Going Green: Fashionable clothes to help stay super cool in hot weather

They are also lightweight and help remove moisture, which is crucial, as sweating is a key function to moderate our temperature.

Visit https://theconversation.com/do-natural-fabrics-really-keep-us-cooler-in-summer-heres-the-science-240909#:~:text=So%2C%20clothing%20made%20of%20cotton,stay%20cool%20in%20sweltering%20temperatures website.

This is increasingly important, as global warming means we are experiencing higher temperatures more regularly. 2024 was the hottest year on record and so, as this horrifying trend continues, it’s about staying safe to avoid heat stress, discomfort and potentially heat stroke. This is a significant health risk in summer, particularly for those who work outdoors or are vulnerable, such as pregnant women, children and the elderly.

Visit https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/event/85098/annual-global-temperature-records website.

Synthetic clothes, such as nylon and acrylic, are the cornerstone of fast fashion so are cheap and readily available, however it’s best to go green and avoid these products where possible as they are made from fossil fuels. Oil and gas products are the key reason behind climate change so anything we can do to avoid plastic products is good for us and the environment.

When washed, these garments release micro fibres. These micro plastics enter our rivers and end up in the sea, where they’re consumed by marine animals and then us through our food and drink.

Visit https://www.plasticcollective.co/how-fast-fashion-is-bad-for-the-environment/#:~:text=Impacts%20of%20Fast%20Fashion%20on%20Plastic%20Pollution&text=Washing%20synthetic%20clothes%20is%20one,causing%20harm%20to%20aquatic%20life website.

Thankfully, there is a big push to produce more sustainable clothing, driven by conscious consumerism, and therefore knowledge is power. Buying pre-loved items is best for your budget and the environment.

There are enough clothes already in the world for six generations so using Vinted, ebay, or Oxfam online is a great way to find summer fashion, where you don’t have to compromise on style. You can search by size, colour, label and return goods for free if not happy.

As fresh water becomes scarcer, using more recycled fabrics in the manufacturing process is essential and this also reduces the amount of chemicals required for dyeing material, so a win win.