It’s no secret that a woman’s body experiences vast changes in a lifetime. From the early teen years, entering puberty, to the transition into childbearing adulthood, each is accompanied by new cycles and challenges. Later in life, perimenopause and menopause start bringing common hormonal changes and hot flashes that cause excessive sweating and discomfort, which sends many of us running to the store for cooling clothes.
Best Overall: Spanx AirEssentials Jumpsuit, $99 (was $138)
Best Cooling Pajamas: Moonlight Eco Short Pajamas, $36-$65
Best Cooling Jeans: NYDJ Margot Girlfriend Jean with Cool Embrace, $30 (was $119)
Best Pull-On Jeans: Grapent Pull-On Jeans, $40
Best Linen Staple: J. Crew Wide-Leg Essential Pant in Linen, $81+ (was $110)
Best Skirt: Dôen Sebastiane Tiered Cotton Maxi Skirt, $228
Best Dress: Spanx AirEssentials Maxi Dress, $128
Best Athletic Wear: Adidas Optime Training Skort, $34.80-$55
Best Button Down Top: Everlane The Boxy Oxford, $88
Best Everyday Top: Anthropologie Maeve Scoop-Neck Flounce-Sleeve Tee, $48
Menopause, as you might know, “is prompted by ovarian failure,” says Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, board-certified in OB/GYN in Chandler, AZ, and founder of HPV Hub. While ovarian failure can have numerous causes, including radiation, surgery, limited blood supply, certain drugs, and smoking, “the most common reason is natural at the average age of 52,” Dr. Swarup says. And when this transition happens, it brings a laundry list of unpleasant symptoms, like those dreaded hot flashes.
Dr. Swarup explains that the best way to stay comfortable during menopause is to “wear lightweight clothing layers that can easily be removed during a hot flash.” That means there’s no better excuse to shop your favorite retailers for menopause-friendly clothing.
To guide you on your shopping trip, we asked the experts to help us find the best cooling clothes for hot flashes, plus the most breathable (and cooling) materials to look for.
While there’s no rule that demands you stop wearing your existing wardrobe when you enter menopause, experts recommend having some new pieces on hand that make dealing with hormonal changes and hot flashes more comfortable. “I often recommend lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen for those experiencing symptoms of menopause,” board-certified OB-GYN and Versalie External Medical advisor Tara Scott, MD says.
“These materials allow for better air circulation and can help regulate body temperature, reducing the discomfort associated with hot flashes and night sweats.” Dr. Scott also adds that moisture-wicking fabrics like bamboo or tencel are also excellent fabrics for managing perspiration during this transitional phase.
Dr. Swarup recommends avoiding clothing made with polyester or non-breathable materials that make you sweat. Dr. Scott agrees, noting that during menopause, she usually recommends people “avoid clothing materials that trap heat and restrict airflow, such as synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon.” She explains that these materials can heighten hot flashes and increase sweating and discomfort. Dressing in fabrics that aren’t breathable can lead to aggravated symptoms and make it harder to regulate body temperature.
Ahead, shop 10 of the best cooling clothes for menopause from Nordstrom, Saks, Anthropologie, and more.
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