Six easy ways to stay cool during warm weather this summer and why you need to get your hot water bottle back out
WITH the sun finally out we’ve spend the weekend blasting the fan.
The problem is blowing hot air around the home is that it doesn’t do much to keep us cool, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on keeping the heat away.
Fortunately a home expert has revealed six ways guaranteed to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat and they won’t cost you a penny.
James Longley, Managing Director at Utility Bidder said: “UK residents may be partial to opening all windows once temperatures reflect summer averages, however, the more windows left open, the more hot air from the outdoors that can enter your home.
“Just like in winter cross-ventilation is key, and we advise opening different windows around the house in small doses which will let any breeze flow through; also, the later at night it is, the more windows you can then open ready for a cooled home to wake up in.”
Windows
While you may want to keep the windows open in the summer to get some air in and cool down, you’re actually doing the complete opposite.
Keeping all windows and blinds closed stops any hot air from circulating around your home.
Instead wait for the temperature to drop and it’s almost time for bed, then open them to allow some cooler air to enter.
Hydration Station
Of course, you need to make sure you stay hydrated in the summer so make sure you drink plenty of water around 2 litres a day.
This will help keep you cool and stop you feeling fatigued in the heat.
Hot Water Bottle
You may have put your hot water bottle away now winter is over, but it’s time to get it back out.
The expert reveals they can be highly beneficial in the summer, as well as the winter.
Whether you’re working from home or struggling to sleep because of the heat, fill your bottle with cold water and place it in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
This will then provide you with a cooling method that will help lower your body temperature for a considerable amount of time.
No Cooking
We all hate cooking every single night, and now you have an excuse not to.
James reveals: “The oven and hob can create warm air in your home for a long period of time after you have finished cooking.
How to dress in a heatwave
SUMMER is finally here with temperatures soaring this weekend, but it has been so long since we dressed for the warmer weather - what should we wear?The Sun’s fashion team is here to help with a cut-out-and-keep guide to heatwave attire.
Clemmie Fieldsend and Abby McHale reveal the ultimate dos and don’ts so that you never suffer from unsightly tan lines, sweaty patches or wardrobe malfunctions again.
Cover up
While you might be tempted to put on your skimpiest outfit when the mercury rises above 25C, it has actually been proven that staying covered up can keep you cooler.
We’re not saying wear your winter coat and wrap up. You should wear a light breathable fabric such as cotton – look for flowy midi skirts, dresses or wide leg trousers which will billow and create a nice cool breeze for you as you walk.
Prepare for extremes
With our unpredictable weather, it’s not uncommon to see either someone in hotpants with goose-pimpled legs after an unexpected downpour, or at the other end of the spectrum, someone still wearing their winter tights in 30C heat. When you’re on the fence, opt for a loose co-ord that will keep you cool but not expose you to the elements if it rains.
Wear shorts
Yes, you can wear shorts – and at any age. The key is getting the length just right and longer shorts are all the rage this year. Short shorts are of course allowed but they won’t make you any cooler. If anything, micro-shorts can make you feel hotter. Plus, they are wedgie inducing, often too tight and often show off rather too much bum cheek.
Wear white
White is not the easiest to keep clean but it is the best shade for a heatwave, and looks effortlessly chic. It doesn’t absorb light like black but instead, reflects it. It’s also a shade that never goes out of style. If you do get the odd suncream smear on your whites, quickly dab with hand soap and water, rub in with a brush and then wash as normal.
Don’t show bra straps
Whilst everyone wants to wear strappy clothing in the summer, there really is nothing classy about your bra straps being on show – especially when they’re the opposite colour to your top. Instead, if you are plumping for a strappy top, stick a strapless bra underneath.
Don’t attempt a boob tube
The boob tube has got to be one of the most faffy and unflattering pieces of clothing you can own. Yes, you will avoid shoulder strap tan lines, but you will spend the whole day pulling your top up and trying to keep your boobs in place. Come evening, you will have grubby fingerprints all over and will have no doubt experienced the odd nip slip.
Don’t choose espadrilles
Espadrille wedges were once Kate Middleton’s go-to summer shoe but they have well and truly fallen off the fashion wagon. While noughties ballet flats are back, the espadrille is yet to have its revival. It’s one of those fashion items that Gen Z won’t be seen dead in, and have even dubbed ‘the granny sandal’. For now, opt for a ballet flat or a sandal.
Don’t wear crochet
The crochet trend is nice enough and while it looks great on the likes of Love Island presenter Maya Jama, it’s simply not practical. If the sun is out, chances are, you’ll end up with tragic tan lines like a mosaic. Plus, it’s essentially knitwear – hot and itchy. For men, knitted polos have also crept into the fashion fold, masquerading as summer wear but they are made from synthetic materials and induce swear. Wear at your own risk.
“With this in mind, try and limit the time you are using these appliances or if the sun is shining, make the most of the nice weather and cook on a BBQ, as this will prevent the indoor temperature rising even further.”
Curtains
While we love the hot weather, we usually struggle to get a good night’s sleep because of it.
Instead of tossing and turning all night try spraying your curtains with water at night time and opening the windows to create a breeze of cool air.
Towels
If all else fails, try applying some wet towels to your pulse points for an instant cool down session.
Dampen a towel with cold water and then place it on one of your pulse points (wrists or neck for example) as this will help to cool the whole body as they have a better cooling influence than other parts of the body.