Looking put-together when it’s super hot outside (and all you want to do is stay indoors where there’s air conditioning) is a challenge. If you’re anything like us, it’s likely you fall into a summer style rut of basic tanks and tees and loose pants or shorts, or maybe a sundress or two if you feel like being a little fancier.
However, there are plenty of ways to keep your look on-point while staying cool, and it all starts with the fabrics you choose.
YES! I LOOK FORWARD TO #GROWINGYOUNGER
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST.
Best Fabrics for Hot Weather
Natural fibers like linen, cotton, silk, or even some types of wool are often the best option, so check the labels before you buy something meant for the hottest days of the year. That said, some man-made blends can work—so don’t forget about the activewear brands when you’re shopping. You might find high-performance options that are just about perfect.
Beat The Heat In Style
Here are some of our favorite fabrics that help you beat the heat.
Linen
Linen is a summer classic, so don’t fix what isn’t broken. Wide leg linen pants, linen button-ups, and linen dresses are easy, breezy, and chic in the heat. We’re fans of this cinched-waist H&M linen dress that looks much higher-end than it actually is, especially if you swap out the self-belt for a leather one of your own.
Or pick up a linen button-up to toss over tanks—or anything else—we like this butter yellow one from Banana Republic. An added bonus? The sunny shade is one of summer’s trendiest colors and it looks great with a little faux-tan.
Cotton
Supima cotton tees or tanks are another great hot weather option. Nothing is as classic as a white tee and denim in the summer, and we might have found the perfect option at Nordstrom. The slightly longer sleeves are flattering, plus its nice and opaque.
Technical Fabrics
Any moisture-wicking fabric works brilliantly in hot weather. While these fabrics are most often found in athleisure styles, some brands are putting out dresses, two piece sets, and more that can easily be worn for non-sporty pursuits. For instance, this sleek little Calia dress can be dressed down with sneakers or dressed up with strappy flat sandals and some big hoops and a bangle or two.
Chambray
A good chambray shirt is a summer classic, and they look great on their own (try one with white denim for a summery take on the Canadian tuxedo) or knotted over a lightweight dress. Chambrays are available at all price points, but if you love this look, it might be worth spending a bit more for the nicely cut J.Crew version.
Silk
A silk blouse or dress can be perfect in the heat, especially if you go for a lighter weave. Just make sure it’s actually silk and not a synthetic blend that only looks the part. It’s a bit of a splurge, but if you have a dressier evening planned (or are attending a summer wedding), this Lilysilk accordion pleated dress is simply stunning.
For a more casual look, this Banana Republic Factory silk maxi would be simple to throw on and keep you cool on the hottest days.
Merino Wool
Wool in the summer might seem counter-intuitive, but merino wool is sturdy, light and adapts well to whatever climate you’re wearing it in. A merino wool tee or short-sleeved sweater is a great option for when you’re going in between the outdoors and air conditioning, and still wanting to look refined.
Bamboo
This ultra-soft fiber has a cooling effect, making it perfect for the dog days of summer. A bamboo hooded top with UPF protection like this one from netdraw via Amazon might be the ideal piece to wear if you’re going to be outside all day—you’ll stay cool and protected from the sun.
What do you wear when it’s super hot and you must go outside? Are you an all natural fibers person, or do you love a good tech fabric? Let us know in the comments or on our Growing Younger Facebook page!
–Jacqueline Zenn
You may also like to read Summer Event and Festival Fashion for Women Over 50: Stay Cool & Stylish and The Top Swimwear Trends 2025 for Women Over 50.
This post contains affiliate links which may give us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, X, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here. You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. Join our Facebook Group called Growing Younger where women discuss everything good and bad about being over 50. Additionally Lauren hosts a bi-weekly podcast called Beauty is a Bitch!
Please pin!
