With the Met Office issuing a rare red extreme heat warning for parts of England and Wales, temperatures are forecast to soar up to 40C this week as the country experiences its second official heatwave of the year. Clothing expert Christian Constantin, owner of OK T-Shirt, has revealed which fabrics and colours are worst to wear in extreme heat and how to stay cool.
Synthetic Fabrics Trap Heat and Sweat
Constantin warned that synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and acrylic are among the worst choices for hot weather. "They don't breathe, they trap sweat against your skin and they stop your body cooling itself naturally," he explained. "A lot of cheap fast-fashion clothing is made from these materials, so people are walking around in heat traps without even realising it." The expert urged shoppers to check fabric labels before buying or wearing summer clothing, noting that many people focus on colour first and forget to check what a garment is made from.
Natural Fibres Are Best for Cooling
According to Constantin, natural fibres such as cotton, linen and bamboo are ideal for a heatwave because they allow air to move across the skin and wick moisture away, leaving you drier and cooler. He advised prioritising these materials when selecting outfits during the current hot spell.
Dark Colours Absorb More Heat
Once the fabric is considered, colour plays a crucial role in body temperature regulation. Dark shades absorb more heat from sunlight, while lighter shades reflect it away. Constantin identified black as the worst colour to wear in a heatwave, followed by navy, charcoal, dark grey, dark brown, and deep rich tones like burgundy or forest green.
In contrast, the best colours for hot weather are white, which reflects the most sunlight, along with cream, beige, pale blue, soft pastels like lilac, mint and blush pink, and light grey. Choosing light-coloured, breathable pieces can offer better everyday value during a heatwave, helping to keep the body comfortable even as temperatures climb.
