What To Wear To Be Cool: A Guide to Fabrics

There’s a time and place to be !!!HOT!!! but no one wants to be “hot” in the sweaty, red-faced sense of the word, in fact during a hot flash (also called a hot flush) being, feeling and looking cool is a distinct advantage. Here is ELZEN’s guide to the best performance fabrics and materials for this purpose.

Sweat Absorbing vs Aweat Wicking

Sweat absorbing materials are those that absorb the sweat from the skin and hold onto the moisture within the fibres, however, they are “breathable” meaning that air can flow through them keeping you cool. Sweat wicking fabrics, on the other hand, draw the moisture away from the skin and bring them to the surface of the fabric so that the sweat can evaporate away and not stay in the material.

A Simple Guide to Common Fabrics

1. Cotton: A natural material and one of the most breathable. Air flows freely through cotton and this is a great choice for sensitive skin as well because it is considered hypo-allergenic. Be careful with the tumble dryer to avoid shrinkage.
   

2. Linen: Made from flax and with a wide-open weave, this is also a highly breathable material, which gets softer with more washing. A good choice for preventing sweat patches.
   

3. Bamboo: Hypoallergenic, antibacterial and all natural. Material made from bamboo is very good at absorbing moisture as well as blocking 97.5% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
   

4. Silk: Made from the natural fibres from the silkworm cocoons, this luxurious, delicate and breathable fabric feels gorgeous on the skin and is lightweight. However it does tend to show sweat patches unlike some of the other options.
   

5. Merino wool: This might sound like a strange choice of fabric for times when we are feeling warm, but this natural material has absorbent fibres that help to regulate body temperature well and it does not trap body odours.
   

6. Blended and synthetic fabrics e.g. polyester, nylon. Activewear is often made from these fabrics due to the fact that they are incredibly good at sweat wicking and quick drying. The added benefit is because they remove moisture from your skin to allow it to evaporate quickly, rather than holding onto the moisture, they remain lightweight and are best for avoiding unsightly sweat patches.

A Note On Bad Smells

This is caused not so much by the sweat itself but bacteria breaking down proteins in the sweat. Wash often, use deodorants and to avoid lingering smells in clothing try using an antibacterial laundry cleanser. In extreme cases of sweating and body odour, there are prescription antiperspirants, botox treatment, which can be effective in the short term as well as surgery.

Giving some thought to your wardrobe is useful but ultimately, your attitude goes a long way when dealing with hot flashes. Act cool in the face of hot flashes and you will sail over the momentary discomfort. No one is really looking at you anyway, and if they are, let them see a woman in control.