The Cool Down Edit: 5 Of The Best Fabrics For Hot Flush Style

Probably one of the main things I’ve taken from Perimenopause is the need to be more intentional in all that you do, to try and make things a bit easier on yourself, for example, before, putting a capsule wardrobe together consisted of what key items I wanted to wear and how they would all work together, but now more thought has to come into it; like what fabrics they’re made of? Am I choosing layers that can be removed easily while still looking presentable?

This summer I’m paying attention to my fabric selection, to help me stay cool while keeping the hot flushes in check, choosing natural, breathable, fibres that allow for the air to flow. so that I’m working with my body instead of against it!

Natural fibres or a mix of natural fibres is your main saving grace; as fully synthetic garments tend to trap in the heat, making you feel hotter and looking flustered. Natural fabrics can be costly, but think of them more as investment pieces that you will add to, as they will last a long time.

My personal go-to are sustainable companies like Baukjen and Muju, both have great ranges of quality natural fabric clothing in their collections, which are the foundations of my wardrobe.

A practical minimalist, summer capsule wardrobe could consist of the following fabrics and items, but can be adjusted to whatever items you personally like to wear:

• 2 Linen dresses
• 1 hemp dress
• 3 linen/cotton tees
• 2 camisoles
• 2 linen trousers
• 1 skirt or shorts
• 1 lightweight over shirt
• 2 lightweight cardigans (For air-conditioned offices)

A warm weather proof capsule mixes: Linen for airflow, cotton for comfort, silk for temperature regulating and hemp for durability.

Core cooling fabrics and capsule pieces

1. Linen – Best for Dresses, Loose Overshirts, T-shirts & Trousers

Linen items are always the starter pieces in my capsule wardrobe, for the simple fact that it’s cooling and breathable. The downside is that it creases easily, and can sometimes feel a bit rough, so a linen-cotton mix cuts down on the creasing and is softer to the touch.

Whether in a dress, loose shirt or trouser format, linen pieces are the items I’m always on the look out for to add to my wardrobe, it’s versatile and great dressed up or for a more casual look.

Baukjen Emily Linen Gingham midi dress

Baukjen Muriel Linen Shirt – Baukjen Doretta Linen Trousers

• Best fabric for keeping cool
• Extremely breathable
• Filter out heat fast
• Dries quickly
• Naturally antimicrobial
• Loose weave helps with airflow

Best for:

• Dresses
• Wide leg trousers
• Oversized shirt (great for layering)
• Sleepwear

2. Cotton – Best for T-shirts, Camisoles, Shirts, Dresses Etc.

A great basics item, it absorbs sweat but can dry slowly, so in moments of intense heat and added hot flush it can feel damp at times, but with the heatwaves we’ve been experiencing, I don’t think that will be too much of an issue!

Baukjen Essentials Organic Cotton Rib Tank. Baukjen Lois Organic Draped Top

Baukjen Melrose Double Cheesecloth Wide Leg Trousers. Muji High Twist Cotton Buttoned Cape

Cotton underwear is a great foundation layer that the rest of your capsule wardrobe will sit on, camisole tops and t-shirts are perfect to wear under linen shirts, or teaming a t-shirt with a linen skirt, or trousers with an oversized waistcoat pulls an outfit together and gives it a slightly smarter edge on days when your wardrobe needs a smarter look.

Best for:

• Camisoles
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Pyjamas
• Summer dresses

3. Hemp or Flax – Best for Dresses, Loose fitting Shirts or Tops

Hemp has received quite a bit of attention as being a great item for a perimenopause summer capsule wardrobe, because it moisture wicking and is highly breathable.

Muji Women’s Hemp Blend Pinafore Dress. Baukjen Ellinor European Flax Blend Jumper

• Highly breathable
• Moisture wicking
• Cooler than many cottons
• Naturally antibacterial
• Durable and softens over time
• Especially good in blends:
• Hemp + Cotton
• Hemp + Linen
• Hemp + TENCEL

Best for:

• Relaxed trousers
• Shirts
• Travel clothing
• Layering

4. Silk – Best for Camisoles, Loose Shirts

Silk regulates temperature, but can show perspiration more than linen or cotton

5. TENCEL Lyocell – Best for dresses, Tops

Clothing made in this fabric is very cooling and it’s smooth against the body.

• Less wrinkly than linen
• Comfortable in humidity

Baukjen Kyrah printed waisted midi dress

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