Skip to main content
Prince William and Prince Harry at a public event.
Woman struggling with hair loss, looking concerned.
Woman enjoying a donut at night, cozy setting.

Style

The Worst Things To Wear On A Really, Really Hot Day

August 2, 2016 by Caroline Pirozzolo
shefinds | Style
Featured image

The god-awful summer heat wave is in full force in most places and ideally, we'd be spending the day curled up next to the AC with a cup of iced coffee trying to beat the heat - but unfortunately, we're going to have to step out into the sticky weather at some point. So what exactly are you supposed to wear when it's unbearably hot? For starters, these are the pieces in your closet that you should definitely be avoiding until September. (And a few of them may surprise you!)
Stylish skinny jeans perfect for casual outfits.

Skinny Jeans

Do we even need to explain? They're super tight and don't allow for any airflow on your legs on a boiling day.

[Photo: Damsel in Dior]

Chic Dion Lee leather jacket for modern fashionistas.

Leather or Faux Leather

While you'll basically never find me without my beloved leather jacket during the fall and winter, I've attempted to wear it enough during the summer to know that it will never work. (Hello, back sweat!)

[Photo: The Chronicles of Her]

Elegant costume jewelry to enhance any ensemble.

Costume Jewelry

Any girl who's purchased her jewelry on the cheap at a place like Forever 21 or H&M has probably noticed the weird way faux gold and silver seems to rust and tarnish over time. When you're sweating a lot, the moisture mixes with the metal and will only speed this process up. Lesson learned: if you want to keep your costume jewelry nicer for longer, avoid wearing it on super sweaty days.

[Photo: Suburban Faux Pas]

Versatile black clothing for timeless wardrobe staples.

Dark Colors

This is one you've probably heard again and again: dark colors like black, navy or burgundy aren't really a good idea if the temperatures are going to be in the 90s or above. Because even the sheerest black blouse still attracts sunlight, you're better off staying away.

[Photo: The Skinny Confidential]

Lightweight nylon fabric ideal for active wear.

Nylon

Because nylon is made completely of synthetic materials, it can make sweaty skin chaffing-prone on hot days - ouch!

[Photo: Bows and Sequins]

Trendy plastic accessories for a playful touch.

Plastic

Because plastics and "jelly" materials aren't exactly the most breathable option in hot temperatures, they definitely won't keep you cool - and plastic shoes that trap sweat are basically a breeding ground for blisters by the end of the day.

[Photo: ASOS]

Fashionable outfit showcasing contemporary style.

Silk or Satin

Silk or satin seems like a light and breezy option for a hot day, right? Wrong. Because these materials tend to repel water, it'll cause your sweat to sit on your skin, which will ultimately feel really gross. Not to mention that these materials are usually difficult to get sweat stains out of!

[Photo: The Fashion Guitar]

Form-fitting tight clothes for a sleek silhouette.

Tight Clothes

Much like with skinny jeans, tight clothes + sweaty body is just a miserable day waiting to happen - and getting them off at the end of the day will be a total pain.

[Photo: Viva Luxury]

Durable polyester material for everyday comfort.

Polyester

While many light, airy tops are made of polyester or polyester blend, because polyester is synthetic and water-repellant, it'll cause your sweat to build up on the garnment, instead of absorbing it like cotton would. Basically, wearing polyester on a hot day isn't great news for you or your clothes.

[Photo: Poor Little It Girl]

Cozy fall fashion look featuring layered textures.

Rings

Super hot weather causes swelling, and while that super cute handful of stacked rings may feel fine now, it probably won't feel so great once your fingers are swollen at the end of the day.

[Photo: Peace Love Shea]

 

Tags:

summer, tips
Jennifer Lopez in Defaience at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Kylie Jenner's elegant ensemble at the Met Gala 2025.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift enjoying a public outing together.
Amazon Prime Day logo displayed on digital devices
Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Reese Witherspoon at Apple TV's "The Last Thing He Told Me" premiere.
Hillary Clinton at the Broadway opening night of "Suffs."
Kaia Gerber at the 41st Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Kylie Jenner at the Acne Studios photocall during Paris Fashion Week.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Kim Kardashian with son Saint West at a public event.
Jaden Smith at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit.
Zendaya at the photocall for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Nicole Kidman featured at Kering Women in Motion.
Jennifer Lopez in Defaience at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Kylie Jenner's elegant ensemble at the Met Gala 2025.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift enjoying a public outing together.
Amazon Prime Day logo displayed on digital devices

Fashion

This summer, I might be shopping for more clothes and ...

Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Reese Witherspoon at Apple TV's "The Last Thing He Told Me" premiere.
Hillary Clinton at the Broadway opening night of "Suffs."
Kaia Gerber at the 41st Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Kylie Jenner at the Acne Studios photocall during Paris Fashion Week.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Kim Kardashian with son Saint West at a public event.
Jaden Smith at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit.
Zendaya at the photocall for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
Best foundation types for mature skin to minimize wrinkles.
Nicole Kidman featured at Kering Women in Motion.