These Must-Have Wardrobe Staples Will Keep You Cool Through Hot Flashes
For most of your life, thinking of yourself as hot was a good thing. But when menopause hits, all of a sudden being hot isn’t so great. That’s because hot flashes, which happen to up to 85 percent of women, can spring up at a moment’s notice. “You can be totally fine sitting in a meeting, and the next moment you can be literally drenched in sweat,” says Arianna Sholes-Douglas, MD, author of The Menopause Myth.
If you can’t tell they’re coming, what can you do to keep your cool? Dress in a way that will keep you comfortable no matter how heated things get. We asked stylists and fashion experts what clothing will help do just that. The one thing everyone agreed on: Staying away from synthetic fabrics is key. “The natural fabrics will breathe better, while synthetics trap in heat,” explains Noelle Cellini, a Chicago-based stylist. “Go for cotton, linen, and silk, and avoid anything polyester.” Beyond that, here are some specific styles to shop for:
Open cardigans
Think in terms of layers. That way, when a hot flash hits, you can quickly take something off. “A V-neck cardigan will look more modern and be more comfortable than a crew neck. Since heat radiates from the neck, it can also help keep you cool—even when you have it on,” Cellini says.
When pairing layers, keep in mind that you don’t want two loose pieces on top of each other. “That look sends you into frumpy,” says Cellini. Her advice: Start with a form-fitting inner layer with some shape to it, and then layer your cardi over that.
Styles we love:
3/4-sleeve blazers
This is another easy way to layer—but with more structure than a sweater. “A 3/4-sleeve blazer is no less professional than one with long sleeves, but the uncovered wrists help heat escape,” says Cellini. “It’s also more flattering since the shorter sleeve draws your eye up from the hip.”
Another pro? This piece can double as outerwear on days that aren’t cold enough for a thicker coat. Just avoid wool, which can end up being too warm.
Styles we love:
Wide-leg cropped pants
One of the, ahem, hottest pants styles right now is perfect for keeping you cool. The look is wide leg and cropped (think: ending three to four inches above your ankle). “The wide-leg allows for airflow. Plus, you can find them in denim or cotton in great colors like Bordeaux and cream,” says Cellini. “Pair them with cute flats and you’ll look perfectly pulled together.”
Styles we love:
Cooling pajamas
Hot flashes don’t just happen during the day—they can also come on at night, causing you to wake up covered in sweat. That’s why cooling pajamas can be so helpful. “Look for natural fabrics that are breathable and maybe even moisture-wicking,” says Julia Perry, a fashion and celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles. Bamboo is especially good at handling night sweats. And you don’t have to stop with pajamas—look for cooling sheets in similar fabrics.
Styles we love:
Dangly lightweight earrings
Big, heavy necklaces can trap heat during a hot flash, leaving you feeling restricted and uncomfortable, says Cellini. Her advice: Ditch the necklace and go for a lightweight earring instead.
Styles we love:
Open-back shoes
“You can release a lot of heat through your feet,” says Cellini. But that’s only true if you expose some of your foot to air. Stay away from heavy boots if possible (obviously a snowstorm calls for them!) and look for something with an open back, like mules or sling-backs.
Styles we love:
Lightweight scarves
“I love scarves because you can take them off as needed,” says Perry. “Remove it when you get hot, and when you get cold again, put it back on.” It also can be draped loosely, so it’s less constricting around your neck than, say, a turtleneck.
Her approach: Find something in a trendy pattern, such as animal or snake print. “It keeps your look current and is also practical with keeping your temperature up or down,” she says.
Styles we love:
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