On a typical day in high summer you\u2019ll come across two types of people: those who suffer and those who revel. Perhaps you\u2019re a bit of both \u2013 you love beaches, but hate hay fever. Or perhaps you burn in the sun, but live for the longer nights sipping pink gin outside.<\/p>\n
The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n Believe it or not, there are elements of summer that even the Guardian\u2019s fashion desk struggles with, which is why we\u2019ve compiled this summer survival guide.<\/p>\n Some of it is clothing-based, such as sleeping in a wet T-shirt or something to put on your sandals to stop them sliding across those Grecian cobbles. Others are about skin in the sun \u2013 the must-have suncream<\/a>, say, or how to use a toe post on sticky feet. Sweatier readers may like to learn about the joy of blotting paper, how best to deploy a frozen hot-water bottle (a cold-water bottle?), or how to manage messy beach hair. If nothing else, these might distract you from the cruel reality of summer we have come to expect. In which case, take these tips on your holiday or file them away for next year\u2019s out-of-season heatwave.<\/p>\n \u2018Soak a T-shirt under cold water when it\u2019s too hot to sleep\u2019 \u2013 Jess Cartner-Morley<\/p>\n Slip a cotton wool pad into your makeup compact before you pack it to add cushioning while your case is being thrown around by baggage handlers. It is heartbreaking when you take out your favourite makeup on hols and discover it has turned into sparkly gravel.<\/p>\n Oversized iridescent hand fan<\/p>\n \u00a320 at V&A<\/a><\/p>\n Paper fans are so much more chic than those little whirry electric ones. They weigh nothing, fold down to nothing in your bag and are great for Bridgerton-style flirting. Museum gift shops are a good source of pretty ones. I like this one from the V&A.<\/p>\n Glasses care kit<\/p>\n \u00a35.99 at Boots<\/a><\/p>\n If you use your sunglasses<\/a> to push your hair back, they will loosen and start slipping down your nose, but you can buy tiny screwdrivers to tighten them up again. Boots makes this glasses care kit.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s hot and you can\u2019t sleep, soak a T-shirt under cold water and put it on. It\u2019s quite brutal and probably terrible for your mattress<\/a>, but it\u2019s brilliant at cooling you down long enough to get some shut-eye.<\/p>\n Boots Bite Relief Click-It<\/p>\n \u00a36.30 at Boots<\/a><\/p>\n A clickable bug-bite zapper instantly stops mosquito bites from itching. It shoots a tiny piezoelectric charge (me neither, but it works) that feels like a tiny electric shock. It barely hurts, I promise, and it stops the urge to scratch.<\/p>\n Cut out the label from the back of your bikini bottoms, otherwise it\u00a0will stick out all day. I see so many sticky\u2011out labels every time I go to a\u00a0beach and it drives me crazy.<\/p>\n Cap, Oliver Bonas<\/a>, \u00a328; blue shirt, Joules<\/a>, \u00a345; stripe vest, Marks & Spencer<\/a>, \u00a315; striped skirt, Topshop<\/a>, \u00a332; orange cycling shorts, Lacoste<\/a>, \u00a330. Photograph: Ilka & Franz\/The Guardian\u2018Brush perfume through your hair to make fragrance last longer\u2019 \u2013 Melanie Wilkinson<\/p>\n Ikea Istad kitchen bags<\/p>\n \u00a33.50 at Ikea<\/a><\/p>\n When using a capacious tote at the beach, park or lido, pouches are your best friend. They\u2019ll stop you getting sand or suncream (or both) all over your stuff when you are rummaging in your bag. Ikea kitchen bags are perfect, and work for snacks as well.<\/p>\n Marks & Spencer cotton-rich secret support vest<\/p>\n \u00a320 at M&S<\/a><\/p>\n Rubbing underwires and pinching back straps only get worse in the heat, so a vest with an inbuilt bra is a great idea for the summer. But they don\u2019t always offer the best support (unless you are a small cup size). I recently discovered these. F+!! And they work! Well, on this 32F body they do.<\/p>\n TKees flip-flop sandals<\/p>\n \u00a366 from TKees<\/a>\u00a365 at the White Company<\/a><\/p>\n These flip-flop sandals are a bit of a gamechanger. Easy to slip on, they go with absolutely everything and are super light and slimline, so easy to throw into a bag and change in to at the end of a long day. Plus, with 11 nude shades you can match them to your skin tone for leg\u2011lengthening joy.