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What to Wear in 40 Degree Weather?

by PangEdward 11 Jun 2025

Sometimes it gets so hot outside that you feel like you're melting under the scorching sun's rays. Choosing clothes for such weather can be a real challenge, especially if you want to avoid sweating profusely while still looking stylish and put-together. For 40 Degree Celsius hot weather, opt for clothing made from fabrics and materials that provide coolness, and select styles suitable for the heat. Complete the look with accessories that help you survive the sweltering weather while also enhancing your stylish ensemble.

a lady in a striped knit vest and a pair of black shorts
a lady in a floral printed strap maxi dress

Choose Light Fabrics and Fabrics

Wearing the clothing made from cotton, linen, or sarge.

Prioritize breathable materials like cotton, linen, or sarge. These fabrics won't restrict your body and will keep you from sweating excessively in the heat. Such materials help prevent overheating and ensure you look neat even on a scorching day.

• Look for cotton or linen dresses, blouses, and skirts. Or find a thin, simple-cut knit dress that's perfect for hot days.

• Cotton or linen shorts are an excellent warm-weather choice. Linen or knit t-shirts or polos are ideal for the heat, too.

Avoid Synthetic Materials or Wool

Clothing made from polyester, nylon, or wool may look stylish, but these are non-breathable fabrics. You'll sweat in them, and the moisture won't be absorbed, causing unpleasant odors and making hot days even more uncomfortable.

• Steer clear of viscose or wool garments, as these materials also trap air. You'll sweat more in them than in cotton or linen clothing.

• Wool is also a water-resistant fabric, so wearing it in hot weather can make it stick to your body due to sweat. That said, if you need to dress up for a formal event, wool can be a better alternative to synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.

Choose Light-Colored Fabrics

When deciding what to wear on a hot day, opt for clothing in light hues. Pastel shades and colors from the light end of the spectrum, such as white, beige, and gray, are ideal for summer wear, as they absorb less sunlight than dark colors.

Avoid dark clothing and vibrant hues like bright green, purple, or royal blue. Steer clear of black garments, as the color black absorbs all wavelengths of light, making you feel even hotter.

Consider Wearing Athletic Wear

If you often work outdoors or walk frequently in hot weather for your job, consider comfortable, breathable athletic clothing. Most sportswear is made from materials that wick away sweat and allow the skin to breathe. Additionally, this type of clothing is highly practical for everyday wear.

While athletic wear may be inappropriate for office environments or organizations with strict dress codes, it's perfectly acceptable for running errands or casual daily activities. Sporty styles have become a major fashion trend, so you can now incorporate stylish athletic pieces to diversify your look.

a lady in a white embroidered mesh vest dress
a lady in a bow tie neck vest and a pair of white shorts

Choose Styles and Cuts for Hot Weather

Loose-Fitting Garments

Avoid wearing clothing that clings to the body or restricts movement on hot days. The golden rule: the looser the fit, the cooler you'll stay in the heat, as it creates an air pocket between your skin and the fabric.

• A-line dresses: Look for styles with loose sleeves, the chest and waist, allowing airflow and preventing sticking.

• High-waisted crops: These tops sit above the waist, keeping fabric from clinging to the midsection and stomach.

• Relaxed skirts and shorts: Choose styles that don't hug the waist or thighs, prioritizing comfort and breathability.

Shorts and Skirts Over Pants

In hot weather, avoid clothing that covers the legs—especially if you want to stay cool. Look for shorts or skirts made from breathable fabrics that don't cling to the legs.

• Avoid pants unless required by a professional or formal dress code. If you must wear pants, choose a loose-fitting pair tailored from cotton or linen.

• Cuffed pants are also a good option: rolling up the hems prevents them from pressing against the legs or sticking due to sweat.

