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Change of Climate, Change of Habits

Sisi

Veteran

Summers are becoming hotter and hotter where I live and this one is being particularly tough. 37-40 deg Celsius (with high humidity), scorching sun, draught, horribly warm sea water ….

I have started reflecting that if things go on like this I will have to change my habits.

First, my favorite place for vacationing has always been the seaside, but from now on I will happily go to the mountains or anyway to some fresh place! (I cannot believe I am saying such a thing ...).

Wardrobe wise my habits will have to change as well.

Less Summer pants (2-3 will be more than enough) and more light- weight, breathable dresses and long flowing skirts – of which I have a lack in my wardobe at present. I only have 2 dresses (but both are somewhat place-holders) and 1 light, long skirt. I have often struggled this Summer to get dressed!

Oh, and a hat could become a must! I have an old large-brimmed straw hat that I have never worn and this year I decided to take it along for a seaside vacation in July - and I was sooo happy I did!

What about you? Is the global warming affecting your habits?
(wardrobe-wise and not).

Fabbers who live in hot climates – can you share some wisdom about how to deal with the Big Heat?

Thanks!

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Sisi

Helena

Veteran

Sisi, that is disheartening and alarming to hear, and at the same time I applaud your attitude of adaptation and facing the situation in a practical way. Where I live we are somewhat shielded (literally - thank you Canadian Shield) from extreme weather changes relative, say, to coastal areas. Still we've had plenty of weird weather. One trend I'm noticing is more shoulder season weather and less extremes ... This summer has been mild and wet, when usually I would expect hot and alternating between dry and humid. Curious if other Ontario fabbers are getting the same read?

rachylou

Veteran

This I find is true. My vegetable gardening has been a disaster this year. It’s actually kinda cooler tho, no hot nights at all. I haven’t once got out my super hot weather clothes. At the same time, I’m slathering on the suncreen because I will actually burn. It’s not just skincare if you know what I mean. Admittedly, this has been going on awhile, but was not always so. I’m all for the hat; the hat is vital.

LaPed

Veteran

It looks like Europe’s heat has been especially brutal this summer; it really is alarming. A friend of mine just cycled from Rome to Florence and I couldn’t believe the temperatures she endured on the road. I’m so sorry to hear seaside trips aren’t as enjoyable as they once were. Your wardrobe tweaks sound wise!

Where I live, we’ve had one of the rainiest summers on record and heavy flooding, which has limited the amount of beach time we can enjoy. Lots of rivers and lakes have been too polluted to swim in due to the floods. I tend to opt for mountains on my time off anyway, but even the mountains are effected by the heat, excess rain, droughts/fires…

If climate change has influenced my clothing habits, it has been in terms of buying fewer things, keeping things longer, and trying to source secondhand and lower impact textiles when possible. I know it’s only a drop in the very big bucket of human energy consumption, but all change starts with mindfulness…

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I have a pretty hot summer here. The first thing I would say is wear the lightweight stuff--never compromise. I wore jeans to work a couple times to "change it up" and boy, did I regret it. Sweating through the day! Wear the same light pants over and over, if you need to.

The second thing is to be flexible with hair, makeup, etc. My beautiful blow-dryed bangs shriveled up to a curly mess by the time I got to work, and I just tousled them a few times like "I meant to do that with my bangs." Any makeup that runs I just give it a good smear to get it off or put it in the right place. Best work with the heat than against it.

Joy

Veteran

Kansas felt very hot even at night. I had a major wardrobe or summer weight clothes. Spring got hot in February and went into December,
Global warming made changes. I picked unsheltered roses for the Christmas table. Armadillos came up from Texas and red ant hills started appearing. Halloween costumes were once based on a sweatsuit but got too warm for that. Heavy sweaters were a thing of the past. So were boots. Now the weather is less changable. For the first time I bought tops with sleeves. We see more snow and cold. Golbale warming is not as noticeable.

Hints, exposed skin helps. At my age I no longer wear shorts, but ankles need exposure. Sleeveless is the way to go, but have summer toppers for air conditioning. I like linen, especially light weight..

Dee

Veteran

Here too in Quebec its been one of the rainiest summers ever. Our spring started out dry but that has all changed. It has been hot and humid which is typical for our summers but certainly not to the extent of Europe and other parts of the world. Our winters are changing too. Less snow and more rain or freezing rain now.

