Why Is It Better to Wear Loose Clothing During Summer?

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, very hot weather can present severe health risks, particularly for the elderly and infirm as well as for young children. In addition to remaining hydrated and limiting strenuous activity, it is advisable to wear loose-fitting light-colored clothing during periods of intense heat.

Function

According to the Natural Agricultural Safety Database, sweating is the body's natural mechanism for self-cooling. Wearing loose-fitting clothing allows the skin to breathe and facilitates sweating, whereas tight clothing restricts air circulation, keeping the body hot.

Significance

According to NASD, as the body sweats, the sweat begins to evaporate; this process allows the skin to cool and the body's temperature to decrease. Loose clothing increases air circulation, stimulating sweat evaporation and preventing such health issues as heatstroke and heat rash.

Types

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals should wear as little clothing as possible during periods of extreme heat. When clothing is worn, it should be light colored and ideally made of cotton, a fabric that breathes easily. A wide-brimmed hat is also recommended to shield the head and face from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Prevention/Solution

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, serious health conditions can arise when the body is unable to cool itself during periods of intense heat. In particularly humid climates, sweat evaporates slowly, and the body cannot cool itself as quickly as it should. It can take from four to seven days for the body to acclimate to extreme heat. It is advisable to wear small amounts of loose-fitting, breathable clothing until the body adapts to the temperature.

Warning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the very old and the very young are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness and should be watched carefully for signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. In addition, sunburn causes dehydration and can hinder the body's ability to cool itself, so it is critical to wear sunscreen at all times when outdoors.

References

• Illinois Department of Public Health: Hot Weather Information
• Natural Ag Safety Database: Battling the Elements Safely
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat