Temperatures soaring doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice queer fashion
BY IBBY-ROSE MCKIM, IMAGE BY PEXELS
With the UK heatwave in full swing, dressing for the weather is crucial to staying cool… But you can still look your queer cool self! Check out our tips below.
Clothing
Once temperatures reach over 30 degrees Celsius, your best bet is not to put on fewer clothes but actually to cover up more with breathable fabrics that can protect your skin (along with suncream). The best material to have is a natural fibre such as linen. You can layer an open linen shirt over a crop top or vest. For less heat absorption, stick to lighter colours.
We recommend coupling the above with wide-leg trousers, bloomers, or jorts in a light wash with a loose fit for an oversized look. Of course, a carabiner on the belt loop is a must. Alternatively, short shorts (à la Paul Mescal) or longer shorts work great! Just remember to regularly apply sun cream to your legs.
Shoes
While it’s far too hot for our regular queer-coded docs, Dr Martens also offers an array of sandals to wear on summery days. Boots are also out of the question with the temperature reaching over 30 degrees Celsius. Instead, try flip flops, Birkenstocks, or, for a femme look, wedge heels.
Flip-flop and sandal season also offers an opportunity to try out a toe ring and anklet. While not exclusively queer symbols, these can help balance out your look if you have a lot of jewellery on your upper body and can bring your outfit together.
Accessories
Rings are the ultimate accessory in the heat. To our lesbians, you’ll already be aware of the WLW community’s penchant for a ring on the pinky finger, which has been around since as early as the interwar period. A thumb ring has also become a subtle symbol for sapphics to wear. For maximum sapphic symbolism, we recommend a thumb ring and a pinky ring. You can read more about sapphic signals here.
Be careful with other jewellery, though; covering your pulse points (which affect your core body temperature) is a bad idea in the heat. Therefore, avoid thick bracelets on the wrists. You can cool your body down by pressing something cold against a pulse point.
It’s always time to spotlight pins and brooches with various queer flags on them – think Derry Girls and their rainbow pins. This is an easy way to represent your queerness while not adding any extra layers that heat you up. We love a pin on your (probably tote) bag.
Piercings
Piercings are a common feature amongst queer people. While we wouldn’t recommend getting pierced in the summer – the heat and sweat can cause issues – this is the perfect time to go big with your existing piercings. Facial piercings, particularly septum and eyebrow, add interest to the face, especially if you’re limiting makeup for fear it will melt off. Mix earrings/body jewellery in both gold and silver for a fun, chic look. If you have got a new piercing, remember to keep it clean from rogue sweat and suncream.
Finally, it is very cool to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. For the best results, you want to apply 30 minutes before going out into the sun and then again just before you leave the house. It should then be reapplied frequently, per NHS advice. We also recommend those wearing binders be especially conscious in these temperatures, check in with yourself and stay safe!
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