants (gauchos?) very comfortable. &nbsp;The pants were cool and breezy despite being a synthetic fabric, especially with a loose linen top. &nbsp;I also laundered them in the hotel room sink and the dried very quickly.</p> <p>You might want to consider some athletic performance gear for its sweat wicking abilities. Admittedly you do have to hunt for something that doesn't look too gear-ish but there are several options around.</p> <p>Good luck and keep us posted.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812811 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 00:45:15 +0000 Brooklyn 1812811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got some great tips here. CS, thanks for the one about knit shorts. I am going to try that next summer. <br />I have one tip to add for working outside: try wearing a sports bra instead of a regular bra. They are really good for wicking perspiration. I find I feel the heat under my arms and in the, er, chest area and a sports bra really helps with that. I wear them all the time now on weekends in summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812760 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 18:44:26 +0000 CocoLion 1812760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow I think you are a wonderful daughter to leave your paradise climate in the Bay Area to do a job like this. &nbsp;I don't live in humidity but here in the Sierra Nevada foothills the average temps in July - August are around 94 so I know heat, although dry heat. &nbsp;And in July - August I spend a lot of time outside at our cafe, although we have a lot of shade sails. &nbsp;I cannot wear all light colors due to restaurant work. &nbsp;I wear a white shirt, black pants (the looser the cooler they are). &nbsp;A bib apron keeps the white shirt cleaner than a waist apron and it doesn't feel that much hotter except for one apron that is itchy and stiff (the more cotton, the less hot even a black item will feel).</p> <p>I'm sure you know this...</p> <p>Here is a blouse or is this a shirt, I don't know. &nbsp;I have several of these. &nbsp;Very easy care, very lightweight. &nbsp;Not clingy even though it is rayon and therefore not a natural fabric. &nbsp;I promise &nbsp;you this does not feel hot. &nbsp;It is inexpensive but it lasts through washes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812741 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 18:21:29 +0000 Ornella 1812741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote anything linen and probably not too fluid/roomy as it sounds like you are in for a lot of work, and extra fabric might be getting in the way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812730 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 17:47:37 +0000 Anonymous 1812730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My go-tos are strikingly similar to what others above have mentioned. I like cotton twill shorts with loose natural fiber tops - linen and cotton gauze, especially - and loose fitting tee dresses. I find it really helps me stay cool to wear sandals, too, but am ok with breatheable (like mesh) tennis shoes paired with merino short socks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812685 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 13:48:06 +0000 Anonymous 1812685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the type of activities I imagine you are doing, I keep it very simple. &nbsp;I wear bottoms very similar to those shown by Janet (easy to launder). &nbsp;I pair those with basic white tee shirts from the GAP. &nbsp;I wear either short sleeved tee shirts or old sleeveless tops that got re-purposed. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812684 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 13:37:15 +0000 tulle 1812684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hot, humid weather absolutely undoes me, so I feel for you.&nbsp; I do have some suggestions for you, much like cindysmith's above:&nbsp; The best clothes will be thin and loose-fitting, with NO synthetics, and a minimum of elastic or hardware like snaps &amp; zippers. For the sort of work you are doing, I would wear cropped, pajama-style pants of thin linen or cotton, preferably with a drawstring waist, and a loose sleeveless top or an old, soft, thin t-shirt with loose sleeves, and comfortable mesh sneakers.&nbsp; For relaxing, I like a loose, lined dress of 100% thin cotton or linen with a bodice that takes the place of a bra (but I am small-busted and bra-phobic, so that may not work for you) and leather sandals with straps that don't stick or cut into your feet in high humidity.&nbsp; My most comfortable clothes for hot Summers have come from Eileen Fisher.&nbsp; They are pricey, but they really breathe, and the linens last for years.&nbsp; Apart from cool clothing, I recommend frequent tepid baths (better than showers for lowering body temp.)&nbsp; A cool foot bath and some fans at the end of the day really help, too.&nbsp; Keep your hair off your face and neck, rest often, and drink plenty of water, of course.&nbsp; Good luck, Laura! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812682 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 13:20:11 +0000 Bijou 1812682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in a hot climate, but it is a dry heat (so no humidity). Cotton and linen seems to be the most comfortable fabrics in really hot weather. Given the tasks you are doing, I think I would &nbsp;be wearing shorts and cotton or linen shirts plus some statement sandals. Staying cool and comfortable is the main priority in extreme heat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812671 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 12:43:08 +0000 cindysmith 1812671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having lived in Louisiana, and in Texas on caddo lake (which is more swamp than lake), I have some experience with dressing for 100F+ heat and 110F+ heat index. I grew up in Atlanta Georgia, and I thought I knew what heat &amp; humidity were. Then I moved to Shreveport and learned what heat &amp; humidity were. Or so I thought. Going to new Orleans in August taught me I didn't know anything about heat &amp; humidity LOL</p> <p>I also have COPD, which means I feel like I struggle to breathe in heat &amp; humidity; anything I can do to reduce feelings of suffocation (be it lungs or skin) mentally helps me feel like I can breathe sufficiently.