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As summer continues to heat up, many areas of the country have been experiencing scorching temperatures over the last few weeks. With no relief in sight, many Americans are looking for ways to stay cool as the mercury rises. Unfortunately, you can’t spend every waking moment in a pool. However, you can cool yourself down with some lightweight, sweat-wicking clothes. On our quest to find the best cooling fabrics for hot weather, we consulted a celebrity stylist, and she told us the cooling fabric that should be a heatwave staple for women over 50.
Julie Matos has worked with Julianne Moore, Jane Lynch, Glenn Close, Sofía Vergara and a plethora of other celebrities throughout her career.
As a longtime stylist, Matos knows that finding summer clothes for women over 50 can be a challenge, and she’s well-versed on the importance of finding breathable fabrics for hot flashes.
Stocking your closet with the best cooling clothes for menopause is important all year long, but it becomes even more critical for mature women when a heatwave rolls in. With that in mind, we asked Matos to explain why certain fabrics are best for cooling, and which ones are ideal for menopause. We also got her picks for the top three flattering silhouettes for women over 50 and the best cooling summer staples.
Related: 9 Best Plus-Size Summer Outfit Ideas, According to Celebrity Stylists
The Stylist’s Secret: Why Cotton Is the Ultimate Cooling Fabric
When it comes to cooling fabrics, Matos says cotton is “almost impossible to beat” as the temperature climbs.
“It breathes beautifully, absorbs moisture and doesn’t trap heat the way many synthetic fabrics do,” she tells Parade.
While working with clients, she regularly shares a very sage piece of advice about clothing materials.
“I always recommend looking at the fabric before falling in love with the color or the trend. A crisp cotton poplin dress or an oversized cotton button-down will keep you cooler and usually looks more polished, too,” she explains.
As she’s matured, Matos has made a conscious decision to wear only natural fabrics, like cotton, when the heat rises.
“They simply feel better against your skin and make a huge difference during a heatwave,” she states. “I just came back from Europe during the recent heatwave, and it reminded me why I always reach for natural fibers.”
Related: I Tried 9 Lightweight Cardigans From Popular Brands and They’re Perfect for Summer Layering
The Science of Cooling: How Cotton Beats Menopause and Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the more challenging aspects of menopause, especially during a heatwave. For this reason, Matos says the fabric of your clothing becomes even more important in the summer.
“When you’re dealing with hot flashes, the last thing you want is clothing that traps heat,” the celebrity stylist explains. “Cotton allows air to circulate naturally so your body can regulate its temperature more easily. It absorbs moisture, dries comfortably against your skin and never feels as stifling as synthetic fabrics.”
Granted, cotton can’t stop a hot flash. However, it can certainly make you feel a bit more comfortable while you ride the wave.
“The same goes for sleep. If you’re dealing with night sweats, breathable cotton pajamas can make a noticeable difference,” Matos shares. “I love Printfresh for their eco-friendly cotton and cotton silk pajamas. They’re incredibly comfortable, and the colorful prints make bedtime feel a little more joyful.”
Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 60
Natural vs. Synthetic: Why You Should Ditch Polyester This Summer
Every fabric has its own set of benefits, but they’re not all built the same. For instance, some are more breathable, while others feature better moisture-wicking properties.
Not sure which ones are best for summer? We asked Matos to compare four common fabrics so you can find the right one to help you navigate each and every heatwave.
Tencel/Lyocell
9/10
9/10
“Tencel is incredibly soft, lightweight and excellent at pulling moisture away from the skin. It’s one of my favorite fabrics when you want something that feels a little more elevated,” Matos says.
Linen
10/10
8/10
“Linen was made for hot weather. It lets your skin breathe, and honestly, I love that it wrinkles a little. It gives every outfit that effortless European feel,” she shares.
Cotton
10/10
8/10
“Cotton is still my first recommendation because it simply works. It’s breathable, comfortable, easy to care for and looks just as chic in a crisp poplin dress as it does in an oversized button-down,” Matos explains.
Polyester
3/10
4/10
“Traditional polyester tends to trap heat, which is exactly what you don’t want during the summer or if you’re experiencing hot flashes. Performance athletic fabrics are the exception. But for everyday summer dressing, I’d almost always choose a natural fiber instead,” she notes.
Related: ‘I Tried on 12 Baggy Jeans To Find the Best Styles—Here Are 9 I Loved and 3 To Skip’
What To Look For: 3 Flattering Silhouettes for Women Over 50
These flattering fits will keep you cool this summer.
1. Cotton shirt dress
When it comes to summer-friendly wardrobe staples, a cotton shirt dress is a must-have for mature women, according to Matos.
“A crisp cotton shirt dress never goes out of style. It’s polished enough for lunch, comfortable enough for sightseeing and easily transitions into dinner with a change of shoes,” she tells Parade.Shop the look:
2. Wide-leg linen or cotton pants
Edward Berthelot&solGetty Images
Whether you’re not a fan of dresses or you simply like to switch up your wardrobe depending on your mood, wide-leg linen or cotton pants are a great summertime staple.
“A fluid wide-leg pant instantly feels elegant while giving your body room to breathe. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay cool without sacrificing style,” Matos says.
Shop the look:
3. Oversized cotton button-down
Edward Berthelot&solGetty Images
Matos says she practically lives in oversized cotton shirts all summer.
“Throw one over a tank, wear it with shorts, pair it with linen pants or use it as a swimsuit cover-up,” she states. “It’s one of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe.”
Shop the look:
Related: I’m 5’3″ and Tried on 12 Dresses for Short Women—Here Are the 8 I’m Obsessed With and 4 To Skip
Where To Buy the Best Cotton Summer Staples
Ready to build a capsule wardrobe of cooling summer staples that you’ll wear for years on end? Matos swears by these brands for quality cotton clothing.
1. J.Crew
Why it’s stylist-approved: “J.Crew has always done classic cotton beautifully. Their poplin dresses, shirts and separates feel timeless instead of trendy,” Matos says.
Summer picks worth trying:
2. Loft
Why it’s stylist-approved:”Loft is a great option if you’re looking for affordable summer staples. They do breathable cotton pieces that are easy to wear and easy to mix into an existing wardrobe,” Matos says.
Summer picks worth trying:
3. Everlane
Why it’s stylist-approved: “If your style leans more minimalist, Everlane is a great option. Their cotton basics are beautifully made, modern and the kind of wardrobe staples you’ll reach for year after year,” Matos says.
Summer picks worth trying:
Up Next:
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Source:
Julie Matos is a celebrity stylist who has worked with Julianne Moore, Jane Lynch, Glenn Close, Sofía Vergara and a plethora of other celebrities throughout her career.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.