One of my favorite things about summer is the hot weather. Frankly, I start to feel a bit claustrophobic in all those heavy winter clothes. And jackets are a must during much of spring and fall. But in summer, bring on the heat! Toss on a swimsuit and head out to the pool, or just throw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, and you’re set for the day.
Be sure to wear lightweight clothing made of wicking material to help you keep cool – and don’t forget that broad-brimmed hat!
Photo Credit: Mark Landicho
Keep a close check on local temperatures so you can plan your biggest chores for the coolest days.
Photo Credit: Megan Bame
Unfortunately, summer’s skimpy clothes don’t always work out too well in the garden. First, they don’t protect you from the sun or heat. And second, they don’t protect you from the all the perils in your garden.
Yes, weeding and watering early in the morning help you beat the heat, but let’s be honest: It’s not always convenient. And heck, sometimes it’s hot even early in the day.
So what can you do to beat the heat?
My answer’s simple: I turn to my running clothes. Not my cotton tees that just get soaked in sweat as I work, but my wicking running shirts. They’re easy to find in the sports section of almost any department or sporting goods store, and you can find them in long and short sleeves, depending on what gardening work you plan to do. How do they keep you cool? The man-made materials wick the sweat through the shirt to evaporate and keep your skin cooler. Generally they’re lightweight, so they won’t hold you back.
Experts also recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes when working outside. Skin-hugging shirts and pants are not only hotter to work in, they’re harder to move around in. When it comes to getting things done in the garden (or grocery shopping…or hitting the playground with the kids…), I choose clothes from the sportswear section or from certain catalogs. These clothes are durable, not to mention made for bending and reaching and being active – and they’re usually made of a breathable material, which is key to keeping cool.
And don’t be afraid that sportswear is “too trendy” for your lifestyle. While there are some clothes out there clearly designed for the 20-something set, you can easily find pants that actually reach to your bellybutton rather than skim your hip bones. And chances are you’ll find a flattering fit and style just for you – no matter your age.
Be sure to select light-colored clothes, too, when working or playing out in the heat. We’ve all been outside on a hot day in dark colors and realized how absolutely sweltering it can make us feel. So stick to whites and pastels to keep your body temperature down.
And don’t forget the almighty hat – the gardener’s best friend. It’ll keep the sun from your eyes without your sunglasses sliding down your nose, protect your skin and just keep you cool. Again, look for a nice, breathable material with a broad rim – to help protect your neck from the sun, too. (If you chose to go with the ever-popular baseball cap, be sure to apply sunscreen to your neck and ears!)
If you’re wearing all the “right” clothing and you’re still too hot, consider a quick fix – like wetting a bandana in cold water, wrapping a few ice cubes inside and tying it around your neck. If that doesn’t last long enough, try the Sammy Cool N Dry Sport Towel. Simply wet the hand-towel-size material in cool water, wring it out, and it turns about 20 degrees cooler than the existing air temperature – and it stays that way.
If that’s not enough, consider turning to the products that outdoor workers use to keep cool. Think of those construction workers who work outside all summer long in the heat or rain. They wear products like evaporative cooling vests, wrist bands and bandanas. (You can find these on various Websites.)
If that’s still not enough, please give up on the gardening chores for a while and just get out of the heat – for your own safety. No matter how much your garden may need the work, it’s not worth suffering heatstroke!
