Avoid the Risks of the Summer Sun

A perfect #summer shouldn’t have any mishaps, but the hottest and most active season of the year isn’t without its risks. Check the UV index and slather on the sunscreen before you go out in the sun, says MedStar Health. Light-colored, lightweight clothing can offer additional protection from the damaging rays, as will a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water and other fluids and keep a first aid kit at the ready. Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion such as muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea; be vigilant about water safety when visiting the pool or beach; and never, ever leave children and pets unattended in a vehicle. #PerfectSummer

Stock Up for Summer at the Thrift

Are you short on shorts? Lacking in linens? Generally unprepared to handle the summer heat? Check your local thrift store for lightly used garments that can help you keep your cool when the temperatures (and humidity) climb into uncomfortable territory. With a little browsing, you can stock your summer wardrobe at the fraction of the cost of retail, and since many thrifts are supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org, shopping at them helps fund a wide range of veterans’ programs. And if you have summery items that you just don’t fit your current style, you can contact ClothingDonations.org for a pickup, too!

Men: Stay Stylish, Not Sweaty

Men who want to stay stylish in the summer heat should opt for fabrics that breathe such as cotton and linen, says Real Men Real Style, but equally important is the weave used. Jeans may be all-cotton, for example, but they’re usually too heavy to wear in comfort when the temperatures reach the 90s; instead, choose poplin, seersucker and madras. Silk and synthetic fabrics tend to trap moisture and heat, making them poor choices. Whatever the occasion, the story adds, a straw hat can protect your skin from sun damage and discomfort by making its own shade.

Dressing for the Summer Sun

Hot, humid weather is gripping much of the nation. To maintain relative comfort during summer outings, pick the lightest-weight fabrics and colors, Stitch Fix says. Think shorts, light skirts and sleeveless tops in whites and pastels, and fabrics that breathe such as cotton, linen and rayon. “Take a take a pass on polyester (not known for its breathability) and silk,” the story says, and opt for loose-fitting clothes to keep those sweat stains away. Seersucker and eyelet weaves are solid choices for summer.