When the temperature rises, many people feel the urge to shed as much clothing as possible to stay cool. While it’s true that losing layers will trap less heat, scientists and stylists say dressing for the summer isn’t that simple. Exposing more skin makes it easier for the sun to radiate heat directly into your body - and raises your risk of sunburn.
“So not wearing anything isn’t good. I wouldn’t recommend it,” said Larissa Marie Shepherd, an assistant professor of fiber science at Cornell University. And stylists say stripping down may not fit with everyone’s sense of style or their level of comfort.
“There’s a summer move of just wearing no clothes - like, it’s just too hot for clothes and we’re just wearing our tiniest shorts and our tiniest tops,” said Heather Newberger, a stylist who wrote the book “How to Date Your Wardrobe.” “But I don’t think the majority of America feels comfortable that way.” Instead, the scientists and stylists agree, it’s about making thoughtful choices about fabrics, fit and colors.
Fabrics Scientists such as Shepherd who study fibers and fabrics at the molecular level say linen is the coolest choice for summer heat. The natural fiber breathes well, pulls sweat away from your skin and allows it to evaporate easily. But the stylists we spoke to are split.
Stylist Denise Caldwell says linen is a great option. Newberger says she never recommends it unless a client specifically asks for it. “Linen is going to k.