next »

[frogfactory]

It's getting seriously hot already in Froggyville.  I've never dealt with this sort of heat for prolonged periods before, except on holiday, when one can get away with looking like a filthy hippie.  That is not so much an option now.

So I ask you, wise forumites, for advice.  How does one dress in hot weather to minimise the appearance of the inevitable sweat patches?

[john_proctor]

myself, I'm pretty much going ahead with the filthy hippy look.  Into the breech Devil may care carpe diem Damn the torpedoes and all that.

[inthelab]

To minimize sweat patches, a really effective antiperspirant helps.   Dress in cool loose fabrics (cotton, linen).  Drink cool liquids.
My office has no cooling- no AC and no outlet for a fan (I may have to bring in an illegal surge protector cum outlet expander).  I sometimes make compresses out of ice to keep cool.

[amiens]

At Southern State University where I did my BA, I had 'hot weather routes' to get around campus that took me through lots of buildings that had A/C (in other words, I'd walk outside for a minute or two, then cut through a building to cool off, rinse and repeat...).  I used those routes when I wanted to be sure I wasn't sweating through my clothes.  Never letting the sweat and heat build seemed to do the trick.  Of course, I had to plan more time for getting from point to point because these routes were not all that efficient.

This assumes you have buildings with A/C.  I wish I was kidding about my solution, 'cause it's a bit silly, but it also worked for me.  I hope someone has a better suggestion!

[frogfactory]

To minimize sweat patches, a really effective antiperspirant helps.   

Any specific recommendations?  I used to think Mitchum's was really good, but it's not doing the trick here.

[stanwyck]

To minimize sweat patches, a really effective antiperspirant helps.   

Any specific recommendations?  I used to think Mitchum's was really good, but it's not doing the trick here.

Right Guard Xtreme Ultra Gel (Energy). Trust me.

[inthelab]

To minimize sweat patches, a really effective antiperspirant helps.   

Any specific recommendations?  I used to think Mitchum's was really good, but it's not doing the trick here.

I think it's a YMMV thing. What works great for me does not work for Labkid #1. FWIW, I like Arrid XX, the stick kind.

[barred_owl]

Not sure about the anti-perspirants--you might have to try one or two before you find something that works well for you.  Personally, I like Secret unscented, but YMMV. :)

In terms of keeping cool, if you're going to be outside a lot, you can accessorize with a neck cooler.  They're basically a tube of cloth into which an absorbent gel is packed.  You soak the cooler in cold water, the gel expands, then you tie it around your neck (wring out the excess water), sort of like a bandana.  Hubby and I used these when we were installing a patio in 95-degree temps, and they really made a difference keeping us cool!!  You can find them online--just google "neck cooler" or check e-bay.  They only run about $3-$5, and are well worth it!

[amlithist]

myself, I'm pretty much going ahead with the filthy hippy look.  Into the breech Devil may care carpe diem Damn the torpedoes and all that.

Ah, John, this is why we love you!

[indianalitchick]

Nothing I've ever tried has kept me totally dry, but I've had the best luck with the "clinical strength" antiperspirants.  Secret (if you're female) has come out with a waterproof one that is supposed to last through heat and humidity--I may try that as the heat and humidity increases here.

[conjugate]

I can't use antiperspirant; after a short time, the rash in my armpits gets so bad it starts to bleed.

Deodorant, dark-colored shirts, and an aura of unawareness will help.

[spectacle]

It's outrageously hot in the NE this week and I'm going to have to switch deodorants.  I hate the idea of antiperspirants, but unfortunately,  plain old deodorant does nothing for me.  See if you can get a trial size of something before you commit to the buy - I got a little $1 dealie of the Secret Monster Strength thing today.

A few years ago I was in Rome in August.  That was hell.  I was bright red and soaking wet pretty much the whole time - even wearing loose, lightweight linen and cotton in light colors (to avoid sweatmarks).  I wish I knew whatever secret Roman women know for looking cool and put together all the time, even in tight black denim jeans.  Is it genetic or what?

[malcha]

I found that wearing a big hat made an amazing difference to my general coolness [hey, and I'm already so cool you could keep a side of meat in me for a week] as well as sun protection to the face.  And when I had to teach in a lot of warm weather I invested heavily in linen.  If you have a sleeveless thing that you can wear as you walk, and then a light linen jacket or cotton shirt-jacket that you can put on before you enter the classroom, it helps you look together and collected.

I also ODed on milkshakes.  Then I had to buy more linen with looser waistbands.

[systeme_d_]

I am posting here, as a current Mitchum user, to keep up with the suggestions others are making.

Some days, the old Mitchum just doesn't cut it.

But I have used the neck coolers Barred Owl describes.  Dear SO actually sews them, in my choices of colors and patterns!

[undisciplined]

Linen. Seersucker. Floaty cotton garments. Sandals. Loosely woven straw hats. Add iced coffee and stir.