Looking at the weather forecast for the next few days, I was at an event yesterday and everyone was worrying about what they should be wearing, so I thought it would be good to share some tips.

My first tip is to look at those elegant Italians who manage to stay cool, despite the summer heat. How do they look so good, when we as a nation struggle every summer and still manage to look dishevelled?

So how can you stay cool and elegant?

Choose your cloth carefully.
Linen is often the first choice for our Southern Europeans, in fact even the ancient Egyptians knew the benefits of Linen. It is a fabric with amazing properties, absorbing any sweat and rapidly dispersing it. This is down to the fibres and the weave, which naturally allow air to flow, resulting in a cooling effect. Linen is made from flax which is a plant that is broken down, combed and woven into beautiful cloth. It also has the benefit of being biodegradable once you have finished with it!

Cotton is my next choice; it too is breathable and is often less expensive than linen. Like linen, it is a natural fibre that is kind to your skin and cooling to wear. It would be natural for you to choose a fine cotton, but also consider a textured cotton – it has more surface area and therefore more ability to disperse the body heat.

Avoid at all costs! Polyester, acetate (often used in linings), nylon and rayon – they do not allow the body to breathe.

Cotton is my next choice; it too is breathable and is often less expensive than linen. Like linen, it is a natural fibre that is kind to your skin and cooling to wear. It would be natural for you to choose a fine cotton, but also consider a textured cotton – it has more surface area and therefore more ability to disperse the body heat.

Looser clothes are cooler – tight fitting clothes restrict movement of air around the body, so heat gets trapped and you feel less comfortable. It is important to get the right cut as too loose can look untidy – you can be neat and wear looser fitting clothes – this is down to your tailor’s skill.

Choose lighter colours to absorb less of the sun’s heat. You will see many fashionable Italians in their light blue linen suits and cream shirts. Linen and cotton can be easily dyed to suit any skin tone – your style consultant can advise on which colours work for you.

Many advise wearing sports clothing – yes, it is designed to wick away moisture, but you are rarely more than 60 minutes from a shower and it is unsuitable to wear outside the sports arena.
I hope this helps you to stay cool. Remember to keep drinking water and stay out of the direct sun if possible.

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