The Best Clothing For Summer (What To Wear In Hot Weather)

When the weather gets hot, there is nothing worse than not being comfortable with what you wear. Whilst it is important to be properly dressed throughout the year, poor clothing choices during summer will mean that you are uncomfortable and agitated. It goes without saying, but adapting your clothing choices to the weather is essential for staying comfortable and cool during the hot summer months. With increased heat, our bodies have to work harder to maintain a stable temperature which can result in perspiration and the need to find cooler shady spots.

Choosing the right clothing for summer will make it much easier for you to deal with the hot weather. Breathability, fabric, fit and colour all play key roles in choosing the best clothing to wear in hot weather – not to mention you likely want your wardrobe to look great as well! Having been at the forefront of the UK clothing and print-on-demand market for over 20 years, we know exactly what are the best choices to wear during hot weather. This article will lean on this experience, as we cover our general tips on what to wear during hot weather, whilst also sharing a few of our favourite garments for the summer months.

Key Features Of The Best Summer Clothing

When it comes to dressing for warm weather, there are several key properties you should be looking for in your garments and apparel. Whilst this may vary slightly depending on the activity you will be engaging in on a given day, these four features will help ensure you will be comfy and cool during the heat.

Breathability

For staying cool, breathable fabrics are essential in the summer. You need air to be able to pass through the fabric of your garment to keep your body cooler, helping to reduce perspiration. This is even more important if you are going to be active during hot weather. This is why athletes will often wear sports tops made from polyester or recycled polyester, to help ensure their upper body is well-ventilated when exercising or competing in sports. Polyester is an interesting fabric for summer clothing however, as certain blends that are designed for sportswear are most certainly breathable, but other blends are better for trapping heat and aren’t appropriate when the temperature rises.

Best Breathable Fabrics For Summer Wear

Although it depends on the specific properties of the material used in the garment, we would generally recommend the following fabrics for summer wear.

1. Cotton
2. Polyester performance blends
3. Linen
4. Merino Wool
5. Cotton blends

Fabrics To Avoid In Hot Weather

Again, it can vary on the properties of the specific fabric or blend, but we would generally recommend avoiding the following fabrics during hot weather.

1. Denim
2. Fleece
3. Leather
4. Polyester non-performance blends
5. Acrylic

Keeping a Loose Fit

When planning your summer outfits, we would often recommend sizing up slightly to get the perfect fit for hot weather. So if you usually wear a medium t-shirt that is well-fitted, it may be worth considering a large t-shirt instead to allow for greater airflow, helping to keep body temperature down. Tight clothing can restrict airflow and trap heat. Loose-fitting garments enhance comfort by allowing air to move freely around your body. If you don’t want to stray away from your usual sizing, that isn’t an issue. Just make sure to look for styles that provide a bit of extra room without being overly baggy – more on that later.

Light Colours

This one is fairly common knowledge, but it genuinely does make a difference if you opt for lighter-coloured clothing during hot weather. Light-coloured clothing reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat compared to dark colours. Wearing whites, pastels, and other light shades can help keep you cooler. With black being one of the most popular colour choices for workwear, it could be worth opting for some alternative lighter options during the warmer months, to help keep the heat off. Additionally, if you are planning your holiday outfits where you know that the climate will be on the warmer side, make sure you pack light-coloured clothes so you can enjoy your time in the sun, without the added pressure of heat-absorbing garments.

The Best Clothing Choices & Garments For Hot Weather

Now you know what properties you should be looking out for in your summer clothing, we are going to dive into the best garments to wear. Most of these garments can be combined for the perfect summer outfit, and we would recommend stocking your wardrobe with different options from each category. After all, with the heat that summer packs you will end up having to wash your clothes very regularly to maintain proper hygiene so it is always good to have some extra options.

T-Shirts

This one should come as no shock, but t-shirts are the perfect summer garment. In fairness, t-shirts make a great base layer throughout colder months but truly come to the fore during the summer. T-shirts are famously comfortable and easy to wear, they also go with nearly any outfit making the humble t-shirt incredibly versatile. Ensure you choose lightweight and breathable fabrics – cotton is a fantastic choice. Fancy a bit of variation from your t-shirt style? Consider opting for both classic crew neck and v-neck t-shirts for variety. Here are our three favourite t-shirts for summer wear:

1. AWDis Cool T
   • Featuring AWDis’ own Neoteric® fabric with unrivalled moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, this is the perfect summer t-shirt. Not only that, but this t-shirt offers UPF 30+ UV protection. With 45 colours to choose from, there are countless light shades to pair with your wardrobe and personal preference. Add your own designs or text for the perfect customised touch.
     
