Sacramento is bracing for another heat wave, with temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits this weekend. Before you reach for the tank top and shorts, consider this: long sleeves and loose pants might actually be the smarter choice. It sounds backward, but in dry heat like ours, covering up with light-colored, open-weave fabrics can help your body regulate temperature more effectively.
The science is simple. Light-colored fabrics reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Open weaves — think linen, cotton, or rayon — let air flow through, which helps sweat evaporate and cool your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that coverage blocks the sun’s rays, and researchers at Qingdao University of Technology back up the idea that strategic clothing choices make a real difference in how hot you feel. Georgia Tech professor Sundaresan Jayaraman also points out that the fabric’s structure matters more than most people think.
So this weekend, try swapping your tank for a light linen shirt when you head to the river or walk downtown. You might be surprised at how much cooler you feel. Have you ever tried wearing long sleeves during a heat wave? Drop your experience in the comments — we want to know if this trick works for you.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