<\/p>\n Perfume has gone up a bit in price, hasn\u2019t it? So it\u2019s even worse when you slowly sweat off your favourite fragrance during warmer months. Spraying your hair will make it last much longer. Don\u2019t spritz too liberally \u2013 the\u00a0alcohol is drying and can irritate your scalp. Opt for the nape of your neck or spray your hairbrush, wait a couple of\u00a0seconds for the alcohol to evaporate, and then brush through.<\/p>\n Photograph: Ilka & Franz\/The Guardian\u2018Use face-dusting powder to\u00a0calm\u00a0thigh chafing\u2019 \u2013 Lauren Cochrane<\/p>\n I shift to a \u201cno tucking\u201d policy if the temperature is more than 20C. Having airflow between skirt and top provides a breeziness you\u2019ll be glad of, especially if, like me, you\u2019re a big walker.<\/p>\n Teva Universal walking sandals<\/p>\n \u00a337.99 at Asos<\/a>\u00a350 at Teva<\/a><\/p>\n As soon as the weather turns and it\u2019s not raining, I switch to walking sandals. My favourites are Teva Universals \u2013 they\u2019re comfortable, durable and look decent with shorts, skirts and more. With a clean every so often, they\u2019ll last a couple of summers.<\/p>\n I do like to have painted toes in the summer months. I prefer gel pedicures, though, and \u2013 unlike a lot of\u00a0beauty treatments \u2013 they actually last, around three weeks if you\u2019re lucky. One tip: don\u2019t walk on hot sand with gel nails \u2013 it melts off the polish.<\/p>\n I always want to carry less stuff, so I\u00a0buy soft sunglasses pouches<\/a> to replace bulky cases. They double as a cloth to clean the lenses, so win-win.<\/p>\n Lush Super Milk dusting powder<\/p>\n \u00a312 at Lush<\/a><\/p>\n A friend of mine recommends Lush dusting powder \u2013 meant to be a final layer after moisturising \u2013 for anyone who struggles with thigh chafing. There are a few options, but the Super Milk is a favourite.<\/p>\n Arket oversized shirt<\/p>\n \u00a375 at Arket<\/a><\/p>\n If I am going to be out all day, I wear an oversized shirt as a jacket, so I don\u2019t have to carry around another layer but do have something when it gets colder in the evening. I buy mine from charity shops, and Arket does good ones.<\/p>\n Sunhat, Damson Madder<\/a>, \u00a342; vest, River Island<\/a>, \u00a319. Photograph: Ilka & Franz\/The Guardian\u2018Always remember, there\u2019s a fine line with a big-personality shirt\u2019 \u2013 Sam Deaman<\/p>\n Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese blotting papers, 40 sheets<\/p>\n \u00a315 at SpaceNK<\/a>\u00a315 at Tatcha<\/a><\/p>\n As someone with oily skin, I always carry a packet of blotting papers \u2013 such as Tatcha\u2019s Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers \u2013 wherever I go during the summer. The wafer-thin sheets can be used to remove shine and excess oil from your face without disturbing your suncream application.<\/p>\n Oas patterned shirts<\/p>\n From \u00a3120 at Oas<\/a><\/p>\n During the lead-up to summer, the men\u2019s shopping scene is flooded with a sea of big-personality shirts. Always remember, there\u2019s a fine line between cringe and cool. To achieve the latter, find a print that does not cover the entirety of the shirt \u2013 negative space around the pattern makes it less of an attack on the senses. I\u2019d also suggest working with muted colour<\/a>s as you\u2019ll find the shirt easier to style with your existing wardrobe. My go-to brand is Oas<\/a> or you can usually pick up some nice SS Daley on Vinted.<\/a><\/p>\n Men\u2019s ribbed socks<\/p>\n \u00a38.95 at Moss<\/a><\/p>\n A trainer should never be worn without a sock, no matter how hot the weather \u2013 even if you\u2019re on holiday. Forget about cropped ankle socks, too; trainers should be paired with a ribbed sock that sits at least three inches above the ankle to best flatter. I love Moss\u2019s selection<\/a> as they come in a variety of colours, which you can coordinate with the top half of your outfit.