The problem with hot and humid weather is that you get to sweat or perspire a lot but the sweat has nowhere to go because the air around you is laden with moisture. This affects your ability to keep cool and dry.
Here is what you need to know and choose for clothes for hot humid weather.
Editors Pick for Summer Outfits
Image | Name | Material | Editors remark | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1.  | 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane | A sexy summer dress | ||
2.  | 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex | It fits lightly and loosely so your butt will enjoy the breeze | ||
3.  | Straw | Must-have for a sunny day out |
Here is the Table of Contents
How to Choose Clothing for Hot Humid Weather
i.) Lightweight and relaxed-fit clothes
11 Best Clothing for Hot Humid Weather
Best Tops for Hot Humid Weather
1. Bluetime Women’s Summer Halter Spaghetti Strap Lace Flowy Cami Shirt
This flowy top is all you need to beat the stuffy weather. It’s a sleeveless cami-style top but unlike a regular cami, it has a beautiful halter neck style. The straps are spaghetti style to minimize coverage and the neck area is lacy to enable breathability.
Since it’s flowy, it does not snug into your body and this is important to keep you comfortable when sweaty. The fabric is lightweight so it feels good and beautiful on the skin. This top is versatile so you can wear it for casual wear or layer it with a blazer for a more formal look.
“Perfect top for California hot weather ! The material is light and cool. Loved it I purchased 2 different colors.
I’m 5’5″, weigh 180 lbs, 38B and Large fits perfect.”– Tala Manuo in Compton, CA
Fabric: 65% Rayon/ 35% Polyester
- Flowy design to keep air flowing
- Beautiful and unique design
- Versatile for casual wear and also formal wear
- Good for different body sizes since it conceals tummy
- Runs large so you may need to get a size smaller
Best Dresses for Hot Humid Weather
2. AlvaQ Women’s Spring Summer Knot Front V Neck Ruffled Floral Print Mini Dress
This had to be top on our list of the best clothing for hot humid weather since a mini dress is perfect for enjoying the breeze. This spring dress is casual, feminine, and sexy. It is also versatile for different occasions since it looks like a two-piece outfit. The neckline has a deep V to allow breathability and the fabric is sheer, though the skirt side is not see-through.
Most people will think that you are wearing a skirt and a top. It’s a short dress but it’s long-sleeved. The good news is that it is flowy so it does not cling to your body to make you feel uncomfortable.
Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
- Sexy and feminine
- Versatile for different occasions
- Cut around the waist to allow air inside the body
- A short design ideal for hot and humid weather
- It is a long-sleeved dress but it still keeps you cool
3. R.Vivimos Women’s Summer Halter Deep V Neck Sexy Patchwork Mini Dress
When the weather is hot and humid, you need something to let your body feel the breeze. There is no better way to do it than wearing this flowy dress with some mesh detail.
It’s made from a combination of cotton and mesh so these two fabrics are great at keeping sweat away. The design of this short dress also allows you to stay cool and dry since it is backless, has spaghetti straps and it has a flowy design. It’s also a sexy but feminine dress, best for bringing out a girly look.
“Absolutely loved this dress. It was perfect for my baby shower. The length wasn’t too short and in the hot Florida weather , it was perfect! I got so many compliments on this dress.”- Keila
Material: 65% Cotton/ Mesh/ Spandex
- Flowy, backless, and short to keep sweat away
- Comfortable and breathable fabrics – cotton and mesh
- Sexy and feminine design
- Versatile for different occasions such as beaching or wedding
- Might be too short for the tall girls
Best Women’s Pants for Hot Humid Weather
4. Columbia Women’s Anytime Casual Capri, Stain Resistant, Sun Protection
Capri pants are one of the best outfits for heat and humidity since they almost look like shorts. These will protect you from the sun but at the same time, they will allow air underneath the cloth.
Unlike other casual capris, they do not snug the body so they’ll let some breeze in. These are basic pants without extra seams and zippers so you won’t feel restricted and hot when wearing them. They also come in basic colors so they are easy to style and match.
