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STYLE AND CULTURE
HOW TO LOOK (AND FEEL) COOL IN THE HEAT
By Emma Strawbridge, 22 June 2026
There’s no doubt about it – it’s hot. And while going sans jacket should make getting dressed easier in summer (it’s one less item to think about, after all), often it’s not the case. Striking the balance between feeling and looking cool is a tricky one when the temperatures break 30°C, especially if you live in a city with swelteringly hot public transport, but there are ways to beat the heat.
Picture: Getty
From choosing the right fabrics to making the most of your grooming routine, we’ve broken down six style rules that’ll make getting dressed feel breezy no matter the temperature on your weather app.
Pictured left: King of short shorts Harry Styles knows how to stay cool in summer.
#1: KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
With incoming temps set to be high, chances are you’ve got plans – and they’re probably outside. Take the stress out of getting dressed by making your outfits as simple as possible (there’s nothing worse than getting sweaty before you’ve even left the house). We’re talking chuck-on shorts, a classic tee, trainers and, of course, sunglasses to keep the summer vibes high.
GET THE LOOK:
Abercrombie & Fitch vacation back graphic in light blue, £35
adidas Originals Tokyo trainers in white and black, £75
adidas Originals Sprinter shorts in dark grey - exclusive to ASOS, £40
Ray-Ban Zuri rectangle sunglasses with grey lens in havana, £130
#2: CHOOSE NATURAL FIBRES
Natural fibres like cotton and linen are your best friends in the heat. They’re lightweight and have moisture-wicking properties that make them super breathable. Whether you choose a linen suit for your next summer wedding or stick to relaxed trousers and a cotton shirt for weekend plans, natural fibres are the key to staying cool. Top tip: when it comes to footwear the same theory applies – real leathers and suedes will be way more comfortable to wear in the heat than synthetic materials, which might rub.
GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN oversized check shirt in sage green, £25
ASOS DESIGN smart pleated linen rich wide leg trousers in natural ecru, £35
#3: EXPERIMENT WITH COLOUR AND PRINT
Everyone’s their best self in the sun – it’s all that extra vitamin D. And while keeping cool is important, so is making the most of it. Use the sun as an excuse to brighten up your wardrobe and experiment with colours and prints. That doesn't have to mean neon green either – these pieces inject colour through a softer lens with butter yellow and pink, and a subtle blue stripe in the shorts.
GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN boxy oversized shirt with linen and embroidery in beige, £28
Topman micro fit stripe short in brown, £30
#4: MASTER YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
It’s all well and good sorting your outfit, but what about your warm-weather grooming routine? SPF should be a non-negotiable year-round, but even more so in the summer – we’re talking face and body. A good moisturiser will prevent skin drying out in the sun, and investing in a good deodorant will save you the fear when someone’s forced into your armpit on the tube. Top it all off with your favourite summer scent – Murdock’s Avalon fragrance is fresh and citrusy, and this travel-sized version will slot into your pocket for on-the-go top-ups.
GET THE LOOK:
CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50+ 177ml, £21
Horace 12H Protection Deodorant Eucalyptus & Sage 50ml, £10
#5: MAKE THE LOOK WITH ACCESSORIES
If you’re keeping your look on the simpler side, accessories are going to be important. A good hat will help in the heat and the style stakes – go for a baseball cap for a sporty feel or a bucket hat for festivals and holidays. If you’re a bag guy, add a canvas tote to your weekend looks for an effortlessly cool touch, and let’s not forget the most important add-on – sunglasses.
GET THE LOOK:
Reclaimed Vintage unisex D frame sunglasses in black, £12.99
ASOS DESIGN washed palm tree graphic baseball cap in orange, £12
#6: FIND YOUR FEET
Pictures: ASOS
When it comes to warm-weather footwear, you’ve got options. You can go for sandals – Birkenstock do them best, and the new Naples is a clog-loafer hybrid perfect for smarter plans. Boat shoes are an alternative to loafers for summer weddings or if you want to feel more put-together, or stick to your trusty trainers. Low-profile styles remain a summer favourite because they’re so clean and versatile, but chunkier styles like the Nike Vomero tend to have more cushioning if you’re getting your steps in on a summer walk.
GET THE LOOK:
Birkenstock narrow fit Naples Wrapped loafers in pink clay suede, £155
Birkenstock unisex Arizona regular fit sandals in faded khaki, £85