<\/p>\n Knee-length denim shorts<\/p>\n \u00a365 at Cos<\/a><\/p>\n Milano jersey shorts<\/p>\n \u00a345 at Cos<\/a><\/p>\n Selecting the right pair of shorts can be a minefield. Do we go short and sporty like Harry Styles out jogging recently, or oversized and three-quarter-length like all the cool guys on Instagram? I think a relatively wide\u2011fit short that hits just above the top of your knee is the sweet spot. Cos\u2019s knee-length denim shorts and Milano jersey shorts are great. These will match perfectly with Zara\u2019s billowing open shirt<\/a> and Olive\u2019s fitted, ribbed vest<\/a> or Topman\u2019s boxy striped T-shirt<\/a>. The key is to make sure that they don\u2019t hug your thigh or leg.<\/p>\n Vivobarefoot Ultra IV Men\u2019s<\/p>\n \u00a399.99 at Sports Shoes<\/a>\u00a3100 at Vivo Barefoot<\/a><\/p>\n If you want to maximise your enjoyment on a coastline of pebble or stone, buy a pair of sea shoes. Vivobarefoot\u2019s Ultra IV Men\u2019s are my favourite. Exiting the sea squealing in agony as hundreds of tiny rocks assault the soles of your feet is not the 007 fantasy we all hope for.<\/p>\n Sunhat, Damson Madder<\/a>, \u00a342; stripe swimsuit, Seafolly from Anthropologie<\/a>, \u00a3125. Photograph: Ilka & Franz\/The Guardian\u2018Take a nice linen throw to the beach instead of a bulky towel\u2019 \u2013 Morwenna Ferrier<\/p>\n I carry an extra plastic bag to the beach. When you\u2019re ready to leave, fill\u00a0it with seawater, take it back to where you\u2019re getting dressed, and pop your feet inside to wash off the sand. That way you don\u2019t need to balance on one foot in breaking waves while trying to get your shoes on.<\/p>\n Pro11 flip-flop toe posts, one pair<\/p>\n \u00a34.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n When you\u2019re wearing flip-flops, try a pair of toe posts, which fit around the toes to protect the more tender skin there.<\/p>\n Larry King flyaway brush kit<\/p>\n \u00a320 at John Lewis<\/a>\u00a320 at Selfridges<\/a><\/p>\n My pole-straight hair gets frizzy in the humidity, particularly around my face. I recently bought this Larry King flyaway brush to tame the baby hairs.<\/p>\n CeraVe hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser<\/p>\n \u00a310.87 at Boots<\/a>\u00a310.88 at Look Fantastic<\/a><\/p>\n I grew up in the countryside and I\u2019m not used to London\u2019s dirt, so I\u2019m a stickler for triple cleansing, especially in the summer when your skin is clogged up with sunscreen. I start with something oily to \u201cde-clag\u201d \u2013 I rotate between Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser<\/a> when it\u2019s warm and La Roche Posay Lipikar oil<\/a> when it\u2019s searingly hot \u2013 then follow this with a creamier one, CeraVe hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser, which I use twice. Even if you don\u2019t wear makeup (and I don\u2019t wear much), it\u2019s worth going three times.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide on how to build the perfect skincare routine<\/a><\/p>\n Rains cinched-waist raincoat<\/p>\n \u00a353.55 at Asos<\/a>\u00a383 at Rains<\/a><\/p>\n I always pack a North Face waterproof<\/a> on holiday, but I\u2019m slightly obsessed with all these cinched-waist anoraks doing the rounds, such as the chronically sold-out Victoria Beckham x Gap<\/a> one and the longer mint parka by Rains, which look much better than a cagoule with a beach dress when you\u2019re caught in a tropical shower.<\/p>\n Altruist sunscreen SPF50<\/p>\n \u00a34.39 for 100ml at Face the Future<\/a>\u00a310.50 for 2 x 100ml at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Altruist anti-redness facial SPF50, 30ml<\/p>\n \u00a310.22 at Face the Future<\/a>\u00a311.75 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n The addition of a good factor suncream to this list is hardly radical but I\u2019ve honestly found the holy grail. It\u2019s a brand called Altruist, which supports various charities that help children with albinism across Africa. It\u2019s also very cheap (two 100ml tubes of SPF50 sunscreen for a tenner) and sits very nicely on the skin, doesn\u2019t pill and I\u2019ve yet to burn when wearing it. I also love their Primer SPF50<\/a> (\u00a310.90), and the light Anti-Redness and Pigmentation SPF50 is water\u2011resistant \u2013 and the only makeup I need for six months of the year.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best face SPF<\/a><\/p>\n To My Ships polygonum spray-on deodorant, 75ml<\/p>\n \u00a335 at To My Ships<\/a><\/p>\n I struggle with deodorant. I find a lot of deodorant bars (which usually claim to be aluminium-free) don\u2019t work terribly well on me. I\u2019ve recently discovered the polygonum spray-on by To My Ships. I know the price is unhinged but I rarely wear spenny perfume \u2013 and this smells fantastic. It also works!