Ah, humidity. We know it, and we can’t stand it. All it brings is frizzy hair, a sticky feeling on the skin, and the awareness that we are just *that* much closer to breathing water like sea creatures. Those are all terrible feelings, but there is one more major inconvenience that humidity brings us: how do we dress for it? Hot, cold, rainy, most have a good sense of handling those, but humidity is a force of its own.

So what do you do? Here are a few tips from the most humid places to live on what to wear to beat the heat and humidity. All products tagged are by eco-friendly, sustainable brands. Happy shopping!

Choose your Fabrics Wisely

Cotton, linens, and silks (depending on who you ask) are perfect for hot and humid times. They tend to be breathable, which is exactly what you need. A style suggestion comes from inspiration from India, the home country of some of the most humid cities in the world. A Kurta is a long, loose, collarless tunic or dress, typically made from cotton or linen. Very popular all across southeast Asia and worn by every gender, these are a very comfortable option due to their shape and the space they give your skin to breathe. They come in many different prints and patterns, perfect for dressing up or down. Most come in long sleeves, but there are short sleeves and sleeveless options as well, making this a great and versatile piece.

Keep it Loose and Flowy

When it’s hot and humid outside, tight clothes are not the best option. Put the skinny jeans and form-fitting tops down for a moment and let your body breathe during these trying conditions. Opt instead for loose silhouettes that encourage airflow.

For a business-casual look, a cutoff pant with a nice flowy top is always a simple and reliable go-to. A flowy dress is perfect for a nice walk, grabbing a bite, or just dashing from one air-conditioned building to the next to avoid the humidity entirely (absolutely valid.) The key here is making sure your garments of choice are not floor length; that would cut off air circulation, which totally defeats the purpose.

Cropped and short hemlines are best for this whenever possible, but regardless, keep your clothes as far away from the skin as comfortable for you. 

Don’t be Afraid to Change it Up

Most people believe that knits and crochets can only be worn during the chillier weather months, but I disagree. In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a crochet crop top or a loose-knit. It’s all holes! As breathable as a piece of clothing can be, it is also a great beginner’s level piece to knit or crochet if you’re looking for a new hobby. It’s a win-win situation. I

f that’s not your thing, there are tons of knitwear options for sale in all kinds of styles. For this kind of piece, definitely check out small businesses to potentially score a one-of-a-kind piece!

Light Colors are the Way to Go

As someone who is tied by the heart to my black clothes, sometimes it’s just not worth it. When it’s 95 degrees outside with 85% humidity, I will just suck it up and throw on a bright color of some shade. My go-to’s are pinks, yellows, and light blues for the summer.

In extremely humid places like Taiwan, many like to keep it simple with solid bright colors. Of course, in the fashion district where style is everything, people switch it up and come up with some of the most avant-garde looks known to the fashion world. For the most part, people prefer to keep it easy, breezy, and bright. 

Pack Light

I love to stack jewelry. A layered necklace look with a bunch of bracelets is not unusual for me, but when it’s humid, those are not the move. Too much jewelry can add extra friction and cause you to be warmer and even work up a sweat. Who wants that when it’s already hot and sticky enough outside?

Stick to statement earrings and rings to keep you looking flashy without the extra heat. These earrings from Kenyan designer Adele Dejak are the perfect size with enough dangle to catch the eye without causing unnecessary stress.