\n<\/p>\n
H<\/span>eatwaves used to be marked by years, recalled misty-eyed by those who remembered them with fondness, like the heatwave of \u201876. Now, in the era of global heating, heatwaves are a warning sign, not a pleasure \u2013 and as we enter a UK summer, it\u2019s a case of when, not if, the temperature will become unbearable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Always take care when it heats up \u2013 the NHS recommends <\/strong>staying in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen and hats, and avoiding exercise. It also advises taking showers, eating cold food and drinks, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.<\/p>\n And there are other things that can help. As temperatures soar, we\u2019ve asked experts in hotspots around the world \u2013 from Australia to Dubai \u2013 about how to cope with the heat. Here\u2019s their advice for everything from waking and dressing to sleeping <\/strong>(yes, it is possible in this heat, we promise).<\/p>\n Recycled stainless steel water bottle<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a335 at Ryman Insulated leak-proof water bottle<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a330 at John Lewis Glass coffee cup and straw<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a327 at Anthropologie The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of water a day \u2013 the aim being that your pee remains a light straw colour. In a heatwave, you\u2019ll likely need more water, and ideally it\u2019ll be cold to help cool you down.<\/p>\n Ocean Bottles are double-wall insulated, made from 65% recycled materials, and the brand collects 11.4kg of plastic from oceans with the sale of each bottle.<\/p>\n Chilly\u2019s water bottles claim to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours \u2013 and everyone in your co-working space will thank you for the rubber base that doesn\u2019t \u201cCLANG\u201d every time you take a sip.<\/p>\n The NHS technically advises against caffeine in extreme heat, but if it does feel necessary, you can at least go iced with this clear Keep Cup.<\/p>\n L\u00e9ku\u00e9 ice cube tray<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a315.75 at John Lewis Monster ice lolly mould<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a312.99 at John Lewis What better way to keep cool than with frozen water? A dedicated ice box lets you build up a stockpile for hot days \u2013 no more wasteful plastic bags of ice from the supermarket. Get the kids involved too with this ice lolly mould, letting them create some inventive flavours and reap the rewards after a few hours in the freezer.<\/p>\n Wind-up tilt parasol<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a353.99 at Robert Dyas Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a370 at Dunelm<\/p>\n Portable beach tent<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a395.20 at Holloways of Ludlow Whether you\u2019ve got an unforgiving, shadeless south-facing patio or are planning a day in the park or at the beach, you\u2019ll need shade in a heatwave. From a cheerful, adjustable yellow parasol and an all-singing, tilting garden shade to a portable beach canopy, this lot has you covered.<\/p>\n Reiss linen midi dress<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3198 at John Lewis Airism dress<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a324.90 at Uniqlo<\/p>\n Men\u2019s pure linen shirt<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a345 at M&S<\/p>\n Men\u2019s Airism white T-shirt<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a314.90 at Uniqlo<\/p>\n Round mini shoulder bag<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a314.90 at Uniqlo<\/p>\n Plan International Denmark tote bag<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a35.24 at S\u00f8strene Grene<\/p>\n As recommended in our Mother\u2019s Day gift guide. A percentage of the sale of this floral tote goes to Plan International, which helps support girls\u2019 and young women\u2019s rights.<\/em><\/p>\n Working in an office in the heat and looking even remotely professional can feel impossible \u2013 something Elle Australia editor Jessica Bailey knows all too well. Opt for linen, she says. A sleeveless linen dress or a loose-fitting shirt will be your saviour: the lightweight material is known for its breathable properties \u2013 the baggier the better for circulation and non-clinginess.<\/p>\n Darker colours will help disguise sweat marks \u2013 if you\u2019re particularly worried about this, go for polyester or nylon over cotton. Or try a sweat-wicking fabric, such as Uniqlo\u2019s Airism.