Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. 1. A sleeveless button-up tunic with a beautifully draped design that gives you all the flowy goodness of a dress, but it'll stay cool and breathable thanks to the sheer fabric.
Get it from Torrid for $29.95 (originally $59.90; available in sizes M–6X and also in a floral print).
2. An instantly cooling T-shirt for the days when you feel like sweat is simply inevitable. The HydroFreeze X fabric is designed to wick away moisture and disperse it through the fabric so that it dries super quickly.
Prepare to buy multiples of these — it's your new go-to summer shirt. Promising review: "Absolutely love this shirt! The fabric legitimately works and makes you feel cooler, even before you begin to sweat. Sweat is wicked away immediately, and the fabric dries almost instantly.
It's wonderful for working out as well as for traveling because it can easily be washed out in a sink/shower and will dry quickly on a hanger." — "nedorost" Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and five other colors).
3. A pair of leggings that'll quickly wick away any sweat from your skin to help cool you down. Reviewers say the waistband stays in place all day long, and there's even a secret back pocket that's the perfect size for cards or keys.
Promising review: "These are the best tights and fit like a dream. I routinely deadlift and squat 125+ pounds and sweat a ton, and these provide support, do not slip down, provide great coverage, and keep me cool." — Stephanie Get it from Girlfriend Collective for $88 (available in sizes XXS–6XL and 17 other colors).
4. Or a pair of knee-length leggings to give your legs a little extra breathing room, thanks to the shorter design. Best of all, reviewers say these are light enough to be cooling during warm weather but are not so thin that they're see-through.
Promising review: "Living in Florida, I look for comfortable hot weather clothes. The fact that they are a cotton-based spandex makes them more breathable than others. They wash and dry well without shrinkage, and are fine for casual wear, around the house, or running to the supermarket.
A couple of pairs of these are summertime basics for me." — Beach Lover Get them from Amazon for $17.99 (available in sizes XS–7X and 37 other colors).
5. A pair of high-waisted biker shorts for those of you who just can't give up the comfort of leggings but don't want to trap in extra heat. These give you the same level of comfort but allow your legs to breathe.
This particular pair is loved since the waistband stays put all day long and for the spacious pockets! Promising review: "I have worn these shorts at near-100-degree temps, and the fabric didn't cause any excess sweating or irritation. I did purchase another brand and the difference is unbelievable. If you are looking, just get them and you'll see.
" — Twinkie Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL, three lengths, and 30 other colors). 6.
Or!!! A pair of dressy shorts that'll make you rethink everything you know about business-casual. They have the elegant look of a sleek pair of tailored pants, and the wide-leg opening means they're super airy and perfect for hot weather. Heads up: Many reviewers suggest ordering one size up for a comfier fit! Promising review: "I have a hard time with shorts, but Madewell ends up hitting the mark every season.
These shorts are so comfortable, and they fit great. The length is perfect." — Sarcop Get them from Madewell for $78 (available in standard sizes 00–16 and plus sizes 14W—28W and three other colors).
7. A sleeveless mini dress with a halter neckline to keep your arms, shoulders, and back well-ventilated even when the weather is particularly hot and humid. Get it from Eloquii for $59.
97 (originally $99.95; available in sizes 14–32 and in green). 8.
A strapless bustier reviewers say is super supportive and fits true-to-size. It's made of breathable mesh and with a backless design to stop any of the dreaded shoulder sweat from forming while you're trying to get your summer brunch on. Promising review: " Beautiful, simple, and so worth the money! It’s super breathable and perfect for hot days.
" — Amanda Another promising review: "I purchased this corset after watching a TikTok video of another mid-sized girl talking about how great it is. It did not disappoint! It fits nicely. I got lots of compliments on it! Someone else pointed out to me that the fabric looks expensive and just like another bustier listed on PrettyLittleThings for over twice the price.
" — Elizabeth Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes 00–20 and in 12 other colors). 9.
A flowy maxi dress made of linen, which is every sweaty person's must-have fabric (it dries way faster than cotton!). This one has super thin spaghetti straps and is extra flowy to keep things easy and breezy in the summer heat. Coco De Chom is a woman- and family-owned small business based in Dallas.
