Once again, this summer is expected to be hot and dry, and that means you will need to find ways to keep your cool. Us, we plan to park ourselves in front of the AC and not move for two months, but if that’s not an option there are other ways to be chill.
When the mercury soars, health-care experts advise, above all, staying hydrated: Spritz your skin with cool water and drink plenty of water. (Skip the booze and caffeine, though; they are both dehydrating.) Avoid strenuous exercise at the hottest times of day. Stick to the shade as much as you can. Take special care with young children, older adults and pets, all of whom are especially vulnerable to the heat. And consider these five cooling ideas.
Cool Treats
I scream, you scream, we all scream for locally handcrafted popsicles. Kulapops come from the same folks that make 49 Below Ice Cream; they’re inspired by our favourite childhood treats, but in all-grown-up and crave-worthy flavours like coconut mango, Vietnamese coffee and a refreshing ginger-cucumber. We’re feeling cooler — make that “kula” — already.
Summery Slip-ons
For hundreds of years, people in hot, sunny Spain have been wearing the flat, lightweight, rope-soled, perfect-for-summer footwear known as espadrilles. This summer, espadrilles are everywhere and in every style from sneakers to high-heeled wedge sandals. Two we like: the Bueno Nars slip-ons from Heart & Sole Shoes and the slingback Toni Pons Bernia sandals at Waterlily Shoes.
Linen Layers
We’ve been dressing ourselves in linen for at least 10,000 years, likely much longer, and no wonder: Linen is strong, absorbent, dries quickly and is a terrific conductor of heat, meaning it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s also super on trend right now. You can find lovely loose linen separates at Butik Naturals in Sidney or online at glamandfame.com.
A Head Start
Protect your noggin from sunstroke and your nose from sunburn with a wide-brimmed hat that is as stylish as it is practical. Try a bucket hat, fedora or panama in straw or sun-proof fabric — Adventure Clothing has a wide range for men and women — or go for full drama with a glam ultra-wide brim paloma or bondi hat.
A Fan Base
The first time we saw a portable neck fan we scoffed. And then we tried it. Consider us converted. These plastic gadgets look sort of like space-age headphones, but loop around your neck and waft cool air toward your face. JisuLife is just one brand that makes them; they also offer a range of tabletop and handheld fans.