How to Dress for Hot Rainy Weather

Co-authored by Elle Monus and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 6, 2022 References

Hot, humid, and rainy weather can be a recipe for sweaty, uncomfortable outfits. Thankfully, lighter, breezier outfits can help to keep you comfortable while careful layering can keep you comfortable during the rain.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 21 October 2021.} Take a peek through your wardrobe and see what rain-friendly outfits you can come up with during the spring and summer heat!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Easy Outfit Ideas

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Choose garments made with breathable, quick-drying fabrics. With all the rain and humidity, it’s unfortunately inevitable that your clothes are going to get a little damp. With this in mind, pick out some breezy materials like cotton, linen, chambray, and jersey.^{[2]
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Research source} Additionally, look for clothing made with moisture-wicking materials like bamboo, which won’t soak up the rain.^{[3]
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- Stay away from materials like leather, heavy denim, and vinyl, which aren’t ideal for hot, humid weather.^{[4]
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- Ditch any garments made with silk. You’re bound to be sweating a bit in the heat, and silk is not-so-great at hiding sweat stains from the naked eye. If you’re really in the mood for silk, slip into a white top, instead.^{[5]
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Design a dynamic outfit with a transparent raincoat. Slip into your favorite casual outfit, whether it’s a graphic tee, plain top, or something else altogether. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors and patterns—with your transparent raincoat, everything will be visible for the rest of the world to see.^{[6]
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- For instance, you can pair a lightweight blazer and a skirt beneath a transparent raincoat.
- You can also spice things up by wearing a trench coat with a graphic tee and a pair of jeans.^{[7]
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Pair a lightweight jacket and dress for an easy outfit. Dresses offer a lot of comfortable freedom and breeziness, which can be hard to come by on a hot, rainy day. Take advantage of this by wearing a long dress with a lightweight trench coat. To jazz things up, pick out a brightly-patterned dress that will contrast nicely with the trench coat.^{[8]
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- For instance, you can pair a long, printed dress with a plaid trench coat for a rain-ready outfit.
- If you’re looking for a minimalist outfit, wear a neutral-toned dress with your trench coat, instead.
- Dresses and skirts give your body a lot of breathing room, which can be hard to come by during hot, humid weather. ^{[9]
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Create a sleek look with a lightweight trench coat and a casual outfit. Pick out an outfit that you feel comfortable going out and about in. Slide a trench coat over top, so you’ll be a little protected from the rain and humidity outside. This type of outfit gives you a lot of freedom, so don’t be afraid to cater to your personal preferences!^{[10]
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- For example, you can pair your favorite lightweight hoodie with some comfortable leggings, then accent it with a trench coat.
- For a breezier look, pair baggy jeans and a loose top.^{[11]
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Pick out a comfortable pair of pants to stay cool. Go through your closet and pick out some pants that feel comfortable for the current weather. Look for garments made with lightweight materials, like linen, or other breathable pants, like harem pants, culottes, or jeans. Pair these with a comfortable top for a quick, rain-ready outfit!^{[12]
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- For example, you might pair a basic T-shirt with boyfriend-style jeans.
- You might also like changing things up with a jumpsuit.
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Stay relaxed in a pair of jeans and a windbreaker. Grab your favorite pair of jeans, which will keep your outfit comfortably casual. Slide on a breathable top, along with a windbreaker. Pick out a colorful windbreaker for a more dynamic look, or play around with neutral tones if you’d prefer to be subtle.^{[13]
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- For example, you can wear a pastel-toned windbreaker with blue jeans for a colorful outfit.
- You can also pair a solid-toned windbreaker with your jeans for a less ambitious look.
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Dress up in a trench dress. Trench dresses provide a fun twist on the typical trench coat. You can wear a trench dress on its own, or layer it over another outfit for extra emphasis. Play around with different outfit combinations and see what strikes your fancy!^{[14]
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- For instance, you can layer a solid-toned trench dress over a blouse and slacks.
- You can also wear a brightly-colored trench dress as the centerpiece of your ensemble.
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Slip into ankle-length pants instead of floor-grazing bottoms. Floor-length pants are a great option when the weather is dry, but they’ll just get soggy and icky when you wear them in the rain. Instead, look for ankle-length pants or bottoms that won’t drag along the ground, like a nice pair of skinny jeans or slacks.^{[15]
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- For instance, a nice pair of slacks is a good replacement for floor-length pants.
- If it’s really warm, you can ditch the pants altogether and go for shorts!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Comfortable Shoes and Accessories

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Try on a pair of sturdy rain boots before heading outside. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little bit on a pair of nice rain boots. Unfortunately, inexpensive rain boots can wear out easily and might leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable. Keep a pair at your home, so you’re ready to go out when the rainy weather comes.^{[16]
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Wear a scarf in place of jewelry. Slip a lightweight scarf around your neck instead of wearing a necklace. This way, your jewelry won’t be as likely to soak up excess water and sweat, which can lead to unwanted tarnishing.^{[17]
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- This method works best for necklaces. If it’s really rainy outside, you might want to leave your jewelry at home for the day.
3
Pick out a bucket hat to make your outfit rain-resistant. Slip-on a bucket hat to stay extra protected from any water and moisture headed your way. You can pair your hats with a flowing garment, like a dress, or a basic shirt and jeans—the choice is yours!^{[18]
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- For example, you can pair a neutral-toned bucket hat with a relaxed midi dress for an easy look.
- Mix and match a solid-colored top with jeans and a bucket hat.
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Stay dry with an umbrella. Grab a bubble umbrella if you live in a rainy and windy area, which can help keep you protected from extreme weather. If you’re looking for a simpler solution, stick a small, compact umbrella in your handbag instead.
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Carry your things in an inexpensive bag. Don’t bring your nicest bag out with you when you head out into the rain and humidity. Instead, have a lower-quality bag at the ready for rainy days, like a tote.^{[19]
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- If you want to bring your nice accessories out in the rain, coat them with a high-density transparent coating, which will help protect them from moisture.
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Stay dry in a pair of combat boots. Rifle through your wardrobe and see what leftover shoes you have laying around, like a pair of combat boots. Look for a sturdy, neutral-toned pair of shoes that will go well with any outfit, while also protecting you from humidity.^{[20]
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- For instance, you can wear a graphic tee with dark shorts with a pair of combat boots.
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Slip into some waterproof sneakers if you’re in a rush. Don’t limit yourself to just rain boots when it’s hot and humid outside. Instead, look through your closet or shop online for a pair of waterproof sneakers, which can put up the icky demands of inclement weather. Look for a pair of neutral-toned sneakers, which will go well with just about any outfit.^{[21]
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- For instance, light brown or white are great colors for your shoes.
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Avoid flimsy footwear when you head outside. Go for sturdier footwear like combat boots and waterproof sneakers, as opposed to flip-flops, which can slip off or break easily in puddles.^{[22]
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Research source} Additionally, stay away from flat or strappy shoes, which don’t offer a lot of protection.^{[23]
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Research source} Instead, pick out shoes that you feel comfortable and safe walking around in, where you’ll be steady on your feet.^{[24]
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