What To Wear During A London Heatwave
Still complaining about what to wear during a London heatwave? We get it. Should another one appear, have these looks in your back pocket to ensure you stay comfy and sticky-free, without compromising on style. From linen sets to wafty blouses (essentially summer PJs), soft tailoring, and jumpsuits roomy enough for two, scroll to shop the edit.
The London heatwaves became our entire personality there for a bit. While we complained about the commute (more than usual) and made an Argos tower fan our BFF, there’s nothing more insufferable during a London scorcher than getting dressed.
The key is comfort, but that doesn’t mean compromising on style. Look for natural, wafty fabrics like 100% organic cotton (we rate The White Company for affordability) and Deiji Studios for elevated co-ord sets. Breathable linen is another go-to, with natural sweat-wicking properties, and it somehow always looks polished in that Joanna-Lumley-on-holiday way, even though it’s super casual and comfy.
With cuts, go big and breezy. You want a maxi dress so roomy it can create its own wind tunnel as you navigate the streets of Soho. And while it’s tempting to strip down to as little as possible in temperatures over 30 degrees, it doesn’t work. You’re not on holiday – there’s no body of water to cool off in, no third round of frozen margaritas to simmer down with. Instead, keep things covered to shield your skin from that harsh London sun with puffed shoulders, wide-leg trousers, or oversized linen shirts.
If you want your look to feel pulled together and considered rather than just wearing the waftiest thing in your wardrobe, mix layers and textures. Take inspiration from Insta star Alexandra Burimova, and pair this season’s silky slip skirt with a boho summer blouse. Speaking of inspo…
It’s tempting to wear as little as possible in temperatures over 30 degrees, but realistically, wafty layers, covering your shoulders, will keep you cooler.
Obsessed with the If Only If cotton dresses from Netflix’s Too Much? So are we. A few of their signature dresses popped up in the style-savvy series on actress Megan Stalter, and their Amalfi lemon piece is ready to make even weekend errands feel incredibly chic on those toasty days.
So, what are our top buys to be prepared with, should London’s climate dance with the devil once more before summer is out?
Zara’s embroidered shorts and blouse set ticks all the boxes and is so beautiful, we can’t believe it’s high street. We’re a sucker for daywear that’s essentially Victorian bedwear, and this is the perfect thing to waft around in all weekend. As for Free People’s jumpsuit, it’s roomy enough for two and you’d be hard-pushed to find a more heatwave-appropriate look.
For something that feels a bit more elevated and work-appropriate, take on the depths of the Central Line in Cos’s powder pink wide-leg trousers and still arrive at your Monday meeting impossibly fresh. The high street store always manages to nail comfort and polish in one, and we’ll be pairing these with a loose-fit ribbed vest and leather sandals for a minimalist summer look.
Finally, there isn’t a DÔEN piece we’ve met that we didn’t like, and they really come into their own during the summer months. Look to their roomy separates that work beautifully together or mixed in with denim and knitwear when temperatures resume some normality once more.
Shop the London heatwave edit below…
Obsessed with the If Only If cotton dresses from Netflix’s ‘Too Much’? So are we. This Amalfi lemon piece is ready to make even weekend errands feel incredibly chic on those toasty days.
We’re a sucker for daywear that is essentially Victorian bedwear, and this Zara set is the perfect thing to waft around in all weekend.
Doen’s roomy separates work beautifully together or mixed in with denim and knitwear on cooler days.
Cos always manage to nail comfort and polish in one. Case in point, these wide-leg linen pants in power pink. Wear with a loose-fit ribbed vest and leather sandals for a minimalist summer look.
Roomy enough for two, you’d be hard pushed to find a more heatwave-appropriate look than this buttery Free People jumpsuit.
![Zara ZW COLLECTION LOOSE-FITTING SHORTS 3]](https://www.thehandbook.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,height=900,fit=cover,q=80,format=webp/https://files.thehandbook.com/uploads/2025/07/zara-zw-collection-loose-fitting-shorts-3-1-scaled.jpg "Zara ZW COLLECTION LOOSE-FITTING SHORTS 3]")
This duo effortlessly transitions from sun-drenched days to balmy evenings. Pair with barely-there sandals in the day, then elevate your look with golden jewels and chunky wedges for evening glamour.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
