Appropriate clothing is one way to prepare for the heat. Conventional wisdom states that loose-fitting and lightweight garments are best at keeping us cool, but what does “loose” or “light” mean when you are staring at your closet and deciding what to wear?In interviews, Preeti Gopinath, an associate professor of textiles at the New School’s Parsons School of Design in New York, and Britt Theodora, a stylist in New York, offered their advice on how to stay cool and comfortable in your clothing in extreme heat.Go for flowing linens and (some) cottonCertain cotton garments can be breathable, but denim has a dense weave structure that can make it too warm for a hot day. Photograph: Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times In hot weather, wearing clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen and, to some extent, silk can help you stay cool.“Linen and cotton are naturally breathable materials,” Gopinath says. Those materials allow for the transport of moisture from the skin to the air by absorbing sweat through the fabric.However, just because a garment’s tag states that it is made of 100 per cent cotton does not necessarily mean that it will help cool you down. Denim shorts, jeans and jackets, which are usually made of cotton, have a dense weave that makes them less breathable than clothing made from seersucker or poplin.Theodora recommends saving your silk for the evenings, when you’re less likely to sweat, as the material requires more maintenance and care than cotton.Sweat-wicking synthetics might not helpSynthetic fabrics, like those found in workout wear and rain jackets, are known for their moisture-wicking capabilities, as they help pull sweat away from the skin. But in extreme heat, they tend to trap heat against the body, as they are less breathable than natural fabrics. The heat trapping can be exacerbated when the skin is dry in hot weather and sweat is not evaporating to keep the body cool.Banish the bodyconThe bigger and looser, the better. Clothing that sits away from the body is better at keeping you cool than tightfitting garments.“Having loose clothing allows air to actually swirl around, and that swirling air will pick up sweat off your body,” Gopinath says. “When it picks it up off your body, it evaporates into the air, and that cools your skin.”[ Irish homes can feel stuffy in warmer weather. But there are simple ways to help it feel coolerOpens in new window ]She also recommends long-sleeve tops that are loose on the body, as they can reduce the likelihood of a sunburn.You don’t have to sacrifice style. Theodora advises taking note of proportions and finding ways to balance volume, either through adding accessories or wearing a slightly form-fitting top with roomier bottoms.Lighter colours absorb less heatBright colours and patterns can be a nice middle ground if you don’t want to wear light or pastel shades. Photograph: Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times While darker colours are more forgiving of sweat stains and offer sun protection, they also absorb more heat than light-coloured clothing, which reflects sunlight.For a middle ground, Gopinath recommends patterned and other brightly coloured clothes that sit away from the skin.Outfit change, anyone? If you commute in air-conditioned transportation or work in a freezing office, Theodora suggests packing a shirt or shawl to drape over your shoulders for those settings that is light enough not to weigh you down.Some may choose to switch up their outfits entirely and bring an extra shirt to the office.“Sweaty clothing is not a problem because as it gives up the moisture, it will cool down,” Gopinath says. “But you will feel uncomfortable from being clammy.”Rethink your accessoriesGold and silver are conductors of heat, and jewellery made of these materials can trap more heat against your body. Gold-plated jewellery can also tarnish when it comes into contact with moisture, such as sweat, and exposure to sunlight can cause pearls to yellow.Let’s talk about stink … Loose, airy clothing made from natural fibres is less likely to hold on to odour than synthetic clothing that clings to the body. The same goes for footwear. Plastic or foam shoes won’t absorb sweat and could result in smelly feet. Gopinath recommends cotton socks, which absorb moisture, with most closed-toe shoes.Embrace hatsHats are recommended, as long as they protect your face from the sun. Cotton baseball caps have the added benefit of absorbing sweat. People who are bald or have fine hair should take special care and integrate a hat into their ensembles, as hats can also protect their heads from the sun. – This article originally appeared in The New York Times.