Get it from Coco De Chom for $119.95 (available in one size meant to fit sizes S–L or 0–8). 10.
A stretchy "freezer dress" with moisture-wicking fabric, temperature-regulating technology, and UPF 30 sun protection, making it perfect for anyone who overheats the second they step outside. Promising review: "I love this dress!! I sweat so badly when I work. I clean houses and am a massage therapist.
This dress is cooler and wicks the sweat off my body! The length is perfect above the knee, and the print is so cute!! I wear shorts under this dress! I own five of these dresses. " — Kittkissel Get it from Amazon for $27.50 (available in sizes XS–3X and 55 other colors).
11. A polka-dot organza-sleeve bodysuit that's perfect for anyone who wants to cover their arms without adding extra warmth. The sheer sleeves allow for plenty of airflow, so it basically combines the look of an elegant blouse with the comfiness of a trusty tank top.
Promising review: "The bodysuit material is a little thin but not see-through, so a nice breathable material. Sleeves hold up well and do not fall!" — Haley F. Another promising review: "I was surprised at how great this looks and feels! The lace isn’t itchy at all, the bodysuit is super soft, and I love that it has three snaps across; it makes it so I don’t end up with a wedgie! Love it! Getting white next.
😍" — Colleen Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 33 other colors/styles). 12.
A pair of seriously chic pants with adjustable ties at the side to allow for optimum airflow. It's truly the best of both worlds: the look of pants with the feel of shorts. Oh, and reviewers say the elastic waistband makes them super comfy.
Promising review: "Super airy and light but not see-through, which was great!" —Cassie Lisa Says Gah is a woman-owned small clothing business from Lisa Bühler. The brand uses dead stock to create its designs and describes itself as an anti-fast fashion, pro-community company. Get them from Lisa Says Gah for $148 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 12 colors).
13. Or a pair of pants so soft and cozy, one reviewer said they feel like pajamas! These are meant to look like dress pants while mimicking the feel of your favorite barely-there leggings so you can feel dressed up without heating up. Promising review: "I love these pants! The material is soft and very durable, and the stretch waistband sits perfectly.
My favorite part is the POCKETS! I’ve never owned a pair of dress pants with pockets big enough to fit my whole phone." — Whitney B. Get them from Universal Standard for $94 (available in sizes 00–40 and five other colors; also available with a zipper or pintuck).
14. A silky midi dress with a V-neck cut in the front (and back!) and side slits, so you'll be extra ventilated when the temperatures start the rise. Reviewers say the satin material is a good medium-weight, so it feels substantial enough to wear on its own.
Promising review: " This was great for walking around Las Vegas in the heat — I used it with a button-down shirt at brunch, a T-shirt under for a casual look, and a swim cover-up!" — Elizabeth D. Get it from Amazon for $54.90 (available in sizes XXS–5X and in 26 other colors).
15. A racerback tank top when the thought of sleeves is simply too stifling. This one combines a high crewneck with a sleeveless cut, so it's basically an elevated take on your go-to tank top.
Promising review: "Love this tank! Thick, quality material, fits perfectly and I feel so confident knowing I'm wearing organic cotton!" — Dana G. Get it from Nordstrom for $38 (available in sizes XS–3XL and two other colors). 16.
Or a tank top that will stand out amongst all your others, thanks to the comfy-chic crew neckline and mesh inset. It's slightly dressier than your usual tank but will still keep you cool and ventilated. Get it from Torrid for $17.
95 (originally $35.90; available in sizes 00–6). 17.
A mini dress with versatile sleeves you can wear on- or off-the-shoulder, so you can get a little extra breathing room when you're strutting in the sun. The elasticized waist also makes it super comfy and stretchy — there's nothing worse than a tight-fitting fabric when you're prone to sweat. Promising review: "I adore this dress.
I wish it came in other prints and colors; I would buy one in every shade!" — Lisa K. Hermoza is a woman-owned and Latinx-co-owned brand with a focus on creating classic, timeless silhouettes with high-quality materials. Its name comes from the Spanish word hermosa, meaning "beautiful.
