Warm Weather Clothing

Steps 1.

Stay out of the sun while it's at its hottest. This commonsense approach isn't always easy to adhere to when summer fun beckons, so it bears repeating. Avoid exercising, traveling, sitting and walking about in the noonday sun as much as possible. It's best to limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day during warmer months. When you are outside during these times, limit your exposure to heat by retreating to shade as much as possible and not exerting yourself. Most of all, drink plenty of water.

• If you'd normally exercise or work outdoors during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during cooler months, be prepared to change this schedule when it's hotter. Slow down, it's not worth pushing yourself strenuously when it's hot outside; things that require a lot of physical effort can be done early in the morning or later in the day.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places when the heat is excessive. Visit public buildings such as the library or a store if you don't have adequate air-conditioning at home.
• Some people are particularly vulnerable to heat and should stay in cool places during hot weather, such as children, the elderly and those who have health problems.
• While sunscreen and sunglasses don't necessarily have a cooling effect, their protective effect is vital during warmer weather, as well as being painful and damaging, sunburn reduces your ability to release heat from your body and causes you to lose body fluids.Be sure to use them.

Steps 2.

Plan ahead. Whatever you're doing outdoors, having a plan will help cut down on unnecessary activity in the heat. For example, if you're hiking, study the map at the beginning of the day and calculate the best route, especially one that makes the most of shade where possible. If you're swimming, even though water is cooling the sun will bear down on you, so figure out how long you can safely swim before needing to get out and dry off, and stick to this time limit. If you have to travel a lot during hot days in your vehicle, plan ahead by having your vehicle inspected and ensuring that your air-conditioning is in working order; also, keep a plentiful water supply on board for constant re-hydration.

By having a plan, you can set time limits on your exposure to the heat and plan ways to minimize the effects of the heat before you head into it each day. Always be sure to stick to your time limits by prioritizing and leaving less important things to be finished when it's cooler. As part of your planning, spend time watching the weather forecasts. In the USA, NOAA produces a heat alert based on Heat Index Values. The importance of this measure is that it tells you how hot it will really feel outdoors when the relative humidity has been factored in with the actual air temperature. Don't go simply on the temperature but pay attention to the meteorological assessment of the heat potential. However, also be aware that heat index values are devised for shady areas and light wind conditions, if you're under full sunshine and in the presence of strong winds, the heat factor can increase by up to 15°F.

Steps 3.

Dress simply. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing will help to keep you cooler, even better if it is light in color as this will reflect the heat and sunlight better. Shorts and short sleeved shirts are good choices, although a lightweight long sleeved shirt and pants are preferable if you're hiking or working outdoors for any length of time, as this provides more protection against the UV rays. Cotton clothing tends to keep you cool; be careful of synthetics as they can increase heat, although some synthetic clothes are specifically made to reduce heat (check the labels).

• Don't forget your head. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, as this helps to keep you cooler by providing shade. However, in extreme heat, such as the desert Southwest, a hat will retain heat. Try using a bandanna folded into a triangle and wrapped over your head as is often seen on bikers - this actually wicks sweat away from your head, spreads it over a large area where it evaporates and reduces your scalp temperature. And always add sunglasses.
• Consider wearing less makeup. Too much makeup can impede sweating and make you feel hotter, especially around your facial area. A little matte powder for oil control may be suitable. For makeup and cosmetics that you do wear, consider storing them in the refrigerator. They'll be refreshingly cool when applied to your face, body and feet straight from the fridge.
• Wear less accessories during hotter weather. Metallic accessories can heat up considerably and less is always best when it comes to keeping cool.
• If you're worried about body odor, you might want to skip camisoles and tank tops, as these can make body odor more noticeable.
• If you have long hair, wear it up and off your face and body. If you have short hair, consider keeping it very short to minimize the insulating effects of hair.