<\/p>\n Uniqlo narrow sunglasses<\/p>\n \u00a319.90 at Uniqlo<\/a><\/p>\n I have two sets of sunglasses. My nice Linda Farrow<\/a> ones, which block out the sun and make me look a lot chicer when I\u2019m wearing my tatty 90s sundress from Urban Outfitters (and which I wear if I have a proper handbag to carry them in). And cheaper ones, which I\u2019m happy to take to the beach and wear on public transport instead of a hair band to keep sweaty hair off my face, without fear of them getting lost, scratched or bent out of shape. Uniqlo\u2019s very chic unisex ones are my go-to this summer.<\/p>\n Skims Sculpt fitted stretch-woven shorts<\/p>\n \u00a344 at Skims<\/a>\u00a344 at Selfridges<\/a><\/p>\n Adanola ultimate bike shorts<\/p>\n \u00a334 at Adanola<\/a><\/p>\n An oldie but a goodie: wear cycling shorts under your summer dress or skirt. You\u2019ll feel a whole lot better sitting cross-legged in the park, if you come across a rogue wind, or going up steps or escalators. Try Skims, Falke<\/a> and Adanola.<\/p>\n Stripe linen throw<\/p>\n \u00a3135 at Toast<\/a><\/p>\n Boreo thick linen throw<\/p>\n \u00a3104.99 at La Redoute<\/a><\/p>\n I rarely travel with a towel if I\u2019m going to the beach. Too bulky and slow to dry. A nice linen throw (always go natural, I like Toast or La Redoute) is perfectly fine to lie on. I also carry an extra baby muslin for drying myself.<\/p>\n Gingham sunhat, Damson Madder<\/a>, \u00a342; vest, River Island<\/a>, \u00a319. Photograph: Ilka & Franz\/The Guardian\u2018During a heatwave, pop a\u00a0frozen hot-water bottle in bed\u2019 \u2013 Chloe Mac Donnell<\/p>\n A packing cube dedicated to swimwear is also useful if you\u2019re one of those people who can\u2019t be bothered to unpack. It saves you digging around your suitcase each morning.<\/p>\n Body Glide anti-chafe balm, 42g <\/p>\n \u00a314.99 at Body Glide<\/a><\/p>\n I use Body Glide anti-chafe balm on my toes and backs of my heels to stop sandals rubbing \u2013 I haven\u2019t had a single blister on my feet.<\/p>\n Scuff mark eraser, pack of four<\/p>\n \u00a32.19 at Tesco<\/a><\/p>\n Smarten up baggage by using a magic eraser sponge to get annoying scuff marks off hard-shell cases.<\/p>\n Opret 100ml silicone travel bottles, pack of four<\/p>\n \u00a38.49 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n Alledomain travel pots, pack of four<\/p>\n \u00a37.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n To squeeze out every last drop of your travel shampoo, use a silicone rather than a hard plastic bottle. I have had the four-piece Opret travel bottle set for two years and it is still going strong. No leaks, no breaks; the bottles are also easy to clean and refill. For facial serums, I decant into little pots, such as Alledomain\u2019s. They come with a double lid to stop spills.<\/p>\n During a UK heatwave I like to pop a\u00a0frozen hot-water bottle, wrapped in a towel, in my bed 10 minutes before I get into it. Just don\u2019t use the same hot-water bottle for boiling water in future, as it may not be safe. A repurposed big water bottle or even a freezer block will do, too.<\/p>\n FYY seven-day pill organiser<\/p>\n \u00a38.49 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n I take my supplements seriously, even on holiday. I used to carry them around in a plastic sandwich bag but have since upgraded to a dedicated organiser. This one from FYY is big enough for all my potions. And it doesn\u2019t look horrible on a bedside table.<\/p>\n Before summer properly kicks off I\u2019ll go for a medical pedicure with a podiatrist. It gets rid of any calluses and hard skin from winter boots, leaving you with baby-smooth skin. And for someone who likes a non\u2011sensible shoe, it feels sensible to get feet looked at by a professional once a year.<\/p>\n Linen fitted sheet, double<\/p>\n \u00a395 at Rise & Fall<\/a><\/p>\n Swap cotton bedsheets for linen. Just like linen trousers, they help keep you cool, as flax allows air to circulate and wicks moisture away from the body. I swear by Rise & Fall, which are spenny, but when you consider cost per sleep, the price won\u2019t keep you up at night. Another bonus? You don\u2019t need to bother ironing them.