This summer isn’t getting any easier, especially with the sudden heat waves. In such sweltering heat, most people are choosing comfort over fashion, but only because they think finding simultaneously fashionable and comfortable clothes isn’t possible. Well, we’re here to break this news: you absolutely can rock a summer dress without worrying about sweat dripping down your back, feeling gross, or looking like you’ve dressed just for comfort. Here’s how to stay trendy and beat the heat this summer:

Sheer Tops

Tops are the outfit choice for summer, so it’s not like we’re telling you to do something impossible. But if you’re tired of sweating through your top and reeking all day, the best way to stay cool and clean is to opt for anything sheer. Sheer clothes are light and airy, so you won’t sweat even when you’re walking around in the sun. They’re also pretty comfortable, and you can even get sheer tops with sleeves up to your wrists. Additionally, these fabrics are sun-friendly by design, allowing air to circulate and keeping moisture out.

Wide-Legged Pants

We know giving up on jeans might sound like you’re giving up on fashion, but it’s time to ditch those skinny ones for the wide pants. Wide-legged pants are comfortable and chic, ensuring you stay cool even on the hottest days. Another great thing about wide-legged pants is their temperature; since they’re not directly clinging to your skin, you can wear any material and still be comfortable. But cotton and summer-weight linen are the real winners. Breathable and naturally cooling, they’re ideal sun-safe fabrics that don’t trap heat.

Wide Skirts

Just like wide-legged pants, wide skirts are making a comeback in fashion. You can still rock a miniskirt or two if you want. But that puts your legs in direct line with the sunlight, so you’ll risk an uneven tan. Even worse is the sweat that collects down there, which can be embarrassing when you’re sitting on leather seats. If you truly want to skip the discomfort and ride straight to cool and chic, wear wide skirts. We highly recommend jumping on the Boho bandwagon; most Boho skirts are made from breathable, lightweight fabric, often cotton blends, making them both breathable and flexible. Besides, who wouldn’t love the funky patterns and designs that come with Boho clothes? The colourful patterns give you that chic holiday look!

Summer Yukata

You can pair sheer tops with wide pants or skirts, but if you’re looking for something niche, why not try a yukata? This traditional Japanese wrap-style dress now has summer versions made from cotton or lightweight linen. A cotton or summer linen wrap is the best way to head out without fretting about the heat. Since you’re already covered, you don’t even need to worry about sporting a tank top or leggings underneath the yukata. And if you can’t find one locally, just get some fabric and ask a seamstress to make one for you.

Moroccan Djellaba

The djellaba is a traditional, loose-fitting dress with full sleeves, typically worn in Morocco or parts of North Africa. Now, a long dress with sleeves might sound intimidating, but a djellaba isn’t body-fitting, so it’s actually like wearing a long, oversized t-shirt. A summer djellaba is typically made from cotton or linen, making it ideal for hot climates. The best thing about the djellaba is its style; it’s not only comfortable but also unisex, allowing anyone to wear it. It’s also quite long, so you won’t need to wear trousers or leggings.

Kaftan Dress

A kaftan is one of the best outfits you can choose for summer. It’s loose, super comfortable, and made for hot weather. Most kaftans are made from soft cotton or rayon and feature fun prints or delicate embroidery, making them both beautiful and comfortable. You can put one over your swimsuit, wear it out to lunch, or even dress it up for dinner. It’s an easy, breezy outfit that gives you a fashionable look in the summer season.

Huipil Dress

Head anywhere in Mexico and Central America, and you’ll see women wearing a patterned dress that falls straight down to their shins. The sleeves are usually short, with a very colourful neckline and a patterned flow that ensures you’re as comfortable as the dress looks. It’s a popular choice among locals, but you don’t have to worry about it, as it’s quite versatile and easy to wear. In fact, you can wear a huipil regularly too, since it isn’t too fancy and is perfect for routine outdoor activities. The huipil is often handmade, making it a wonderful way to support sustainable and artisanal fashion.

Cheongsam

There’s something oddly romantic about the cheongsam, a traditional dress worn in China. Perhaps it’s the slit down the thigh or the overall chic look, but cheongsam is a dress you can wear on a fancy summer date. Most cheongsams are made from silk, but you can find summer-friendly cheongsams made from cotton, too. It’s light, breathy, and will definitely last for years.

Sustainable Swimwear: Bandeau Styles

Heading to the beach soon but don’t want to wear those typical swimsuits? Many brands now make stylish swimwear using recycled materials like Econyl or eco-friendly nylon. You can opt for bandeau-style swimwear that is comfy, flattering, and easy to pair with a cotton wrap skirt or sheer kaftan. If you want to shop more consciously, look for brands that make small batches or use natural dyes.

Turkish Fouta Dress

We’ve all wanted to roam around in a towel at least once in our lives, but who knew the Turks made a whole fashion outfit out of it? The Turkish fouta dress is practically a towel, but one you can wear outside. A fouta towel is a thin cotton or linen dress that’s usually patterned; it can be stitched around to resemble a dress, so the best bet is to make a simple wrap-around. You’ll be walking in the heat with no worries and standing out for your appearance.