The current brutal heat wave battering much of the eastern United States will likely be one of the others in the coming years. Of course, the country is no stranger to hot summers, but climate change has significantly impacted the weather, making it more unpredictable than it ever was before.
Now the effects have become ever more serious, especially now that New York City has been reclassified as having a humid subtropical climate. People will need to make changes in their daily lives to combat these new temperatures. The first and simplest way to make changes is through clothing.
Except for athletic wear, most popular clothing materials in the United States are made to retain heat. Unsurprisingly, this is due to the cold temperatures often experienced in the fall, winter, and even spring months.
Unfortunately, climate change has thrown the typical four seasons common in the USA out of whack. The heat tends to stay longer into the year than before, and when it does get cold, it happens when most would least expect.
To successfully survive these rising temperatures, American fashion companies should look to cultures whose clothing has adapted to heat. That means incorporating more breathable, lighter and looser materials.
Cotton and linen remain some of the most popular natural materials for summer, due to their breathability. Other light fabrics include silk, rayon, bamboo, Chiffon and even jersey. Designers could use these materials to make oversized shirts, dresses, or any other type of clothing that doesn’t cling to the skin. Clothing that offers less coverage, as well as being brightly colored, would also help keep off the heat.
Additionally, hats and even parasols would be great additions to a person’s wardrobe. In countries in East Asia, hats and parasols are still widely used to keep a person cool.
