If you live in the northern hemisphere and the extreme temperatures have you rethinking all your life choices, hopefully, this guide on what to wear during a heat wave — and what to avoid — will at least make your getting-ready process a lot more bearable.
While it might not be the most obvious thing you think about when talking about heat waves, clothes, skin care, and makeup are key to staying fresh in the heat, so we tapped some experts to share their best tips on what to avoid and what to wear during a heat wave.
Meet the experts
- Stephanie Escobar, celebrity stylist
- Rujuta Sheth, designer
- Kelly Zhang, celebrity makeup artist
What are the best fabrics for staying cool during a heat wave?
There are a couple of key factors to take into account when selecting pieces for warmer months, Escobar says, and they are breathability and movement. “You want fabrics that work with the heat, not against it. Linen, cotton poplin, gauze, and lightweight blends are always the MVPs,” she adds.
“Cotton’s super breathable, so it keeps you cool and comfy in the summer,” Sheth says, calling it her go-to fabric for hot and humid weather. “It soaks up sweat and lets your skin breathe. Feels soft and light on the skin. No sticky or clingy vibes. Great for sensitive skin since it’s natural and gentle.”
There are also silhouettes that might help you keep the heat at bay. “ For anyone leaning into more femme styles, I love a flowy sundress, a cropped top with a breezy skirt or short, or a lightweight two-piece set. It’s easy, cute, and made to catch a breeze,” Escobar says. “For those leaning masc or more structured, oversized short-sleeve shirts, open-knit tanks, and relaxed linen or parachute pants are a win.”
Is there anything you should avoid wearing during a heat wave?
Just as there are fabrics that work best to keep your body temperature regulated by aiding air flow and sudation, there are others that do the complete opposite. Escobar says “anything that clings, traps heat, or doesn’t breathe” is best avoided during a heat wave — that includes fabrics like heavy denim, synthetic blends, as well as “tight layers that require constant adjusting.”
“When I’m styling someone for summer, I always say: if it needs three layers or a lint roller every 10 minutes, it’s a no,” Escobar adds. “Save the leather, the boots, and the corsets for cooler weather. Summer is your time to play; lean into movement, color, and styles that let your skin feel the breeze.”
Should I be wearing makeup during a heat wave?
Clothes might be the only thing you consider when the temperatures are high, but skin care and makeup are also factors that need to be taken into account and adjusted for the heat.
“I always remind clients that it’s not just what you wear, but how your skin behaves in the heat,” Zhang tells Teen Vogue. “During a heat wave, your skin produces more oil and sweat, which can interact poorly with certain products.” Among the products to avoid during extreme temperatures, Zhang lists heavy cream foundations and thick concealers as they “don’t allow the skin to breathe.”
She adds: “These formulas often contain occlusive ingredients that trap heat and moisture under the surface — this is a fast track to clogged pores and breakouts, especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Many people reach for matte, long-wear formulas thinking they’ll stay put, but in my experience, these can actually separate, pill, or cake as the day goes on — especially if applied over skin that’s already hot or sweaty. The result? A patchy, uncomfortable finish that highlights texture instead of smoothing it. And while powder can help control shine, over-powdering in hot weather is a common mistake. It builds up fast on sweaty skin, settles into fine lines, and can create a dry, mask-like effect.”
What are some lighter makeup options that will help people keep cool?
When looking to find makeup products that work well in the heat, the key is going for “breathable textures that can move with the skin,” Zhang says. “I always recommend water-based or serum-like formulas that hydrate while adding subtle coverage,” she adds.
Look for lightweight formulas and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and don't forget SPF and after-sun care.
“In extreme heat, I always go by the rule: let your skin breathe. Less is more — not just for comfort, but for longevity. I lean into skin care-first formulas that support the skin barrier while delivering coverage, and I love using multi-use products to keep the layers minimal and fresh,” Zhang says.
If you are very oily, Zhang also suggests swapping powders for blotting papers for touch-ups. “[Blotting papers] absorb oil without disturbing your base,” she says. “I also recommend applying complexion products with fingers or a damp sponge to blend everything seamlessly into the skin, which helps avoid that cakey finish. And don’t underestimate your hydrating mist and SPF touch-up — they're as essential as your base. Your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath, especially in the heat.”
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