Best Summer Clothing to Consider for Perimenopause Symptoms

Perimenopause can be a challenging time due to the onset of many symptoms people normally only associate with menopause. You might not realize that 35% to 50% of perimenopausal women experience symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.¹ As estrogen levels decrease, you may also notice your body is more sensitive to temperature changes.² As you transition through perimenopause, it sometimes may feel like you're losing control of your body and just can’t seem to get comfortable. Choosing the best clothes for perimenopause, especially during the summer, when many women experience some of their worst hot flashes, can help you take charge and feel more comfortable in your own skin again. 

Understanding Perimenopause and Its Symptoms

Perimenopause is the period before menopause when estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate and women begin to experience symptoms often noted during menopause. Along with hot flashes, night sweats, and temperature sensitivity, women might notice other symptoms such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, insomnia and mood swings. Once you have gone a full 12 consecutive months without a period, however, you've officially transitioned from perimenopause to menopause.³

Difficulty regulating your temperature during perimenopause can disrupt your daily activities and prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.⁴ Additionally, after experiencing a hot flash, you might feel uncomfortable, dizzy, chilled and drenched with sweat.⁵ Night sweats, or hot flashes experienced during the night, can lead to longer-term sleeping problems that may leave you exhausted and impact your daily productivity.⁶ As issues regulating body temperature are some of the most common and troublesome perimenopausal symptoms, summer is likely an opportune time to think more carefully about how your clothing choices can help you feel more comfortable.

Key Features to Look for in Summer Clothing During Perimenopause

Look for hot flash clothing features that can help you feel more comfortable during perimenopause this summer, such as:^{7, 8,9, 10, 11}

• Breathable fabrics: Breathable fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and bamboo, are the best for women dealing with hot flashes. They let heat pass through their fibers instead of trapping it against your body.
• Natural fibers: Natural fibers, such as linen or cotton, are usually more breathable than synthetic materials.
• Performance fabrics: When opting for synthetic fibers, consider choosing performance fabrics, with moisture-wicking properties. Nylon and polyester tend to move sweat away from the skin rather than absorbing it, so you can feel dryer, sooner.
• Loose fit: Loose-fitting clothes, such as flowing dresses and wide-leg pants, let air circulate around your body so you can stay cooler, which reduces the chance of hot flashes and helps you recover faster if they occur.
• Lightweight materials: The lighter the fabric, the cooler you typically feel wearing it, so it makes sense to consider light fabrics when seeking to combat hot flashes in the summer.
• Layered clothing: Look for lightweight clothes you can layer, such as tank tops, wraps, cardigans, and lightweight scarves, which allow you to shed your top layers when hot flashes strike.
• Cooling properties: Accessories with cooling properties, such as sandals that encourage airflow around your feet and wide-brimmed hats that keep the sun off of your face and neck, can also help you manage your perimenopause symptoms.

Top Clothing Options for Perimenopausal Women

Clothing options for menopause and perimenopause that can help you feel comfortable from day to night include: ^{12, 13}

• Sleeveless or short-sleeved blouses and tunics made from breathable materials
• Skirts and dresses that let air circulate around your body
• Wide legged, cropped pants, which support good air flow
• Moisture-wicking activewear for workouts and outdoor activities
• Lightweight pajamas or nightgowns made from cooling fabrics, such as bamboo

Find Your Perfect Perimenopause Outfit for This Summer

Choosing the right summer clothes for hot flashes is an easy way to alleviate your perimenopause symptoms and reduce their impact on your well-being. Consider our simple tips and recommendations when updating your summer wardrobe this season. Our advice won't just help you look good when the temperature soars, it'll also help you feel more comfortable and enjoy a better quality of life.

Resources:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/perimenopause-rocky-road-to-menopause
2. https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/hot-flashes
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790
5. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/why-hot-flashes-occur-and-how-to-treat-them.html
6. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/why-hot-flashes-occur-and-how-to-treat-them.html
7. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/style/a29403959/cooling-clothes-hot-flashes/
8. https://www.wellandgood.com/list-of-breathable-fabrics/
9. https://www.today.com/shop/best-fabrics-hot-weather-t285517
10. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/how-to-get-relief-from-hot-flashes/
11. https://www.webmd.com/menopause/features/menopause-sweating-11
12. https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/fashion/perimenopause-what-to-wear-153532
13. https://www.prevention.com/beauty/style/a29403959/cooling-clothes-hot-flashes/