“Great capris for my trip to costa rica! Kept me dry in hot weather while riding an ATV. Very comfortable. Size is spot on.”- CDTal
Material: 96% Nylon, 4% Elastane
- Short style to allow free flow of air
- Loose fitting for extra comfort
- Basic design to keep you comfortable
- Easy to style
- Made from nylon so might feel cheap
5. OYANUS Women’s Casual Summer Loose Comfy Drawstring Wide Leg Capri Pants with Pockets
If you are looking for lounge-wear pants or simple pants for running errands, these are a perfect choice. They are loose-fitting pants to give you extra comfort and the ability to keep cool on a sweaty day.
The waist is elastic with a pull-on closure for comfort and easy wearing. They are also practical pants since they have real pockets. When it comes to versatility, you can wear these pants for casual wear but you can also use them for working out or yoga.
Comfy Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- Versatile to wear for different occasions
- Comfortable loose-fitting design
- Easy to wear elastic waist with drawstring
- Practical design with pockets
- Capri pants might feel old-fashioned for some people
Best Socks for Hot and Humid Weather
When hiking or just adventuring, you need breathable and sweat-absorbing socks to keep your feet comfortable and odor-free.
6. Feideer Hiking, Walking Moisture Wicking Crew Socks for Women
These socks have everything you need to keep your feet dry during hot and humid days. They are made from a blend of cotton, spandex, and mesh. The cotton fabric helps to absorb moisture from your fit while the mesh is responsible for breathability.
These are not just practical socks for humid days, they are also fashionable since they come in stylish colors. They are thick so they won’t slide on your feet but they also provide you with the right cushioning. Apart from wearing them during hot and humid days, you can wear them every day as walking socks.
“Comfy! Working outside all day they keep your feet warm in the cold and wet NJ winters. They also keep your feet dry and comfortable while hiking in the hot humid summers (in hiking boots no less!). Highly recommend. They are our go-to socks now, even just wearing around the house. Love ’em!”– NJ Mama
“I just got back from a 6 mile hike in the rocky river terrain of Virginia. It was 92 degrees with 56% humidity , and a heat index of 102. Needless to say I was drenched with sweat from head to the ankle. My feet however were completely dry (perhaps slightly damp but barely noticeable). No scrunching, slipping, rubbing, or cutting off circulation.
…Will buy again! I guess the true test will be after I have worn them and washed them a few times, but so far they’re great!”- Raina Hallmark
Fabric: 85% Cotton, 12% Polyester fiber, 3% Spandex
- Absorbent and airy – made from a blend of cotton and mesh
- Fashionable colors
- Thick for comfort and durability
- Versatile everyday walking socks
- Good for protecting feet from elements
- Might be too heavy
Best Summer Hats for Women
7. Furtalk Women’s Wide Brim UPF 50 Summer Straw Hat
Straw hats are the best since they are lightweight and airy. For hot and humid days, you need this hat since it allows air to flow and also does not feel bulky. Apart from being a practical hat for hot days, it’s also fashionable for casual and beach wear.
It’s a wide-brim hat so it will offer you sun protection when walking outdoors. If you are worried about wearing it to the beach due to wind, it has a chin strap to keep it in place. You can easily pack it into your travel bag since it’s foldable and does not take up a lot of space.
- Good for the environment – made from paper straw
- Lightweight and airy – woven style
- Fashionable and stylish for different occasions
- Practical chin strap and wide brim
- Easy to pack for travel
- Basic hat no added accessories
Best Shorts for Hot Humid Weather
8. BALEAF Women’s 5″ Lightweight Quick Dry UPF 50+ Athletic Shorts for Hiking, Running, Workout, with Zipper Pockets
With these shorts, the hot and humid weather should not prevent you from running. These are athletic shorts so they are sporty and fashionable for the outdoors.
These are above-the-knee shorts so they are pretty short making them ideal for hot weather. When running in the hot sun they offer sun protection but at the same time, they keep your skin dry since they are made from quick-drying fabric. The shorts are lightweight so they do not soak in a lot of sweat.
Material: 90% Nylon, 10% Spandex
- Fashionable athletic-style shorts
- Above-the-knee length for easy running
- Sun protection during hot days
- Quick-drying fabric to keep sweat away
- Lightweight for comfort
- Ideal for running and no other activities
9. Columbia Women’s Sandy River Short, Breathable, Sun Protection
If you are looking for basic shorts, these are the best. They have a simple design yet they are practical to keep you dry and cool during hot days. Since they’re basic shorts, you can wear them to the beach and also as running shorts.
