Each year about 80 million Americans pull out the grill and cook up dinner at least once. Cooking outside over open flames becomes even more popular in summer. But there’s a downside to this delicious food.
Someone gets stuck dealing with extreme heat. Whether your grilling over a large flame or doing anything else in the summertime heat, you want clothing that will keep you cool and protect you from the sun.
This guide will help you choose the best clothing to keep you cool when the flames get hot.
Cotton
You can’t go wrong with this natural fabric that’s breathable and versatile. You’ll find pieces that range from casual to formal that are made of cotton. Just be sure to look for cotton fabrics that are lighter weight; otherwise, they can feel stifling and heavy in the heat.
Check the label before you wash your cotton items. Some pieces are pre-shrunk, while others aren’t. This means you’ll need to be careful in how you wash and dry your cotton clothing.
Linen
There’s a reason this lightweight material is popular in tropical places that are known for their heat and humidity. When you see an extreme heat advisory, pull on a linen dress or pair of pants.
Linen is woven from vegetable fibers, which makes it wick sweat away from your body and dry quickly. It’s incredibly breathable and has an easy-going feel that’s perfect for summer.
Chambray
Have you ever worn jeans in the middle of summer? They get soaked in sweat, become heavy, never dry, and stick to you. It’s a miserable experience.
Ditch the jeans and throw on a shirt made of chambray. It’s denim’s lighter weight cousin. It has a similar look but is significantly more breathable.
Rayon
Wouldn’t it be great if you could combine all of the benefits of the fabrics we’ve already discussed? Well, meet rayon, a manmade fabric that mimics silk, wool, cotton, and linen. It’s woven from tree cellulose.
It’s more flowy and lighter weight than cotton but doesn’t wick moisture away from your body as well as other natural materials. This makes it better for dry heat climates. You should also stick with lighter colors because they’ll absorb less heat for the sun and stay cooler.
Aramid Fiber
Sometimes you need some serious heat protection. If you’re looking to protect yourself beyond the summer heat, then consider aramid clothing. This fabric is one of the strongest synthetic fibers made.
You may have heard of this fabric in conjunction with carbon fiber. Both are commonly used in industrial industry applications. But when comparing aramid vs carbon fiber, aramid is slightly more complex and versatile.
You’ll find aramid to be flexible, lightweight, and extremely resistant to heat and flames. If you’re planning a day in front of the grill, you could invest in some seriously protective clothing made of aramid.
Stay Protected From the Extreme Heat and Humidity
Don’t let the extreme heat of summer force you to stay inside. Pick pieces of clothing that are made out of these fabrics. Their breathability and moisture-wicking abilities will help you stay cool and dry.
Browse our other articles for more tips and tricks to staying cool this summer.