Wardrobe wise, these milder winters meant needing my heaviest puffers and true winter boots less and less. As for summer dressing we were already used to the high heat and humidity so I have my linens and cottons shorts, capris, tees, skirts etc.. to get me through although the summer temps are now often extending into September and even early October. So there maybe some necessary wardrobe adjustments to be made.

ophelia

Veteran

I’m on the subtropical coast & it’s…bad. Anyway, I haven’t worn pants in years except for some exercise. I prefer skirts & tops to be 100% cotton; even poly/cotton mix in a lining or slip is too hot. I also wear cotton underwear & would wear an all-cotton bra if I could find one. No close-toed shoes, no jewelry except earrings. I wear my hair up; it’s very thick & is like wearing a blanket on my back. Nightgowns, not pajamas, are sleeveless woven cotton.
(Woven cotton, as long as it isn’t thick, is much cooler than knits, even light t-shirt material.) I tend to wear sleeves because the sun will burn me in minutes despite sunscreen. I always keep my chest covered.
I wear light cotton pants—in the winter. No lycra or poly mixes.
Many people in Asia are smart enough to carry umbrellas when the sun is blazing. I may start to do that. Bring back the parasol, lol!
Good luck.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hot climate fabber here! I find that fabrics like poplin are great in the heat because they stand away from the body. Breezy dresses are the best!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Dry conditions are normal on my little corner of the west coast in summer -- we have what is billed as the only "cool Mediterranean" climate in Canada here, with wet, temperate winters and some degree of drought in summer expected.

That said -- what we've had the past few years is entirely different. Serious, serious drought, hot, hot, hot temps, into the high 30s or even 40 C, Terrible fires as a result. Serious flooding some years. And much more snow in winter than would be typical. Also some colder days. In other words, more extremes.

To my surprise, I need my big Ontario parka in the winter. Not often, not for long -- but I wore mine 12 times last winter. Not insignificant. Meanwhile, I also need the very light, breezy summer clothing in cotton and linen -- dresses, sleeveless tops, etc. that I also wore in the east for a big part of the summer. Our evenings still tend to cool down more than they do in the humid east -- but not always. I regularly would go without a jacket in the evening -- including last night.

cat2

Veteran

SF Bay Area; we have longer warmer summers in the burbs and more unpredictable rains. We also just had a three year drought and lots of wildfires. We actually installed AC, which we never needed before, when only a few days in August were really hot. And we actually check the weather reports and air quality reports instead just assuming we know what to expect. I have stopped buying warm Fall colored clothing; it can be the end of October before it cools down much. I have some fall colored cottons instead. We usually hit the wine country in the Fall after all the tourists have left but all the fires have made that harder to plan; we need to have a back up plan. We are still up for beach holidays, as here that’s cooler than at home.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sisi, YES!!!

I'll add: extra sunscreen, and LOTS of walking in the shade. I avoid direct sunlight as much as I can. (I'm always outside because I live in the city and have doggies to walk).

Seattle has much hotter Summers now. I mentioned this in my style goals. Hence I've had to build a larger hot weather capsule:

https://youlookfab.com/2023/08.....ecking-in/

Everyone here in the PNW is trying to install a/c. Us too!

Suz and I live in the same climate so I'm nodding along with her. Colder Winters and hotter Summers these days.

ChristelJ

Veteran

Your adjustments sound wise. I live in a very hot and humid climate, and I am a originally a northerner with a low tolerance for heat who also burns easily. I avoid the outdoors after 9am during high summer. Even inside, airy, loose clothes are a must for me. I try not to wear clothes that cling to my body and it helps so much. Loose dresses and long skirts are wonderful and I'm moving towards more of them also. Shorts and swingy sleeveless tops are my uniform now most days, and I do have linen toppers for places with aggressive air conditioning. I am thinking of getting a parasol too! I go to the beach only in October or November, and love the mountains in summer, so your change makes sense to me.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I can relate. Mid-Atlantic here and I’ve never been fond of our hot and humid summers, but I’m even less so as I get older. I really think my husband and I got it right by escaping for nearly a month this summer, LOL. I too am drawn more to the mountains than the beaches these days.

I’ve been trying to adopt a summer thing of breezy dresses, but I’ve not been terribly successful at finding the right vibe for me, and I’ve been tiring of my summer dresses fairly quickly. Time to revaluate for next year. I won’t give up on the summer dress quest, but I need to be pickier from the start. I keep getting ones that are ok but then not feeling like they’re *great*, so I don’t feel like wearing them as much.

