Readers Share Their Favourite Ways to Beat the Heat
After record-breaking June temperatures, parts of the UK are experiencing another heatwave. With uncomfortably hot days and sweaty, sleepless nights ahead, readers have shared their top tips for staying cool. From thermal blinds and fans to sunscreens and UV-protective hats, here are the best hacks to beat the heat—some of which are free.
Shut Out the Sun
Elizabeth keeps her home cool by closing vertical blinds and blackout curtains, and circulating air via a through draft. Karen recommends Ikea's cost-effective thermal blinds, which work well in her south/south-east facing house where the sun rises at 4am. Andy uses green sun shade screening attached to window frames with hook-and-loop tape, keeping his lounge cooler than when he simply closed curtains.
Get a Reliable Fan
Alyx Gorman explains that fans, while not changing temperature, increase evaporation to cool the body. The Dreo TurboCool misting fan, rated best by Caramel Quin, has a six-litre water tank and adds a fine mist to the air, cooling effectively with low running costs at £199.99.
Cool Your Air
Evaporative coolers are hard to come by, but Caramel Quin tested the Morphy Richards Flexi Freeze mini personal air cooler. It is USB-rechargeable, portable, and dropped the temperature by just over a degree in tests. At £69.99, it is a good alternative to air conditioning.
Cool Yourself
Rachel Parker practises sitali pranayama (cooling breath) daily. Karen puts her underwear in a plastic bag in the fridge on hot days. Sali Hughes recommends a cooling facial mist with a handheld fan, such as Laneige's cooling mist, which leaves a moisturising layer. Lily takes a cool (not cold) shower before bed to reduce body temperature and fall asleep more easily.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Chloe Mac Donnell recommends a canvas sun hat like Decathlon's Forclaz hiking hat with anti-UV fabric at £12.99. William loves Tilley hats, having had one for 30 years with a lifetime guarantee. For full body shade, Alyx Gorman suggests a light-coloured umbrella from Muji at £19.95 to reflect the sun.
Don't Go Outside Without SPF
Sarah Matthews recommends Beauty of Joseon's relief sun rice + probiotics SPF50+, which sinks in quickly and leaves skin primed for makeup. Anita Bhagwandas highlights Elf Skin Suntouchable SPF30 setting spray at £15 for easy top-ups on the go. Charlie Allenby suggests Horace face and body sunscreen at £19, which feels like a moisturiser and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Keep Cool on the Go
Vicki Macleod wraps a wet linen tea towel around her shoulders or uses a wet silk triangular scarf. A portable fan is essential for hot trains or buses; Marks & Spencer's USB-rechargeable travel fan at £10 is handy. Alan recommends the Diveblues Jetforce portable fan at £22.99 for powerful cooling at five levels.
Wear Cool Clothing
Alyx Gorman advises picking clothes made from 100% cotton, linen, or a blend. Lighter colours absorb less heat. Uniqlo offers reasonably priced linen shirts at £39.90, and Boden has a belted cotton midi dress at £139.
Prevent Chafing
Lauren Cochrane recommends Lush dusting powder with coconut milk powder and cornstarch at £12. Charlie Allenby suggests Assos chamois creme at £21.99 for exercise, keeping skin supple and chafe-free even after 12 hours.
Stay Hydrated
Angela adds electrolytes like SIS Hydro electrolyte tablets to drinking water for better hydration. Alyx Gorman advises packing a full water bottle and drinking more than you think necessary. The Owala FreeSip water bottle at £31.99 is a favourite.
Exercising in the Heat
Alyx Gorman notes that Australians exercise just after dawn to avoid the heat. Kieran Alger says running in the heat raises heart rate; he uses a hydration vest, electrolytes, and salt tablets from Precision Fuel and Hydration. He also runs holding ice to lower core temperature. Breathable underwear like Uniqlo's Airism range and Maap training socks increase comfort. Kate Whetsel recommends the Chilly Pad cooling towel at £16.97, which instantly cools when wet.
Find Somewhere with Aircon
Karen watches overnight films in air-conditioned cinemas during heatwaves. Mike enjoys a cold pint at Wetherspoon's with aircon turned up.