</p> <p>Linen is your best friend. Cotton also works well. The thinner/gauzier the better. </p> <p>I do a lot of tank tops in cotton, linen, &amp; thin silk. Rayon/viscose type fabrics are not bad either, as long as they're not heavy fabrics. Again, think thin/gauzy--the type of stuff that drapes well but doesn't do structure well. I tend to do them loose so they don't feel as constricting; it helps with airflow and it also prevents any seams from chafing me because they're constantly rubbing skin.</p> <p>I also do lots of knit shorts (think thin sweatshirt material in natural fibers, cotton knits, rayon knits). Sweatshirt material, no matter how thin, seems like it would be hot; it isn't when it's natural fibers. The fabric breathes well, and it also doesn't cause any chafing/irritation from seams rubbing around on sweaty, grit coated skin like my structured jeans, pants, or shorts do. An unstructured pair of pants is good on days where I'm not doing stuff that might risk my feet getting tangled in the extra fabric around my ankles (like climbing stairs/ladders/countertops/etcetera; if you're more graceful than I those are a good option.</p> <p>Some days, I'll do a jersey knit maxi skirt in a natural fiber. Jersey knit dresses will do the same. These types of things are the ones I wear when my day isn't so labor intensive but I know I'll be outside.</p> <p>I avoid synthetics at all costs in warmer months. They make me feel like my skin is suffocating. They also get a clammy/slimy feeling when I start to sweat. There's not much worse than feeling both gritty like sandpaper AND slippery like that slime they use at Nickelodeon. Some people also notice that synthetics smell weird after sweating on them; to me, everything (even the air) smells weird after I've gotten sweaty and covered in dirt/grit.</p> <p>I'm on mobile, so I can't do any NEW finds for you, so I'll do some pics of screen caps to show you items that work for me in the Texas heat and existing finds that work (or would work) for me.</p> <p>DH works outdoors all summer, and he swears by those "cooling" scarves/headwraps. He buys one for every employee every summer. They're just synthetic fabrics that feel cool when they're wet and will help dissipate heat from skin. He also does lots of looser, natural fibers for pants &amp; shirts. </p> <p>DH will NOT wear anything in summer that isn't white or light grey. The darker colors attract sunlight, the lighter colors reflect it. I'll wear darker colors, but they MUST be natural fibers, thin fabrics, and loose fitting. The upside to darker colors is that they don't show stains as much as lighter ones, which helps me feel a bit more put-together or something.</p> <p>I hope you find some things that work to help you survive working in heat &amp; humidity! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812643 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 08:10:20 +0000 The Cat 1812643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am nodding to Jane's comment.</p> <p>A while ago, I assisted my parents for three weeks, and most of the time the weather was hot and humid. My favourite item for that period was a black &amp; white checked wrap-around seersucker skirt. Very comfortable. And the pattern was practical, as small spots were not easily visible. (Anyway, the skirt could quickly be watched and would dry in no time.) My black &amp; white skirt was an easy match with my white tops and black sandals. I felt presentable when people knocked at the door or I suddenly had to do some errands.</p> <p>Today, in addition to said skirt and other breezy summer skirts, I have two loose cropped cotton pants (one white, one black) which would also "do the job".</p> <p>To me, T-shirts can sometimes feel too warm, tight and "restricting". So when it's hot, I prefer either slightly looser tank tops or loose woven (sleeveless or shortsleeved) tops or blouses.</p> <p>If I feel the need for an extra layer over a tank top (i.e. when I have to do errands in places which may be a little cooler) I'll wear a crisp shortsleeved cotton shirt as a jacket.</p> <p>A simple short necklace or pendant may be the finishing touch. It could be echoing one or more colours of the clothes. Or it could be in silver or consist of tiny white pearls or just one chunky pearl. Both silver and white pearls are versatile neutrals and look pleasantly cool.</p> <p>You may find additional inspiration and helpful tips in this recent thread:</p> <p><a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-style-when-style-is-the-last-thing-on-your-mind-whats-essential" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-essential</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812633 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 04:29:48 +0000 Janet 1812633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it would be a capsule of short sleeve or sleeveless tees (graphic print, solid color, striped, etc) plus chino-cut shorts, loose cropped chinos rolled a bit, lightweight cargos or capris, or cropped joggers. I'd generally wear slip-on or lace-up sneakers for that kind of activity too. Some of the finds I've included give you an idea. I've done this very same kind of thing in the same weather, and this approach helps me feel fairly pulled-together yet comfortable and not too precious for the tasks at hand -- everything is very washable and not delicate, so I'm not afraid to get a little dirty or sweaty. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-uniform-for-hot-humid#post-1812618 Sun, 04 Jun 2017 02:17:44 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1812618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi y'all, I'm currently staying with my parents in central Indiana, helping them go through their house, cull and downsize so they can sell their house and move somewhere more manageable. It's been a long time since I've lived somewhere so humid, and it's only the beginning of June! I'm struggling with what to wear on the more hands-on days - packing, sorting, climbing ladders, carrying boxes, etc.</p> <p>Those of you that live somewhere with a similar summer and work outside / don't have a/c / are in and out a lot, do you have a go-to outfit? Jeans are too heavy, and even jean shorts aren't that great. Most of my chino-type pants are dressier, office-wear kind of stuff. If I weren't doing quite as much up and down, I could wear my knit dresses - that works for some days but not all. I've done some window shopping for shorts and capris, but didn't find anything that grabbed me, or ideas for how to make an interesting outfit and not just clothes, you know? </p>