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Because I have a minor heart condition, I’m constantly thinking about how I can stay cool to not send my heartbeat into overdrive. Once summer comes, I’m paying special attention to finding lightweight pieces that’ll keep my temperature stable. I know a garment has passed the test when I can wear it for the entire day, spending hours comfortably outside. Here are 15 affordable pieces under $115 that do just that.
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The bestselling hat Skimm’rs buy every summer…
This wide-brimmed hat from Solbari is a no-brainer. It has a slot for your ponytail, a flexible brim, and on top of adding extra shade, it is UPF 50+. If you’re prone to burning no matter how much sunscreen you apply, don’t forget to add this hat into your bag. It’s foldable and packable, too.
The original exercise dress…
Ever since Outdoor Voices’ recent relaunch, I’ve been wanting to remind everyone I know of this practical option. Even though it’s a sporty style, you can get away with wearing it with ballet flats or sandals to dress it up. I love that it has built-in shorts (with grippers so they won’t ride up), adjustable straps, and spacious pockets. This one is ideal for light activity, which is why I love it for errands or bopping around the city.
A top you can wear to work…
Dressing for the office this time of year is tough. When I found this option from Halara, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s made of the brand’s Breezeful fabric, which is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and has four-way stretch. It’s super lightweight and the keyhole in the back acts as added ventilation. I love the shape of this top; it feels really put-together (even though the fabric is made of an athletic-like material).
Running shorts that feel like you’re wearing nothing…
Our team swears by FP Movement’s Carpe Diem Shorts so intently that we gave it a Good for You Award. They have built-in underwear, so you don’t have to worry about any bunching, and the high-rise waistband is comfortable and stays put. We also appreciate the quick-dry, water-resistant fabric, ideal for sweaty afternoons. Wear them for your next workout or pair with a tank or tee for a casual look.
The cropped tank top I can’t go a summer without…
This one from Beyond Yoga is an investment, but it’s perfect for when you can’t be bothered, need to leave the house, and want to stay cool. The material is soft, stretchy, and absorbs sweat easily. It has a built-in shelf bra, so I prefer to wear this top for errands or light-to-medium intensity activities. Not to mention, the material is buttery-soft.
A sleep shirt specially made for those who run hot…
If you’re a hot sleeper all year, summer is a time to be alive. Soma’s Cool Nights line has sold over 20 million pajamas, which is saying something. The Cool Nights fabric is made of rayon fibers that remain cool to the touch and won’t cling to your body. I personally go for a baggy sleep shirt to stay extra cool.
The linen pants I can’t stop talking about…
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It’s a Quince European Linen summer. If you’re looking for an affordable way to stock up on linen, I’d highly recommend this collection (along with Uniqlo’s). These pants are my favorite because they’re a classic pull-on trouser with an elastic waistband. The last thing I want to deal with is a zippered fly when it’s hot out. These come in tons of colors, too.
The only tee we want to wear when it’s 85 degrees…
Our Senior Commerce Writer and I both love this tee. While it’s expensive, it washes well and gets softer with time. The pima cotton is thin and airy, which makes it breathable on days when it’s sticky and humid. We both find the shape to be the perfect level of baggy yet stylish.
A pair of loose drawstring shorts…
As mentioned before, I also swear by Uniqlo for inexpensive summer basics, especially linen. This pair of shorts is the best midlength style I’ve come across recently. It has a drawstring waist and because they’re roomy, they won’t cause uncomfortable chafing. The price is unbeatable in my opinion.
A racerback tank top that doesn’t require a bra…
Another detail I look for in sweat-friendly items: bra-free design. This racerback tank top is made of ribbed cotton and has a built-in shelf bra with cups. The last thing I want to wear when it’s 90 degrees is a restricting bra, and this design-forward option doesn’t look sporty at all (even though it feels like a sports bra).
A tennis skort you can wear pretty much anywhere…
These sport skorts from Addison Bay are so cute that you can wear them even when you’re not working out. They come in 19 different colors and have built-in pockets that fit phones or tennis balls. They’re made of a sweat-wicking material, and I’d wear it with the Buck Mason tee and sneakers.
A linen-blend top that isn’t a T-shirt…
Because my natural inclination is to turn to tees, I’m always looking for heat-friendly tops that aren’t T-shirts. This is another cute option from Uniqlo. It’s an open-collar short-sleeve you can wear on its own with shorts or layered over a bathing suit.
A pair of printed shorts that are worth the splurge…
Rag & bone now makes a shorts version of its iconic Miramar jeans. They’re basically sweatpant shorts that are printed to look like denim, so you can walk around comfortably without worrying about wedgies. They even have side-seam pockets that are functional.
A double-layered dress that comes in tons of colors…
Don’t forget about Abercrombie & Fitch’s athleisure line. This exercise dress has a double-layered design that reminds me of the early 2000s, with built-in shorts underneath. It’s one of those exercise dresses that doesn’t look like an exercise dress so I’m eyeing just about every color option (but I’m particularly into the hot pink and brown version).
A dress that allows you to skip underwear entirely…
This linen dress has spaghetti straps, built-in shorts, and a shelf bra. All you have to do is throw it on and you have a single-layered cute outfit that'll keep you cool. It comes in eight prints, but Abercrombie is rotating in new prints all the time. It’s one of the best options to bring on an upcoming vacation because of how versatile it is.