<\/p>\n If you carry a heavy leather handbag, it\u2019s worth swapping for a lightweight cross-body bag or cotton tote. These have longer handles, allowing air to circulate rather than being stickily clamped to your side.<\/p>\n Lace trim cami top<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a320 at Next<\/p>\n Mini slip dress<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a378 at Free People <\/p>\n Seersucker stripe boxers<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a328 for three at John Lewis<\/p>\n \u201cThe Australian summer can be humid and unforgiving \u2013 as such, we learn how to dress for the heat from a young age,\u201d says Elle Australia\u2019s fashion editor, Jordan Boorman. \u201cI lean into vintage-style lingerie silhouettes, wispy camisoles, lace slip dresses and skirts.\u201d Men: feeling brave? Make like Paul Mescal and wear boxers as shorts, as recommended by Peter Bevan in his men\u2019s summer wardrobe updates. Just don\u2019t forget to wear your underwear beneath to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.<\/p>\n Women\u2019s ONA Streetworks go-to<\/strong> flat<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a363 at Sorel As recommended in our round<\/em>up of stylish summer sandals<\/em><\/p>\n Women\u2019s cut-out strap sandals<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a328 at River Island<\/p>\n Jess Cartner-Morley calls these the perfect holiday dinner sandals in her June style essentials<\/em><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Summit leather <\/strong>sandals<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a331.99 at Schuh As recommended by menswear expert Peter Bevan in his men\u2019s summer wardrobe updates<\/em><\/p>\n Men\u2019s Fracap leather sandals<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3175 at Toast <\/p>\n First up: you need a pair of sandals that you can walk in comfortably. Hot, sweaty feet equals rubbing and blisters and, as Chloe Mac Donnell wrote in her guide to sandals, no one wants carry a pair of trainers to swap into when they need to walk anywhere farther than the office tea point.<\/p>\n This year, as last, sandals are fusing function and comfort with fashion. And for men, slip-on gladiator-style designs with thicker leather straps are everywhere.<\/p>\n Vichy spa water<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a39.50 at Look Fantastic Vichy SPF spray<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a316.13 at Look Fantastic A face mist can give instant relief in the heat. Dr Raj Arora is a GP and founder of aesthetics clinic The Face Bible, and she recommends Vichy face mist. \u201cI have used this myself when on holiday or during a heatwave,\u201d she says. \u201cNot only does it cool the skin down but it\u2019s also infused with minerals and antioxidants to soothe the skin and protect the skin\u2019s barrier during hot weather.\u201d<\/p>\n Of course, the main thing you need on your skin in a heatwave is a good SPF \u2013 Sali Hughes\u2019s roundup of the best sunscreens has something for everyone. For lightness in the heat, consider Vichy\u2019s Capital Soleil SPF 50 spray with hyaluronic acid from her list.<\/p>\n Dreo Cruiser tower fan<\/strong><\/p>\n Morphy Richards portable USB fan<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a339.99 at B&Q As recommended in our roundup of the best fans to keep you cool<\/em><\/p>\n Jisulife handheld mini fan<\/strong> Scalloped-edge fan<\/strong> An electric fan \u2013 either for your desk or room \u2013 can help with hot and bothered home working and sweaty, sleepless nights. There are even electric\/battery hybrids for when you\u2019re on the go, all put to the test in our guide to the best fans.<\/p>\n And while heatwaves may hit once or twice a year, but women dealing with menopause can be left battling hot flushes for years. After trying many handheld fans, Tracey McAlpine, founder of Fighting Fifty, recommends the Jisulife mini fan above. And if you fancy a flutter, try H&M\u2019s elegant scalloped-edged fan.<\/p>\n Women\u2019s anti-chafing shorts<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a318 for two at M&S<\/p>\n Women\u2019s black high-waisted shorts <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a325 at End Men\u2019s green shorts with built-in cycling shorts<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a375 at Vuori<\/p>\n As recommended in our round<\/em>up of the best shorts for summer<\/em><\/p>\n Megababe <\/strong>anti-chafe stick<\/strong> Baby powder<\/strong> Heatwaves are uncomfortable enough before you add chafing into the mix. Not only is it painful, but the irritation makes the skin hot too \u2013 not what you need. There are several ways to combat this, and many women fall back on wearing shorts under skirts and dresses: try these M&S slimming shorts, which stay up all day and are so thin and cool that you forget they\u2019re there.