" Get it from Hermoza for $114 (originally $228; available in sizes XS–L and also in a blue floral print). 18. A poplin top — it has an oversized fit that'll make you want to ditch all of your usual T-shirts.
This is just as easy to throw on, but it's way more versatile, thanks to the chic scalloped edges and eyelet detail. Get it from J.Crew for $79.
50 (originally $118; available in sizes XXS–3X and three other colors. 19. A pair of casual shorts made with a cozy jersey material that are just as perfect for running errands as they are for lounging around on the couch.
Reviewers say they're "loose and airy," so sweat won't even think about showing up when you've got these on. Promising review: "Became my favorite shorts. I actually bought them for doing sports, but now I just wear them all the time.
Super comfy!" — nanaschka HuggingBearr is a small Etsy shop based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria that specializes in handmade jewelry and fashion. Get them from HuggingBearr on Etsy for $25.82+ (originally $30.
29+; available in sizes XS–XL and three inseams). 20. A handmade tunic dress featuring a fun, asymmetrical cut that'll flow all around you.
Reviewers say that the billowing fabric drapes beautifully. You'll be twirling and floating around so much that you'll basically create your own air conditioning. Zenmix is a small Etsy shop based in Charlotte, North Carolina specializing in hand-crafted fashion.
Get it from Zenmix on Etsy for $89 (available in sizes XS–2X and two other colors). 21. A knit top for the days when you want the sleeveless comfort of a tank top but need something a bit more dressy.
It's made with a soft jersey fabric, so you'll still get plenty of stretch and breathability in the heat. Get it from Reformation for $78 (available in sizes XS–XL and five other colors). 22.
A flowy, pleated A-line skirt , because summer is practically designed for twirling around in the grass and living your best influencer life. Reviewers note that it's true to size, and the waistband gives the perfect amount of stretch while still staying in place. Promising review: "This skirt looks far better than I expected and was shockingly comfortable.
.. and isn't too heavy to wear even during the summer months!" — Daisy Get it from Amazon for $35.
99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and eight other colors). 23. A flutter-sleeve top that's a subtle upgrade to your typical black T-shirt.
It provides a bit of coverage at the shoulder but is still loose enough to keep you from feeling too covered in the warmer temperatures. Plus, reviewers say they pair this with absolutely everything . Promising review: "The shoulder detail is a great spin on a traditional shirt.
I have it in a few colors." — eclairparis Get it from Nordstrom Rack for $9.98 (originally $38; available in sizes S–XL and seven other colors).
24. A warm-weather-friendly moisture-wicking tennis dress with built-in shorts — which some reviewers say is similar to one made by a brand that rhymes with Pree Feople. It's also super stretchy and soft, so it's as perfect for athletic activities as it is for lounging around thinking about doing athletic activities.
Promising review: "This romper is the perfect example of 'if I like it, I’ll just get it in another color.' 😂 I have bought three colors in a month's period because I love it so much and get so many compliments. Fits perfect and is so comfy!" — Destiny W.
Get it from Amazon for $19.98 (available in sizes S–3XL and 15 other colors). 25.
A pair of joggers that actually won't make you overheat once you put them on! These are made with 'AIRism' fabric, which is designed to absorb moisture and dry quickly. It also feels cool to the touch and controls any odors caused by excess sweat. Promising review: "These joggers are what I have been looking for! Perfectly breathable and comfortable in warm or cool weather.
True to size but slightly long on my short legs. I'm thrilled to have three colors!" — Dee Dee Get it from Uniqlo for $29.90 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and four other colors).
26. A sweat-wicking tank made with "ice silk" material that's basically any heavy-sweater's best friend: it's cool to the touch and dries quickly. Reviewers say it's super soft and allows just enough breeze to flow through.
Promising review: "Love the material, feels great before you're sweaty and even when you're sweaty you don't notice as much. Also love the LENGTH. Some workout tops are too long and can get hot; this one leaves a little gap for a breeze without being a 'crop top.
'" — Matthew H. Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in sizes S–XL and nine other colors).