They are thigh-length shorts so they are perfect for hot days. The shorts are made from a sun-protective fabric so you do not have to worry about sunburns. You will also love the elastic band and classic fit designs that give them a boyish look.
Fabric: 100% Nylon
- Simple design for versatile uses
- Thigh length is ideal for hot weather
- Good sun protection
- Classic fit and elastic band
- Might be too basic for some people
Best Cooling Headbands
10. Ergodyne Chill Its 6634 Cooling Headband, Moisture Wicking Sports Headbands for Men and Women
This headband is the perfect solution for dealing with sweat when working out. If you are running, doing yoga, or lifting weights, you need something to help you cool your head.
With this cooling headband, you can protect yourself from the sun and it also absorbs excess sweat. It has a contour style so it conforms to the shape of your head. The headband is also one size fits all so no matter your head size, it will always fit. It is simple yet stylish making it ideal for both men and women. Unlike other headbands, this one is lightweight and feels good on the skin.
Fabric: 92% Polyester/ 8% Spandex, UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV rays
- Sweat-absorbing features to keep you dry
- Ideal for everyone since it conforms to the head shape
- Simple and practical design for both men and women
- Lightweight and comfortable on the skin
- Good for protecting skin from the sun
- Runs big but you can make adjustments
Cooling Face Covers
11. Chill Pal 12 in 1 Multi Style Cooling Neck Gaiter Face Cover
A face cover is ideal in extreme heat conditions. The best thing about this face cover is that it can be worn in different ways depending on your needs. You can wear it as a bandana, neck scarf, and even as a hat.
If you want to cool your body during the sweaty summer months, keep it in cold water and wear it. You will get instant cooling as the sweat evaporates from your body.
“ This was NECESSARY on my hot hike in the Grand Canyon a few days ago. It was reaching dangerous temps (110) and I almost overheated several times. This is amazing cause it only needs water and to be whipped around. It gets so cold! It cooled me down and I was able to hike safely.”- Luke Brenneman
- Versatile to wear in different styles
- Great for cooling the body
- Proper protection from the sun
- Not very stylish but practical
FAQs on best clothes for heat and humidity
What are the best types of fabric for hot humid weather?
i.) Cotton
Cotton is the most preferred fabric for hot and humid weather. It is super absorbent and will absorb all the sweat from your body allowing your skin to cool.
Apart from being superabsorbent, it is soft and feels great on the body. It also allows air to circulate in and out of your body which is a good thing when you’re trying to get rid of sweat.
ii.) Chambray
Chambray is considered a sister to cotton. It has the look and feel of denim but it’s a surprisingly cooling fabric. Since it is a woven fabric, it allows air inside and outside the body with ease.
iii.) Linen
There is a reason why linen is worn to the beach. It is a lightweight, comfortable and breathable fabric. During hot and humid days, you need something that will let your body breathe. If you want a sense of freshness, it’s advisable to wear linen.
iv.) Merino wool
Wool does not exactly sound like fabric for hot humid weather. Surprisingly, merino wool can be very cooling since it is made into a very thin fabric. The fabric is woven so it’s perfect for cooling the body.
Air flows in and out of the tiny holes making it a perfect coolant. Make sure that you choose good quality merino wool if you want to experience the best results.
v.) Rayon
Rayon is a blend of cotton, silk, wool, and linen. This fabric has been artificially manipulated to give the benefits of all four fabrics. It is a flowy and airy fabric that is perfect for hot days. You can wear it to the beach for a cooling effect. However, do not expect rayon to be as absorbent as cotton.
Which fabric should you avoid for hot humid weather?
Polyester is one of the worst fabrics for hot humid weather. It resists moisture and will only keep your body sweaty for a long time. Polyester is a preferred fabric for travelers and it is also used in sportswear but unfortunately, it is not comfortable.
The only good side about polyester is that it is fast drying. If you are going to choose polyester as a summer fabric, make sure that it is blended with other fabrics like cotton so that you can experience the maximum benefits.
Conclusion
You don’t have to soak in sweat just because the weather is hot and moisture-laden. The market now has different types and designs of garments to keep you cool and dry –from the head to the toe- throughout a hot summer day. These include shirts, camisoles, dresses, shorts, capris, sun hats, headbands, and face covers, all made of breathable and cooling fabric.