I don’t know about you but I don’t handle heat well!  Blame it on my Minnesota upbringing – once one has seen -40 degrees, 95 and humid is really hard to deal with!  Here are my top 5 tips for plus size women to keep their cool on even the hottest days.

1. Start at the Very Beginning. A cool day starts at shower time.  Keep the water warm, not hot for the duration of your shower.  At the end, do your hair – and your core temperature a good service by rinsing with cold water.  Rinsing your hair with nice cold water helps to seal the cuticle and prevent frizzy, split ends for the day.  Rinsing your body with cold water also helps keep your core temperature down and prevents post shower overheating.  Another tip for keeping your cool while getting ready?  Limit your time with the hair dryer.  Wrap an absorbent towel around your head while you moisturize and put your make up on.  Wait until your hair is almost dry, then just style your hair with the dryer.  This will help limit the amount of heat you have to use and help keep your core temp down where it belongs.
2. Powder Up.  Before I put on my clothes I apply unscented baby powder to my ummmm, sweaty areas.  I don’t know if this actually keeps me cool but it sure does keep me looking fresh.  Key areas to hit with the powder puff?  Cleavage and under-boob and any skin folds and rolls.  Keeps me feeling and smelling fresh.
3. Dress for it. Wear light and breezy, breathable clothes.  Even if you work in a conservative office, shirt dresses help with the your circulation and keep you feeling cool on hot days.  If you can get away with it, Jersey Dresses are the most breathable and comfortable in the extreme heat because they don’t stick to your skin.  Check out an assortment of casual plus size dresses here.
   

   Olivia Harper Mesh Maxi Dress

4. Water, Water Everywhere. Keep hydrated. (period)  First, a nice cold glass of water will cool down your core and help cool your body right down from the inside.  Second, keeping your blood volume up helps to cool your system.  Third, dehydration makes you feel yucky and intensifies the effects of the heat.  Moral of the story?  Get your drink on.
5. Act Shady. I know, it’s a no brainer but stay outta the sun.  Direct sun will raise your body temperature, plus, sunburn will intensify the degree to which you feel the heat.  Yuck.  Plus, no one looks good with a sunburn and who wants the after effects of wrinkles and an increased chance of skin cancer?  Umbrellas, sunscreen and nice big trees will help you keep your cool on summers hottest, sunniest days.

How do you keep your cool?  Give us your best advice on staying dry and comfortable as the temperature heat up.

Tags: plus size, summer style, Summer Sun