I am a person that sweats. It’s a genetic thing—my dad has been known to keep not one, not two, but three changes of clothing in his car for particularly hot summer days. And this season is shaping up to be a doozy for my sweat glands; I can’t open my Weather app without seeing some warning about a national heat wave. And to make matters worse, I live in a building that has no AC. I am surviving through sheer will.
All this to say, I am thee girl to ask about dressing to beat the heat. I have spent an inordinate amount of time considering things like textiles, sweat stains, thigh chafing…you name it, I’ve googled it. So without further ado, here’s what I’m wearing this season. May it be autumn soon.
Short and sweet
My number one go-to for summer is shorts. But I’m pretty picky about them. I have thighs that rub together, so short-shorts that leave my thigh flesh exposed are mostly a no-go. I like a jort, but this year it’s legitimately too hot for that much heavy denim. So let’s talk about a few other styles that fill the shorts hole in my heart.
First up, you’ve seen plenty of people cover athletic shorts, but that’s because they’re fucking comfortable.
If you’re subscribed to the same Substacks I am, you’ve probably seen someone talking about Relax Lacrosse. But god help me, I do not have it in my spirit to pay $80 for a pair of gym shorts. Instead, I opted for this pair of boys’ Adidas shorts. I wear an adult M and bought the shorts in an XL, and they fit perfectly. If you want to size up beyond that, instead check out this pair of Wales Bonner x Adidas shorts that are avail up to a men’s XXL.
For a pricier option in the same family, I love these bow-covered Fidan Novruzova shorts. I also found the exact same pair pre-owned for about $30 cheaper; maybe you can bargain the Vestiaire seller down even further.
The other short of the season is undoubtedly the boxer short. Emphasis on boxer short; I’ve seen a lot of girls rocking bloomers, and while I celebrate the style, I do not find it particularly comfortable. Boxer shorts paired with an elevated sandal (more on that in a minute) and a basic top from Geel are gonna be my go-to for the summer.
I love these Deiji ruffly boxers; they feel a little more sophisticated than whatever you might grab from a guy’s drawer. For a shorter iteration, these Priscavera boxer shorts are fun and flirty.
And when in doubt on your shorts, go for something neutral and versatile. I don’t know how to classify these shorts. Hiking dad, maybe?
The elasticated waistband on these gray Album di Famiglia shorts really calls to me. I believe that I could go spelunking in them. These J.L-A.L brown knit shorts seem potentially a little heavier than I would like, but I think the roominess makes up for the weight.
Speaking of fabric, let’s talk clothes with some serious breathability.
Linen and cotton
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