Modest Clothing Hacks for the Summer Heat
- Julie Diana
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
Cropped shirt: The Drop, XXS-5X in 4 colors / Ring: Swarovski
Wearing sleeves in the summer can get hot.
So can higher necklines and longer hemlines.
Luckily, there's no need to throw your standards out the window--even when it's shmoiling.
Today I'm sharing 10 innovative tips to keep cool and covered in the heat. Some are new, and some are long-forgotten.
Scroll to the bottom for my favorite!
1. Underarm shields
I've loved Kleinert's underarm-shield lace camis for years. Unfortunately, they've been discontinued.
Luckily, they make a pin-in version that you can attach inside your top or dress. The shields come in black, beige, and white. I trimmed mine with pinking shears for a smaller size.
While the label says hand wash only, I machine washing them, and they've lasted for years.
They are a daily staple in my wardrobe to protect my clothes from sweat. And since we're on the topic...
2. Full-body deo
Game changer. Dove Whole Body Deo doubles an anti-chafe stick that you can use all over your body. The coconut aroma is divine.
3. A cotton hem extender
I've been wearing 100% cotton underskirts by Beautelicate for a few seasons. I have them in cream, white with a plain hem, and ivory with an eyelet hem. I love that they can be used as a slip, petticoat, or hem extender.
The light colors are lovely, but I lately I've wanted something to blend with darker outfits. Specifically, to create a dramatic maxi-dress effect on summer evenings.
The black version of the underskirt is perfection. I'm planning to wear it under a navy linen shirtdress for added volume and length. (Don't worry, I'll get around to ironing them after I finish this article...)
First, I'm going to add 3" of fabric and a silicone-backed elastic band to the top. I did this simple alteration to the underskirt below, and it's a dream to wear.
I found the no-slip elastic on Etsy here.
4. Clear raincoats
Save dark, drab raincoats for winter. A transparent raincoat lets your airy summery outfit shine.
You can find an affordable version on Amazon here.
5. Pinpoint coverage
When it's hot outside, I prefer to add coverage only where I want it. I'm not wearing an entire t-shirt underneath my top or dress just for a bit of extra fabric on a neckline or sleeve.
The solution: tattoo covers for sleeves, and t-shirt dickeys for necklines.
The arm bands come in 3 colors, and have a band of silicone inside to prevent slipping. The dickey comes in 8 colors, including aubergine and olive.
6. UPF gloves
UPF gloves: Coolibar
While these UPF gloves aren't specifically for modest outfits, I'm including them because they are a summer staple.
Made by sunwear brand Coolibar, they come in beige, white, and black. Choose from wrist, elbow, and above-elbow lengths.
Bonus: these gloves have a grippy silicone on the palms, and are touchscreen compatible. I wear them daily while driving. As you can tell, they've gotten a lot of wear!
7. Sheer hosiery
I love lightweight hosiery in the summer. It prevents chafing and blisters on my feet, looks classy, and absorbs sweat.
Ankle-highs: Amazon
When I'm wearing a maxi skirt or dress, I'm not bothering to wear full-on stockings. Instead, I reach for these sheer ankle-highs from Amazon. They come in black, natural, and nude.
When wearing midi skirts and dresses in the heat of summer, I reach for sheer knee-highs by MeMoi. You can find the plus-size version here.
My favorite hack for keeping them in place is using roll-on body adhesive. It's especially useful if I want to stretch the hosiery up over my knees.
This is what Irish dancers use to keep their socks in place during competitions. If it's strong enough for doing high kicks in thick socks, it's certainly strong enough for my leisurely day in sheer hose.
In the evenings, I rinse the knee-highs with water at the bathroom sink, then hang them to dry on a towel rack.
8. Tinted SPF for body
Perhaps wearing hosiery in the summer isn't your thing, but you still want some color on your legs.
Consider a body makeup that has SPF. You'll even out your skin while getting sun protection. Dermablend SPF 25 Leg & Body Makeup comes in 12 shades, and is available at Macy's and Amazon.
9. Crop top layering shells
Crop tops: Halftee, XS-5X, 6 colors / Kosher Casual, XS-XXL, 10 colors
I love these 100% cotton cropped tees. They're perfect for evenings and milder summer temperatures.
The pink one on the left is reversible so you can choose a higher or lower neckline.
I really love that the layering shell above has a flat, smooth neckline.
10. Makeup protector hood
A makeup protector hood seems funny and old-fashioned, but is pure genius. It's a sheer chiffon face and neck cover. It's a must-have when putting on clothes with crew necklines. No more makeup or sunscreen stains!
To make sunscreen and makeup transfer-resistant, I use setting powder. My favorite is ciele filter & Protect, which has SPF30. When traveling, I bring along Isdin's SPF50 Mineral Brush.
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer!
Thank you for reading
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