<\/p>\n For other parts of the body, or if shorts don\u2019t work for you, body image speaker and writer Laura Adlington recommends Megababe Thigh Rescue. \u201cIt glides on like a balm and keeps your thighs happy all day. Otherwise, try good old-fashioned baby powder \u2013 it\u2019s cheap as chips and does the trick.\u201d<\/p>\n Women\u2019s zebra-print bucket hat<\/strong> Women\u2019s wide<\/strong>-brim sun hat<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a345 at John Lewis<\/p>\n Women\u2019s oversized summer hat<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a337 at Asos Men\u2019s broad<\/strong>-brim hat<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a325 at M&S<\/p>\n Unisex Original Pirate Material cap<\/strong> \u00a345 at Scrt<\/p>\n This pop culture cap gets Peter Bevan\u2019s seal of approval in his men\u2019s summer wardrobe updates<\/em><\/p>\n A good hat is your ally in keeping a cool head. We asked the team at the oldest hat shop in the world, London\u2019s Lock & Co Hatters, for their advice. Look for breathable materials such as straw, they said, and wide brims that protect your face and neck from the sun.<\/p>\n This M&S packable broad-rim hat is another great option for men looking for something to take on holiday (or not brave enough to wear it on the commute), as it folds down easily. And don\u2019t forget caps.<\/p>\n Wide brims are everywhere on the high street this year \u2013 the John Lewis hat above has a simple silhouette that will pair with anything, and the black canvas offering from & Other Stories is a much chicer take on last year\u2019s bucket hat trend.<\/p>\n Unisex hydration bag with 1L pouch<\/strong> The North Face Summit Run 5L vest<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a3134.99 at SportsShoes As recommended by Kieran Alger in his guide to trail running essentials<\/em><\/p>\n If a heatwave persists unbroken but you want to continue your exercise streak, Esther Newman, editor of Women\u2019s Running magazine and co-host of the Women\u2019s Running Podcast, says it is possible, with some adjustment.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re running for longer than 30 minutes, carry water with you \u2013 usually twice as much as you would do in the winter,\u201d she says. \u201cDecathlon\u2019s hydration packs do the job for a good price, and enable you to run hands-free.\u201d<\/p>\n Lululemon Wundermost<\/strong> Nulu high-waist thong<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a325 at Lululemon<\/p>\n Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs<\/strong> When you\u2019re hot and sweaty, moisture-wicking base layers can really help. Fitness trainer Rosie Stockley recommended this high-waist thong in our guide to the best moisture-wicking underwear, socks and base layers; while personal trainer Michael Baah picked these briefs, which are made from moisture-wicking polyester.<\/p>\n Body Glide anti-chafe balm <\/strong> Silicone lubricant <\/strong> Make sure you lube yourself up, says Newman: common annoying areas are underneath your the band of your running bra, between thighs and toes, around the neck, under your arms and between your butt cheeks. \u201cExperiment with Body Glide, which works like a stick deodorant, or try the less expensive secret weapon: silicone lube \u2013 with the latter, always go for silicone rather than water-based, which you\u2019ll just sweat off.\u201d<\/p>\n Moisture bomb sheet mask<\/strong> Stainless steel face roller<\/strong> Sometimes you need a moment of reset to try to take your body temperature down when you return home. Aimee Jakes is digital editor at Time Out Dubai and is coping with the heat thanks to one hack: \u201cI swear by a fridge-chilled sheet mask. Garnier\u2019s Moisture Bomb sheet masks are juicy, cooling and add glugs of hydration into my sun-weathered pores. Pro tip: after the sheet mask \u2018juice\u2019 has been absorbed into the skin, finish off with some icy face roller action.\u201d<\/p>\n Mattress cooling system<\/strong> Find your perfect mattress with our expert\u2019s pick of the best mattresses<\/em><\/p>\n Bamboo bedding set<\/strong><\/p>\n From \u00a3110 at Panda<\/p>\n For more breathable bedding, check out our guide to buying bedding<\/em><\/p>\n Women\u2019s modal short pyjama set<\/strong> Men\u2019s modal short pyjama set<\/strong> \u00a3100 at David Gandy Wellwear<\/p>\n It\u2019s one thing to cope with the heat in the day, but when the mercury doesn\u2019t drop at night-time, it can feel unbearable and cause sleepless nights. Sleep expert James Wilson (AKA The Sleep Geek) says there are things that can help. \u201cI have clients who swear by the Chilipad topper \u2013 it allows you to set the temperature on your side of the bed,\u201d he says. When it comes to fabrics, he says bamboo bedding will help; and for pyjamas, try modal. \u201cSteer clear of all foams \u2013 it\u2019s an insulator so will make you feel hotter, even if it claims to keep you cool all night \u2013 as well as down and feather, as they\u2019ll make you really hot.