Breezy patterned skirts with loose solid black or white tees seem to work better for me. And I’ve found some summer pants that stand in nicely for jeans and pair well with my solid or printed sleeveless summer tops, so there’s that. And I keep a handful of decent enough shorts too.

The weather does unfortunately get in the way of my exercise routines. I love to hike and workout outside, but not when it’s 90 degrees. I will probably step up my indoor Peloton and Hydrow workouts.

LJP

Veteran

Where do you live , Sisi?

We consider ourselves pretty lucky living where we do ( geographical centre of Canada and close to the US border ) . Apart from cold winters - which aren’t always extreme or unusual , realistically - the temperature and weather events remain relatively stable . We don’t experience flooding , hurricanes , tornadoes ( once in a great while ) , extreme drought , fires ( in Northern Mb , yes , but not near cities ) etc. This summer wasn’t great but it also meant that we didn’t have weeks on end of hot weather , which few people enjoy . AC is common here . I agree with Helena in that shoulder seasons are getting a little longer , which is fine by me , and that has an effect on my wardrobe choices .

slim cat

Veteran

Bay Area has long summers - long skirts and shorts with long sleeved shirts ( rayon or thin cotton ) are the best for me. I have couple of dresses but they sit unused - the long one gets in a way of city walking and the short one feels wrong now. Sunscreen - year around.
My last vacation was in the end of January in Oahu - could not imaging summer time there ( too hot ).

nuancedream

Veteran

I concur 100% with Angie and Suz. Summers are much hotter than they used to be. Last year, summer heat lasted into the middle of October. When Mr. ND and I moved into our house last August, I was grateful for the central a/c.

In the summer, I'm in breezy midi skirts and dresses. Pants and shorts much less frequently. I have a hard time finding lightweight summer dresses with long sleeves. I appreciate the coverage and extra protection from the sun.

Sal

Veteran

Living in a very temperate climate the main difference I am noticing is unpredictability. The last 12 months have been extremely wet in the upper North Island, in some places with very dangerous devastating floods. Not so much in my city - it's more just been unpleasant.

Our winters are overall less frosty and cold than they used to be.

In general I am trying to buy mindfully in natural fibres. For me in the real heat I prefer loose fabrics and ideally no belts or fitted waists.

It is frightening indeed.

Minaminu

Veteran

Sisi, lakes are gorgeous in the summer! Just in case you want something that is similar to the sea side!

Europe is a big continent and speaking with family members and friends in different countries, summer varies between countries. My parents live in Italy and their summer was hot, humid and has reached over 40 degrees, I think they had 3 rounds of heatwaves. The same for family members in France (not in the region that I planning to move). They tend to wear a lot of linen and light silk, depending on the activities.

My summer in the UK was mostly rainy, with a few sunny days and maybe a tiny heatwave (blink and you missed it!).. I have been wearing, more or less, the same clothes as in Spring (lots of cotton, silk and linen during the heatwave) and my freckles have come out even with this weather. I am hoping for a mild September or at least a break from all the rain!

@Rachylou, my veggie garden is also a mixed bag,!

My tomatoes did not do well at all but brassicas and legumes did well but the Cosmos have reached my height (I guess it is all down to the rain!)

Irina

Veteran

Our summer in Toronto was mild and hardly hot (for my anyway, I have high tolerance to heat). I ended up with some unworn summer dresses and pants. I also moved jeans to my main closet, usually I don’t wear them June to September.

Last winter I hardly wore my heavier sweaters and my most worn shoes were sneakers.

It is unpredictable how hot or cold future seasons might be. I find that my habits change more with age. I really need one vacation per year on a beach for my well-being. And hope to try for two breaks next year, one in the colder months.

Wardrobe wise, linen and thin silk for summer/wool for winters is my only solution.

Runcarla

Veteran

Although it’s been 9 years since I moved (900 km south) I’m still getting used to the need for A/C. Hot and humid summers for 3 months of the year at least. The lawn has gone dormant due to dry conditions the last 5 summers (we don’t water). Geographically we live 2 km (as the crow flies) from the northern shore of Lake Ontario, but tucked into the landscape in such a way that the heavy rain or snowstorms that hit Toronto (100 km to the west) skip over the area or flow north of us. We have gorgeous weather May through early November, so I prefer to stay put if I can, and travel during cold winter or wet spring. The biggest change I see is a warming trend in winter that results in the threat of ice storms vs snow accumulation. The ice storms bring down the trees and power lines, and make walking out of doors a treacherous undertaking. That’s when I want to travel.

