Dressing for humidity is a totally different ball game when it comes to dressing in the heat. The feel of clinging clothes, sweaty hair and uncomfortable waistbands can make a day walking around town feel like torture.
Blister-free sandals
If your day involves roaming around old cobbled streets, you’ll want an unrestrictive sandal with a comfortable sole. Slip-on styles like sliders, mules and flip-flops create friction on your foot making them a recipe for blister disaster. Anything with a thin sole will absorb the heat of the pavement and won’t offer enough cushioning for a day of walking.
Teva Midform Universal Canvas Sandals – Green, £45 (was £65), Office
Lightweight linen
The key to keeping cool and comfortable in humid weather is natural fibres. Linen is an all-natural fabric made of flax fibres spun into yarn. Unlike other materials, linen often has an open weave which makes it breathable and perfect for high-humidity in a city or the countryside.
Zara 100% Linen Midi Dress, £49.99
Anti-chafing undergarments
Being comfortable all day starts before you get fully dressed. Underwear can make a huge difference when regulating your body temperature and preventing rubbing, chaffing or sweat patches.
Cotton is good, but fabrics such as modal, a textile made from beech tree pulp, is more breathable and fantastic for absorbing sweat. A surprising material to look out for is wool. Not the chunky knits that spring to mind, but a merino wool blend naturally regulates temperature and is antimicrobial, making it particularly good at battling odours.
M&S 2pk Anti-Chafe Shorts, £20
One-and-done dresses
A hot weather hero is undoubtedly the dress. They allow air to flow around the legs and don’t constrict you at the waist. Fabrics such as silk, linen, cotton, viscose, and lyocell are great for hot and humid climates.
& Other Stories Tiered Maxi Dress, £59 (was £97)
Slip-on sneakers
If your weekend involves more active participation, a sandal just won’t cut it, and a closed-toe shoe is often preferable if you haven’t had time to run to the pedicurist.
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Keen Womens Uneek 03 Sandals, £88 (was £110), Cotswold Outdoor