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People sometimes wonder if I get hot dressing modestly in the summer time.
Since I live in Israel, the summers are very HOT. Right now it’s 34 Degrees outside (93 degrees Fahrenheit), and yet I’m still dressed modestly in long-sleeves, closed neckline, and below-the-knee skirt.
Perhaps when they ask me they are looking for a philosophical or religious discussion, but that’s not my speed. I’m more likely to offer practical tips for how to stay cool when dressing modestly.
5 Tips for Modest Summer Dressing
1. Wearing a light skirt is tempting in the summer, but what if it’s a little short, has a slit or is see-through? The solution came to me care of ShellSheli. Since I got one of the their new Skirt Extenders, I have thrown away my old polyester slips because this one is the Rolls Royce of modest slips. It is made of a stretchy, comfortable, breathable fabric, and features a reinforced fabric panel at the hem. The trick is to wear it with skirts that are a little too short or have a slit. So long as your skirt is black or coordinates with black, the panel at the bottom of your skirt gives you a funky layered look… and some extra knee coverage. The Skirt Extender comes in two shapes: A-line or Pencil (pictured below) – I prefer the A-line because the pencil is seriously pencil with not much room for step. In all, I highly recommend the Skirt Extender from ShellSheli.
Here it is: The Rolls Royce of modest slips!
2. Minimizing layers in smart and creative ways allows you to stay cool without worrying about indecent exposures. Personally, I love shells but I find it can be too hot to wear multiple layers in the summer. So this year I’m enjoying Kosher Casual’s smart cover-up solutions. I have TeeNeck which is basically a neckline insert, so I can wear any open-necked cotton shirt without necessary layers underneath. I also have one of their cropped shells, which has a nice look to it, without an extra-layer on your midriff – this is especially great for pregnant women. They also have Sleevie sleeve extensions, allowing you to wear short sleeved tops, without a layer underneath. KosherCasual is based in Israel in Beit Shemesh, which is known as one of the hottest climates in the country – so they know how to keep cool!
I have this TeeNeck in white and I love it!
3. For women who cover their hair like me, wearing a head covering in the summer can be uncomfortable. Wearing a wig is just plain hot, but necessary at times (for me, at least :)). However, in the summer I often choose to wear a lighter bandana or one of the embellished pre-tied scarfs that are now in fashion. These are great but they do have a tendency to slip off my head. For two years now I’ve been a big fan of the wig grip. I use it for my wig but it is also incredible for keeping any scarf or hat firmly in place on top of your head, without adding layers or bulk. Check out the wig grip.
Not all wig grips are created equal. This is one of the quality ones.
4. Modest Swimwear: I am in love with modest swimwear, which allows me to visit the beach, get wet, stay totally modest and feel like a normal human being. We’ve written a lot about the different styles and brands of modest swimsuits on MavenMall. Start your search here.
5. One final tip if you are in a dry climate like Israel: avoid doing anything in the heat of the day that will involve you walking around for hours in the hot sun. If you must walk, take a small spray bottle with you everywhere and occasionally give yourself a little schpritz. This won’t make you wet because the heat will evaporate the water droplets instantly, leaving you cool and refreshed, while everyone else is wilting. (Though it would be kind to give them a schpritz too! Ever noticed how even people wearing tank-tops are also hot during a heat wave!)
What are your tricks for staying cool while dressing modest in the summer?