How to Dress for Summer When You Don’t Want to Show More Skin
Summer style doesn’t have to mean showing more than you’re ready to.
Here’s how to dress for warmer weather without sacrificing your comfort, confidence, or personal style.
It’s finally starting to heat up here in Toronto, where I’m based. And with the shift in weather, I’ve found myself reflecting on how far I’ve come when it comes to showing skin in the summer. In my 20s, this was a real challenge. I remember wearing a thick cardigan to an outdoor music festival (sweating through it) because I couldn’t bear the thought of showing my arms.
I’m glad I’ve moved beyond that now, but I also wish I’d had more guidance back then. Not advice that tried to push me into performative “body positivity” that I just wasn’t quite ready for, but something that helped me show up in ways that felt both stylistically and physically cooler, without steamrolling my boundaries or timeline for healing.
Whether it’s because of body image, cultural considerations, sensory sensitivities, sun protection, or simply personal preference—there are plenty of valid reasons you might not want to bare arms, thighs, or tummy. And that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the heat.
Here’s how to stay cool and covered, while still feeling like yourself! And remember: if it is because of body image, the path to body acceptance is gradual. It is okay to do what you need to do today to feel supported!
Choose your fabrics with intention
The fabric content of your clothing matters more than ever in the summer. Get used to reading those fabric tags every time you make a purchase. Natural fibres like linen and cotton are breathable and moisture-wicking—they let your body breathe without trapping heat. Avoid polyester blends and synthetics when you can, as they tend to cling and hold in sweat.
→ Look for pieces that drape rather than cling; relaxed cuts in breathable fabrics will always feel better than body-hugging synthetics, even if they cover significantly more skin.
Try silhouettes that invite airflow
You don’t have to wear less fabric to feel less heat.
Sometimes, more fabric—strategically placed—can actually cool you down by allowing air to circulate around the body.
Some ideas to explore:
• wide-leg linen trousers + a breezy top
• midi or maxi dresses with side slits
• oversized button-downs worn open over a cotton tank
• tiered dresses or skirts that move with you
If you want to keep your arms covered, look for airy layers like:
• open weave knits
• breathable linen or cotton gauze button-ups and dusters
• dolman or kimono sleeves that don’t constrict movement
→ Light, intentional volume can feel airy and expressive, without requiring you to show anything you don’t want to. These pieces offer coverage without heaviness—and they can help shield you from sun, sweat, or discomfort without overheating.
Get intentional with colour and texture
Darker colours absorb more heat, so leaning into light neutrals, soft pastels, and natural tones can help regulate temperature. But this doesn’t mean your outfit has to be flat or bland.
→ Try adding visual interest through texture—think crinkled cotton, seersucker, or raw silk—or pattern mixing to bring in dimension without extra weight!
Don’t force yourself into seasonal “shoulds”
It’s okay to not wear shorts (sensory-wise, I hate them!)
It’s okay to not love tank tops.
It’s okay (and sometimes optimal!) to layer.
You’re allowed to choose comfort, safety, and personal preference over what feels “summery” to other people.
→ Getting dressed in summer doesn’t have to mean revealing more of yourself than you want to. It can just mean dressing in a way that makes you feel held yet fresh, not exposed and uncomfortable!
you don’t lose body acceptance points by baring less
The idea that you have to embrace your body by showing skin is just another version of pressure—just like the idea that you have to cover it up.
And realistically, body acceptance is a process. You might want to expose more in the future, which is great! You might not, and that’s okay too! Whatever your future holds, it is valid to want to honour your boundaries today, and find other ways to express your unique style identity.
Whether you're layering for coverage, choosing strategic fabrics to protect your skin, or simply dressing for your own comfort—it's valid. And it can still be stylish! :-)
Looking for breathable, size inclusive pieces that don’t rely on baring skin to stay cool?
I often work with clients to create warm weather wardrobes that feel like a true reflection of their comfort and preferences—no pressure, no shame and no expectations to conform.
→ Explore Summer Styling Support
→ Contact me directly: hi@heensie.style