This year I chose light weight performance fabric shorts instead of heavier cotton styles, and it was a win for my comfort level - if not style. Tissue weight sleeveless tanks and linen button downs, too for everyday. Skirts and sleeveless tops to special occasions with a jean jacket for A/C.

I wear hats year ‘round, and have 3 summer hats. One of the light weight Tilley hats (for which I thank JAilene who recommended them) are worn almost daily.

Sisi

Veteran

Thank you to all for taking the time to comment! I have read every comment with interest and much appreciated your wisdom and suggestions.
LJP - I am in Northern Italy.

Angie - I am starting to consider to have a/c installed ...

Anonymous

Long, humid summers in the 90s are the norm here in the Mid Atlantic- and always have been We do have ac's in the living room and bedroom. The heat doesn't bother me most of the time. I much prefer it to cold. Our winters are generally milder than they used to be, most years no snow, which suits me just fine!

I just wear skirts (and dresses), sleeveless, and sandals from May- October. Sunhats and sunnies when I work outside- mainly to prevent headaches. I also take advantage of the early mornings to exercize outside when it's coolest out.

Ginger

Veteran

Born and raised in a hot climate that hasn't changed. I live in shorts and knee-length dresses for a good 6 months a year; before and after the temps go up and down. (Eventually way down... I have a nice collection of puffers!)

I actually find long skirts hot in high heat, since they trap air around my legs. Just below the knee is a lot breezier since walking action allows more circulation.

Sleeveless feels cooler, but be careful since the tops of your shoulders get a lot of sun that way, more even than forearms. I have a bunch of fit-and-flare lightweight dresses, and I added a flutter sleeve to them mostly to protect my shoulders when I saw an unexpected tan. I'd rather wear a short sleeve than add another layer for sun protection. Though depending on the situation a parasol is quite nice.

I also keep a folding fan in my purse and a couple others scattered around the house. The fan can be a handheld sunshade if you end up in the glare for some reason.

Speaking of houses, ceiling fans. Air circulation helps the air feel cooler and lets me set the thermostat a few degrees higher than I would otherwise.

Joy

Veteran

Linen is my best friend in hot weather. Colorado is still cooler than Kansas. We have not got that sort of heat yet. I have not seen global warming have much impact yet. The mountain sun is harsh but the shade is comfortable even on hot days.

SarahD8

Veteran

As others have mentioned we have definitely seen hotter summers in the Pacific Northwest in recent years.

I have noticed that last year and this year* I am not wearing my (lightweight, 3/4 sleeve) summer cardigans very much, instead choosing woven button-up shirts as toppers. I am thinking that my lightweight cardis may see more use in transitional/shoulder seasons going forward— I’ll be actively experimenting with this next month, to see how I might still get some wear out of these pieces, which I still really like.

*confounding variable is that we also moved to a much warmer house! So these wardrobe shifts might not only be due to climate change.

I also wonder if those toppers might see a resurgence as air conditioning becomes more common around here!

We LOVE our heat pump for both heat and AC.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Sisi I have avoided this topic as it really distresses me, even though climate change hasn't directly affected me to a great degree yet. It has always been very hot here for months at a time. I find sandals, very thin cotton, and non-clingy clothing are key. And hats. And sunscreen. I find most silk too hot in the heat and prefer it in cooler temperatures. We traveled to Denmark this summer and I think summer tourism in Northern Europe will see an upsurge.

Sisi

Veteran

Suntiger, Ginger, Joy, Sarah, Jaime - thank you for commenting.
Ginger - I bought a cheap foldable paper fan at the beginning of Summer, just because I liked it. Well, it has been my life saver!
Jaime - I agree with you about silk and the future of tourism in Northern Europe.

quietloud

We are definitely seeing an increase in tourism in Scandinavia! And I've heard so many tourists say this summer that the cooler weather is partly what drew them. I agree, it's a distressing topic.

Bijou

Veteran

I live in Australia and the sunniest capital city, hitting temperates of 40C plus is expected in Summer - we generally experience a very hot Christmas. I wear light and loose cotton clothing in the summer and avoid going outside between 10am to 3pm when the sun is at its fiercest. Hats, sunscreen and polarised sunglasses are essential in my climate.

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