From floaty dresses to keep you cool on your commute to the bedding sets that will help you sleep in the heat, here are 12 buys in the coolest fabric for a heatwave, plus tips on how to dress to stay as cool as possible as the mercury rises…
Tips For Dressing In A Heatwave
Colour is your first line of defence. Reach for whites, creams, and pale neutrals — light shades reflect the sun's rays rather than absorbing them, meaning you'll feel noticeably cooler than in navy or black (though if you're committed to dark tones, a loose silhouette will compensate).
Fit matters more than you think. Tight clothes trap heat against the skin; the goal is air circulation, not coverage. Go oversized, go flowy, go wide-leg — anything that creates movement and allows a gentle breeze to do its job.
Make natural fibres non-negotiable. Synthetics — polyester, nylon, viscose blends — trap moisture and block airflow. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and yes, muslin and cheesecloth, are breathable by design, wicking sweat away from the skin and allowing it to evaporate rather than sitting on the surface.
Layer, don't strip. Counter-intuitive but true: a single, ultra-fine layer of fabric actually protects the skin from direct sun exposure while still allowing air to move. A sheer muslin over a cami is often cooler than going bare-armed in direct sunlight.
Feet and wrists are your secret temperature regulators. The pulse points — wrists, ankles, the back of the neck — are where the body releases heat most efficiently. Keep these areas uncovered or lightly dressed, and avoid anything tight-cuffed or high-necked on sweltering days.
Hero image: Dunelm
