When the mercury rises above 30°C, we naturally wonder how to dress in the heat —and even more so during a heatwave. We want to stay stylish, avoid sunburn, and limit perspiration.

With the right fabrics, breathable cuts, and a few well-chosen accessories, it's possible to get through summer without suffering unnecessarily from the temperature.

How to dress when it's hot: four habits to adopt

The first instinct is to favor lightweight and breathable materials . Feel the fabric: if it feels soft, wrinkles slightly, and doesn't stick to the palm of your hand, it's probably a breathable materials like cotton, linen, Tencel, or bamboo. On the other hand, tight synthetic materials—polyester, nylon, or even elastane—tend to lack breathability and retain heat.

Second reflex: opt for light colors . A white or beige T-shirt reflects a large part of the sun's radiation, while a deep black one absorbs almost all of it. The result: the surface of the fabric heats up less, your skin too, and you sweat less quickly!

Third, think looser . A garment that sits slightly away from the skin creates a thin cushion of air that circulates with every movement, acting as a natural microclimate. A straight-cut linen shirt breathes better than a tight-fitting synthetic tank top, even though it covers more body surface area.

Finally, never neglect targeted protection . A hat, category 3 glasses and a light scarf prevent the head, eyes and neck from overheating.

Create your ideal summer outfit

Let's move from theory to practice. Are you still wondering what to wear during a heatwave? Let's see what outfit would be ideal for you.

An aerial top

Linen shirt : it remains a safe bet due to its hollow fiber which acts like a ventilated tube! Ideal for staying cool.
Lyocell cotton T-shirt : Lyocell provides a slightly silky feel and absorbs sweat better than purified cotton or cellulose fibers.
Pique knit polo shirt : it combines elegance and breathability thanks to its textured knit which lets air pass between the small cells.

A stocking that doesn't stick

Lightweight cotton shorts : Lightweight cotton canvas shorts remain a classic, provided they are not too tight; this way, they do not hug the thighs and do not stick when walking for long periods.
Linen-cotton chino pants : ideal for the city or the office, their semi-wide cut lets air circulate while maintaining a professional look.
Viscose midi wrap skirt : for ladies, its drape spreads with each step, discreetly ventilating the legs in complete elegance.

What about shoes and socks?

In hot weather, openwork sandals or canvas sneakers provide optimal ventilation.

You can slip on Monnet cotton-linen socks : linen wicks away moisture, cotton absorbs sweat, and the breathable mesh speeds up drying. The result: dry feet, fewer blisters, and no odor!

Refreshing accessories

UPF 50+ hat or bucket hat : stops 98% of UV rays and prevents sunstroke.
Thermal water spray and wet scarf : a quick spray or a wet neck warmer is enough to lower the perceived temperature.
Insulated bottle : Drinking a cold sip every 15 minutes helps the body regulate its heat.

How to dress in summer: pitfalls to avoid

The belief that “less fabric equals fresher” is a mirage.

A tight-fitting polyester tank top acts like plastic wrap: sweat doesn't evaporate and the skin heats up more than with a loose shirt.

Likewise, superimposing several very tight technical layers creates an airtight cocoon that quickly transforms into a real portable sauna!

Walking barefoot in sneakers is just as counterproductive: stagnant moisture softens the skin, causes blisters and then feeds the bacteria responsible for bad odors.

Finally, going out without a hat in 35°C immediately disrupts the body's natural cooling system.

The little extras that make the difference in summer

A few seemingly insignificant details further improve comfort in summer.

For example, opt for slightly drooping sleeves: the shadow they cast on the upper arm limits skin overheating.

Also, choose wooden or mother-of-pearl buttons rather than metal ones for your outfits: in the sun, metal stores heat and can burn your chest or wrists.

Finally, take your clothes out of the closet the night before: if they've spent the night in a cool room, you'll start the day with a micro-advantage, especially when the barometer turns red.

In summary, to dress well in summer or during a heatwave, choose lightweight fabrics, light colors, and loose cuts. Protect your head, eyes, and neck. Opt for breathable socks to keep your feet dry. And finally, don't forget: drink often, walk slowly, and seek shade whenever possible.