Wear Short-Sleeved or Sleeveless Blouses and T-Shirts

Look for tops with short sleeves or no sleeves at all. If you tend to sweat heavily under the arms, opt for sleeveless styles to prevent sweat stains from showing on the fabric. Choose breathable materials like cotton or linen for your tops to stay cool while showing off your arms.

• For men: While sleeveless shirts may not be office-appropriate, lightweight long-sleeved options like chambray (a soft, breathable alternative to heavy cotton) are ideal for professional settings. Roll up the sleeves for extra ventilation when appropriate.

Avoid Layered Clothing

If you aim to dress modestly while staying cool, you might consider wearing multiple layers that can be removed as needed. However, this will only add the hassle of managing extra clothing and likely won't keep you cooler. Instead, choose single-layer outfits that require no additional layers on top. This way, you won't have to worry about where to store removed garments.

• Maxi dresses are excellent for hot weather: they cover the legs while eliminating the need for layering. For formal events, pair a maxi dress with heeled sandals or elegant flats—it provides modesty, breathability, and sophistication in the heat.

• To balance modesty and comfort, try pairing a long-sleeved blouse with shorts or a lightweight cotton cardigan with a long cotton dress. This allows airflow while maintaining a covered appearance.

Choose Accessories for Hot Weather

1. Protect Your Eyes with Sunglasses

Hot-weather accessories can add a stylish touch to your outfit while helping you beat the heat. Opt for sunglasses with UV and glare protection. Bold frames in colors like peach, bright blue, or pink are a great choice—they add a fun, summery vibe to your look.

2. Wear a Hat with a Visor or Wide Brim

Hats with visors or wide brims help prevent overheating in the sun, shield your face from harmful rays, and keep you feeling cool. Look for hats made from cotton or breathable fabrics. Ideal sun-protective options include wide-brimmed hats, panama hats, and baseball caps.

3. Opt for Comfortable Open-Toed Footwear

Many people suffer from swollen, sweaty feet in hot weather. Combat this by choosing comfortable, breathable shoes that don't constrict your feet. Look for styles with cushioned soles and breathable materials like mesh or cotton. Avoid non-breathable materials such as leather, rubber, or other synthetic fabrics.

a lady in a green off the shoulder dress
a lady in a brown tencel blend maxi dress

3.How Women Over 40 Can Dress for the Heat: 5 Outfits Ideas

Loose Fits and Vertical Print Pants

If your main concern in the heat is how to hide figure imperfections, optical illusions can come to your aid. Pair items in similar color tones and add vertical print patterns that lengthen your silhouette. A cross-body bag adds a stylish touch, while loose cuts and lightweight fabrics make the outfit incredibly comfortable.

Tropical Prints and Comfortable Footwear

If you haven't managed to escape to a tropical island for vacation yet, you can still add palm leaves to your outfit. Loose-fitting shirts, blouses, and dresses with these prints will remind you of paradise and liven up workdays (or complement relaxing vacation days). Complete this outfit with truly comfortable footwear—stylish sneakers will add a contrasting focal point and modern edge.

Sleek Dresses and Trendy Accessories

This season brings plenty of original fashion updates that can establish your reputation as a style-savvy woman. Belt bags, head scarves, and statement hats all deserve a place in your wardrobe. Details like a transparent plastic belt can add instant polish to even the simplest, most minimalist dress, while ultra-trendy mules are a must-wear this summer.

Bold Skirt and Basic Pieces

It's summer, which means bold prints are especially on-trend. To keep your outfit harmonious, mix a vibrant, eye-catching piece with basics. For example, a fun printed midi skirt pairs perfectly with a beloved white tee, and a denim jacket makes an excellent complement. We also recommend protecting your eyes from the sun with dark sunglasses—they'll complete the look.

Lightweight Trouser Suit

The perfect solution for a serious, confident, and elegant woman! A light-colored suit will keep you cool in the summer heat while emphasizing your sophistication. This style works for office days, casual outings, or special events alike. Opting for a tailored trouser suit like this will instantly position you as a professional with refined taste.

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