The moment a heatwave hits, your instinct is probably the same as everyone else’s: strip down to as little fabric as possible. Tank tops, short shorts, the thinnest thing you own – anything to let your skin breathe. It makes perfect sense, right? Except it might not actually be the smartest move. What if covering up a little more could keep you cooler than baring it all? That counterintuitive idea is exactly what one style expert says we should be paying attention to.

Why your go-to summer outfit might be working against you

We tend to assume that less clothing equals less heat. But according to Leanna Spektor, a style expert at Brand House Direct, the pieces that feel coolest are not always the ones that look the skimpiest. The logic is simple once you hear it: when your skin is fully exposed to direct sunlight, it absorbs that heat with nothing in between. Loose, lightweight coverage, on the other hand, can actually prevent your skin from baking under the sun.

Think about how people dress in some of the hottest climates on earth. In Luxor, Egypt, for instance, light colors and long, flowing clothing are the norm – not because of modesty alone, but because it is genuinely more comfortable in punishing sun. That real-world evidence lines up perfectly with what Spektor recommends.

So does that mean you should pile on layers when the temperature spikes? Absolutely not. Tights, thick knits, clingy synthetic tops, and tight jeans remain a terrible idea when the heat climbs. The goal here is light coverage, not insulation. There is a meaningful difference between the two, and it comes down to fit, fabric, and color.

The fabric and fit formula that actually works

The key, Spektor explains, is choosing pieces that sit away from the body. A relaxed button-down, wide-leg pants, a tunic, or a loose cotton dress can create a small air pocket between your skin and the fabric. That little pocket of space allows air to circulate rather than trapping sweat directly against you. Tighter silhouettes do the opposite – they hold heat and moisture against the skin, which can make you feel hotter and stickier almost immediately.

Fabric choice matters just as much as the cut. Spektor notes that polyester and nylon can block airflow and trap heat against your skin, which is exactly what you want to avoid during a heatwave. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton tend to be far more breathable. A loose cotton T-shirt, a cotton dress, or a lightweight cotton button-up can feel significantly better than synthetic workout-style fabrics when you are not actually exercising.

Color plays a role too. Spektor says that on very hot days, lighter colors are your best ally because dark shades absorb more heat from the sun and can make you feel up to 10 degrees warmer on the surface almost instantly. White and beige may not be the most exciting options in your closet, but when you are walking around under relentless sun, they start looking far more appealing. There is a reason those neutral, loose outfits are a staple in desert climates.

A freezer trick and other practical moves to beat the heat

Beyond choosing the right silhouette and fabric, Spektor has one tip that sounds a little strange at first but is surprisingly effective. She suggests placing a lightweight item – like a cotton T-shirt, bandana, or even underwear – into a sealed plastic bag and putting it in the freezer for about 30 minutes before heading out. The trick is especially useful before a commute or a walk in direct sun, though it can also offer quick relief if you are stuck indoors in a hot house. The only caveat is to make sure the fabric is dry first, since damp frozen clothes are not exactly comfortable to put on.

A chilled bandana is probably the easiest version of this hack to try. You can wrap it around your neck before a walk, an outdoor event, or even while doing yard work. It may not be glamorous, but it beats sweating through your outfit before you have even left the driveway.

Accessories help too. Spektor recommends wide-brimmed hats to shade your face, neck, and shoulders, and sunglasses with UV protection to reduce eye strain, which can make intense heat feel even more draining. And then there is timing – even the smartest summer outfit is going to feel miserable if you are standing in direct sun at noon. Planning walks, errands, sightseeing, or outdoor chores for early morning or evening means your clothes will not have to do all the heavy lifting.

The real takeaway for your next heatwave wardrobe

Extreme heat makes getting dressed feel like a chore, but the solution is not necessarily wearing as little as possible. What actually keeps you comfortable is a combination of loose silhouettes, natural breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, lighter colors that reflect rather than absorb the sun, and a bit of strategic shade. Toss a bandana in the freezer, swap the tight synthetics for a relaxed cotton button-down, and you might be surprised at how much cooler you feel – even with more fabric on your body.