27. A linen vest , because most of us are really underestimating the versatility of these sleeveless wonders. This one is made with a breathable linen-blend fabric — and you'll probably be tempted to pair it with your favorite long-sleeve tops once fall rolls around.
Get it from Mango for $49.99+ (originally $69.99; available in sizes XXS–XXL and two other colors).
28. An extremely popular jumpsuit that has become a bit of a viral sensation — and for good reason. Reviewers say it's lightweight enough, so you never have to worry about sweat marks ! Plus, flight attendants swear by it since it's super easy to pack and wrinkle-resistant.
Promising review: "Made very well. Nice breathable fabric that isn’t too thick/heavy but also isn’t cheap or too thin. It’s very soft, lightweight, and flows nicely.
Nice quality. I’m always extremely skeptical about elastic waists because they can kill a look; I was ECSTATIC to find that this isn’t your average elastic waist. It gathers just enough to give definition between the torso and hips and isn’t even close to being too tight or snug around the waist.
Seriously, I was so excited. The off-shoulder neckline is sexy and feminine, and living in Arizona, between having a shoulder exposed and putting my hair up, it makes me feel 50% cooler in the hot temps. Love it.
" — Holly Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and 31 other colors). 29.
A loose-fitting romper , which is the ultimate lazy summer fashion must-have. You'll still get the comfort of your favorite shirt-and-shorts combo, but something about combining them into one piece really elevates the silhouette. Don't question it; it's just the rules of fashion.
Plus, several reviewers note that the stretchy material makes it feel lightweight and keeps them cool. Promising review: "I bought this romper in army green just to have something simple and casual to accessorize and wear for my birthday a few months ago. As basic as it may seem, this outfit has drawn compliments EVERY single time I’ve worn it! I was actually really surprised, because although I really do like it a lot, I wouldn’t have thought that it was something that would attract the attention of strangers, but inevitably, at least two people compliment me on it whenever I wear it.
" — L. Williamson Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and 18 other colors).
30. A linen shirtdress so you can ditch the shorts while upgrading to the T-shirt's much more chic and sophisticated cousin. The wrinkle-resistant linen fabric makes it perfect for summer weather.
Promising review: "I bought this dress in my normal size towards the end of pregnancy, and it quickly became a daily staple. So easy to throw on and love the cool linen fabric. Will be purchasing in other colors!" — Sara TM Get it from Everlane for $110 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and four other colors).
31. An activewear skort one reviewer says has the "perfect fit" and is "super comfy" — it's a must for anyone who's bored of shorts but also not really a skirt person. Oh, and did we mention the fabric is sweat-wicking? It's basically designed for unbearable heat.
Promising review: "These are so great. I brought them on vacation to Disney and Universal. They were comfortable and cool in 90+ degrees.
I liked them so much I wore them every day and am going to order in more colors." — Tamera W. Get it from Amazon for $26.
99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 34 other colors). 32. A pair of casual cotton linen overalls made with a summer-friendly loose fit so you'll have plenty of room to get your Mamma Mia on and dance around like Meryl Streep dodging three potential baby daddies on a Greek island.
Reviewers note that these stay cool and comfy even when the temps reach the high 90s. Promising review: "I just wanted these for kicking around in the garden, and they have worked great for that..
.so I own three pairs now. They're lightweight and good for warmer days.
" — C. Zittel Get them from Amazon for $27.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and 16 other colors).
33. A pair of capri-style yoga pants — they're not only the perfect length for hot summer weather, but are also made of sweat-wicking fabric to keep any annoying sweat stains at bay. Promising review: "I have bought four pairs of these capris! They are more comfortable and cooler than wearing shorts out in the heat and high humidity .
.. Great quality product, high-waisted.
" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and six other colors). 34.
And a pair of loose-fitting linen pants that will make you forget shorts are even a thing. They hit right above the ankle (so go ahead and throw on an anklet while you're at it!) and have a stretchy, drawstring waistband for a super comfy fit. Promising review: "I’m a teacher and appreciate a comfortable pair of pants.
These are on the thinner side material wise so great for the hot months." — Laura Get them from Amazon for $21.66+ (available in sizes S–5XL and 20 other colors).
When someone asks why you're wearing black in the summer: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity..
