I have just come back from a three day trip during a Paris heatwave, and it completely changed the way I dress in extreme heat.
I used to think t-shirts were the best summer options. Not anymore.
Loose cotton or linen shirts worked far better for me, and I will tell you why.
If you wear fitted t-shirts, you’ll quickly become hot and sweaty, and the fabric can end up looking damp and very untidy.
Oversized t-shirts may feel cooler in the beginning of the day, but in a few hours in the heat they feel heavy, get damp and loose their shape.
Loose cotton or linen shirts let your body breath and dry quickly during the day. If they are made from pure cotton and pure linen, they also don’t seem to hold body odour the way other fabrics do.
When cotton and linen wrinkle, they still look good. In fact, the relaxed, wrinkled look has become quite fashionable. I have adopted it when I travel and have to admit that I also use wrinkly linen in Lisbon where I live.
No more summer t-shirts for me.
A skirt lets you change your top every day. If you pack a dress, you may feel you need several dresses, which means a larger suitcase. You may also want to wash part of your dress, and it may not dry on time.
Blouses (shirts) help you stay fresh and give you a different look every day. For me, skirts are a better choice for travel.
I wore sandals on my first day and ended up with blisters because of the heat. The straps rubbed against my feet, and they hurt tremendously. I don’t think sandals are a good idea if you are going to walk a lot during the Paris heatwave (even if you walk a little).
My feet were a lot happier with socks and sneakers.
I fold a scarf and wear it as a band to keep my hair back. The biggest advantage is that I don’t have to worry about styling my hair or blow drying it.
My hair is short. I started each day with wet hair and a dry scarf. By the end of the afternoon, both my hair and scarf were damp but I still looked put together even though I felt overwhelmed with the heat.
I change scarves throughout the day.
I was lucky that it cooled off in the eventings, and I could finally take a break from the Paris heatwave.
Pickpocketing is a major issue in Europe, both in the summer and throughout the rest of the year. A crossbody bag is easier to hold onto.
I also wear my phone on a crossbody strap and keep it hidden beneath my back strap. Both stay close to me, and I usually keep one hand on the straps.
A shout out to Monica, the guide at London London, who told me to get a phone case with a strap.
You may think I’m going overboard. You may be right. But I have been robbed before, and it was so stressful. Now I do everything I can to stay safe. There are no guarantees.
I saw so many women and men using “sunbrellas” in Paris. It reminded me of my years in Brazil, where many people did the same during the summer. Then it seemed to disappear, and I hadn’t seen it again until now.
A sunbrella gives you shade and protection during the Paris heatwave (or any heatwave).
A hat is useful, but it can become hot and it doesn’t protect your whole body. a regular umbrella provides shade too, but if you want better protection, look for a UV umbrella.
I have one, but check the weight before you buy. Some of them are quite heavy.
After spending three days in a Paris heatwave, I know I’ll pack differently next time.
Loose cotton and linen shirts, sneakers, a skirt and a sunbrella have earned a permanent place in my suitcase.
I’m going back to Soulmood in Lisbon to get a few beautiful loose tops!
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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