<\/p>\n Summer sandals and flats tend to be slippery, so I\u2019ll take them to the cobbler and ask for a Topy rubber sole. A must if you\u2019re going on holiday to somewhere with cobbled steps.<\/p>\n Uniqlo canvas sun hat<\/p>\n \u00a324.90 at Uniqlo<\/a><\/p>\n Oas camel brim canvas hat<\/p>\n \u00a380 at Oas<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning to find yourself on a windy island this summer, swap your baseball cap for a canvas sun hat, like this one from Uniqlo or this from Oas.<\/p>\n For picnics I prefer to use a big beach towel rather than a woollen picnic blanket. It\u2019s easier to wash when someone inevitably spills hummus on it.<\/p>\n Cap, Oliver Bonas<\/a>, \u00a328; sunglasses, Ace & Tate<\/a>, \u00a3125; stripe vest, Marks & Spencer<\/a>, \u00a315; stripe shirt, Asos Design<\/a>, \u00a330; bubble skirt, H&M<\/a>, \u00a327.99; orange cycling shorts, Lacoste<\/a>, \u00a330; sandals, Teva<\/a>, \u00a350. Photograph: Ilka & Franz\/The Guardian\u2018Check T-shirts are 100% cotton or\u00a0at least cotton-linen mix\u2019 \u2013 Priya Elan<\/p>\n You can never have too much sunscreen. I always keep a good supply around the house \u2013 extra bottles in different rooms and, if you have a garden, somewhere in its vicinity. I\u2019m also very pro\u2011travel size<\/a>, as you can and should keep one on your person.<\/p>\n Summer can feel like the annihilation of your style. But it\u2019s important that you don\u2019t give up your normal clothes (or, worse, panic-buy) for something you\u2019ll wear three months of the year. It sounds obvious but suddenly wearing a blue polo shirt if, like me, you prefer black clothing will make you more uncomfortable than any heat. Plus, if you\u2019re travelling, it\u2019s easier to hide the creases in dark clothing.<\/p>\n Four-pocket work jacket<\/p>\n \u00a389 at Blacksmith<\/a><\/p>\n The Overshirt<\/p>\n \u00a3200 at Asket<\/a><\/p>\n I know from experience that any man who wears shorts to work is viewed with suspicion. But there are micro\u2011tweaks you can make if you don\u2019t have a fixed uniform. For the office, ditch the top button, obviously. Replace your suit jacket with a smart chore one from Asket or Blacksmith online. Try it with a T-shirt or thin shirt underneath, if that\u2019s passable. Despite the fact you\u2019re wearing a mix of smart-casual, colour match as far as you can, so it doesn\u2019t look like you\u2019ve veered too far from any dress code, however vague. Avoid sandals.<\/p>\n Thin layers are good. I like to wear a black band T-shirt \u2013 and a very thin black jumper in the evening on holiday. Check T-shirts are 100% cotton or at least cotton-linen mix. Natural fibres are cooler and don\u2019t pinch in all the wrong places. It\u2019s worth shelling out a\u00a0bit extra on a good T-shirt, if you can.<\/p>\n \u2018Lean into beach hair instead of\u00a0trying to fight it\u2019 \u2013 Ellie Violet Bramley<\/p>\n When I\u2019m heading out from day until night and don\u2019t want to be burdened with a full layer but do worry about getting cold later on, a pair of socks stashed in a bag and put on with sandals (I have no issues with this look, though I know many do) can take the edge off. They also offer solace when blisters are threatening.<\/p>\n Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Mini Mate, 20ml<\/p>\n \u00a313.60 at Cult Beauty<\/a>\u00a317 at Ultra Violette<\/a><\/p>\n I realised too late in life that I was spending summer with an unnecessarily greasy face. My mum took pity on me during a sweaty family holiday in Portugal last summer and lent me her bottle of SPF50+ Ultra Violette \u201cskinscreen\u201d, which lives up to its claim of a \u201cnon-greasy finish\u201d. I am yet to give the bottle back.<\/p>\n For more, read our guide to the best face sunscreen<\/a><\/p>\n Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray, 250ml<\/p>\n \u00a323.75 at Sephora<\/a>\u00a323.75 at Cult Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n Lean into messy beach hair instead of trying to fight it. Davines\u2019 sea salt spray actually works, plus it smells better than it has any right to.<\/p>\n Ellyla Amora woven leather shoulder bag in macha<\/p>\n