\u201d<\/p>\n Digital room thermometer<\/strong> Organic cotton sleeping bag<\/strong> Portable blackout blinds<\/strong> If the baby\u2019s not sleeping, then no one else is. Hot babies struggle to sleep, but high temperatures are also a health hazard for young children. \u201cKeeping babies cool during a heatwave can feel like an uphill battle, especially when their sleep environment heats up,\u201d says Rosey Davidson, sleep consultant and founder and CEO of Just Chill Baby Sleep. \u201cMy top tips are to keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to block out direct sunlight, and dress babies in just a nappy or a super-light layer. The NHS recommends your child\u2019s room be between 16 and 20C \u2013 and offers lots of tips on keeping children cool throughout the day.<\/p>\n \u201cThe GroEgg room thermometer glows different colours to show temperature ranges \u2013 ideal for making quick, safe sleepwear decisions at bedtime. A cool muslin sleeping bag is lightweight and breathable, helping babies to sleep safely without the risk of overheating \u2013 Aden + Anais does a 1 tog range. And blackout blinds with suction cups, like this Tommee Tippee version, keep nurseries dark and cool by blocking out sunlight \u2013 they\u2019re especially helpful for early bedtime routines.\u201d<\/p>\n Rhiannon Evans is a journalist and editor who\u2019s covered everything from news and entertainment to lifestyle and parenting for some of the UK\u2019s best titles (and some others too). She\u2019s rarely out of leopard print, and can usually be found attempting to wrangle her kids, garden or copy into some kind of order<\/em><\/p>\nHow to keep cool in a heatwave<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Keep hydrated<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a335 at Ocean Bottle<\/p>\n
\u00a332 at Chilly\u2019s<\/p>\n
\u00a326.95 at Amazon<\/p>\n\u2026 and <\/strong>ice up your life<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a319.99 at Lakeland<\/p>\n
\u00a312.99 at Lakeland<\/p>\nSeek out some shade<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a384.99 at John Lewis<\/p>\n
\u00a3119 at Amazon<\/p>\nDress to keep cool<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a3198 at Reiss<\/p>\nUnderwear-as-outerwear<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Embrace sandals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
From \u00a353.60 at Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a345 at Next<\/p>\nUse a face mist and SPF<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a39.50 at Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a313.70 at Amazon<\/p>\nBring out your fan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/strong>\u00a3109.99 with wifi voice control at B&Q
\u00a389.99 at Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a339.99 at Morphy Richards<\/p>\n
\u00a318.99 at Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a36.99 at H&M<\/p>\nKeep chafing at bay<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a348 at Skims<\/p>\n
\u00a39.60 at Boots
\u00a38 at Cult Beauty<\/p>\n
\u00a31.75 at Boots
\u00a31.75 at Superdrug<\/p>\nWear a sun hat<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a319.99 at Mango<\/p>\n
\u00a337 at & Other Stories<\/p>\nSummer running<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a324.99 at Decathlon<\/p>\n
\u00a3135 at the North Face<\/p>\n
\u00a312.90 at Uniqlo<\/p>\n
\u00a311.99 at Runners Need
\u00a313.99 at Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a314.99 at Love Honey
\u00a38.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nTry a cooling skin routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a33.49 at Superdrug
\u00a33.49 at Boots<\/p>\n
\u00a311.99 at Look Fantastic
\u00a311.87 at Amazon<\/p>\nChoose breathable bedding<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a3390 at Sleepa<\/p>\n
\u00a385 at Stripe & Stare
\u00a385 at The Dressing Room<\/p>\nSleep like a baby<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a321.99 at John Lewis
\u00a325 at Argos<\/p>\n
\u00a334.50 at Natural Baby Shower
\u00a324.99 at Amazon<\/p>\n
\u00a322.45 at John Lewis
From \u00a324.99 at Tommee Tippee<\/p>\n