2. Stanley/Stella Freestyler Relaxed T-Shirt
   • Although the premium organic open-end cotton is slightly heavier than that used in the AWDIs Cool T, this garment from Stanley/Stella offers such a fashionable yet relaxed fit, that it is a wonderful option for summer wear. We offer t-shirt printing on this garment so you can add your custom design and show off your style.
     
3. Stanley/Stella Women’s Evoker V-Neck T-Shirt
   • Another fantastic summer wear option from Stanley/Stella, this popular v-neck is made from 100% organic ringspun combed cotton. Great moisture-wicking properties and incredibly stylish – level up your wardrobe by adding your own artwork to this v-neck. After a men’s v-neck instead? We have you covered – check out our Fruit Of The Loom Valueweight V-Neck T-Shirt.

Vests & Tank Tops

For even better ventilation than t-shirts offer, tank tops and vests are a must-have. These sleeveless options provide maximum airflow to your upper body. Choose designs that are not too tight and made from breathable materials for the best summer garment. Not everybody is a fan of the tank top fit but we think it is a great look, especially when paired with shorts or joggers. Here are three of our most popular options for tank tops and vests:

1. Gildan Softstyle® Adult Tank Top
   • As part of Gildan’s famed Softstyle® range, this tank top is a wonderful option to include as part of your summer outfit. With prices starting from just £5.59, this is a budget-friendly option that is incredibly stylish. Perfect to wear for sports activities and in the gym, you can even add custom designs to this garment to create something truly special.
     
2. Fruit of The Loom Women’s Valueweight Vest
   • With its lightweight cotton composition, this vest is ideal for warmer weather. Cut with shaped side seams for a comfortable feminine fit, this women’s vest provides a contemporary casual look, keeping you comfortable and stylish whatever the day throws at you. You can even personalise this vest with text or imagery for a unique garment, with prices starting from just £4.29. A true bargain which is a must-have in your summer wardrobe.
     
3. Fruit of The Loom Valueweight Athletic Vest
   • This vest is the male equivalent of the Fruit of The Loom Women’s Valueweight Vest, featuring a lightweight cotton composition and a classic clean-cut fit. Perfect for on-the-go, in the gym or for just lounging around at home, this vest is a summer essential for those looking to stay cool in the heat.

Shorts & Lightweight Trousers

A summer staple, shorts are perfect for keeping cool. Look for styles made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or polyester. We wouldn’t recommend opting for denim shorts. Despite the shortcut on your leg, the poor breathability of the material will leave your upper leg feeling uncomfortably hot when the heat really kicks in. If you aren’t a fan of shorts, there are other options out there for you that can keep your legs covered yet cool. Linen or cotton trousers in a loose fit can keep you feeling fresh while offering more coverage. Again, we would stay clear of denim here – avoid jeans – due to the tendency of the material to retain heat. We have included our leading options for both shorts and joggers below.

1. AWDis Cool Shorts
   • Lightweight with unrivalled moisture-wicking properties, the AWDis Cool Shorts are a must-have for your summer outfit. Cut in a roomy fit from AWDis’ own sweat-wicking Neoteric® fabric, you are guaranteed to stay cool in these shorts – even if competing in sports or other high-intensity activities. Add your own emblem or text using our simple online design tool.
     
2. Fruit of The Loom Classic 80/20 Elasticated Sweatpants
   • These joggers from Fruit Of The Loom are made from an 80% Cotton & 20% Polyester composition. This blend ensures that these sweatpants not only offer a premium in breathability but also in comfort, thanks to the elasticity provided by the polyester. With an elasticated waistband and cuffs, the relaxed look is perfect for hotter conditions.

In conclusion…

Staying cool and comfortable during the hot summer months is all about making smart clothing choices. Prioritising breathable fabrics, loose fits, and light colours can make a significant difference in how you feel throughout the day. By incorporating items like lightweight t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, and loose-fitting trousers into your wardrobe, you can beat the heat while still looking stylish. As experts in the UK clothing and print-on-demand market, we hope our tips and recommendations help you enjoy the hot weather in comfort and style. Don’t forget to explore our personalised clothing options to add a unique touch to your summer outfits!