Hot flushes and choosing clothes

Short answer: Clothing can make a hot flush less uncomfortable by moving moisture away quickly. It does not treat the cause. If hot flushes are frequent, talk to your doctor.

What clothing can and cannot do

A hot flush comes from within, and no piece of clothing can prevent it. What clothing can do is make the time during and after a hot flush easier to handle. It comes down to two things: being able to take off a layer quickly, and a fabric against the skin that does not hold on to moisture afterwards. The rest belongs with your doctor.

Layers you can take off

A hot flush comes suddenly. A layer you can open or remove in a few seconds makes the situation manageable, whether you are at work, on the bus or at home. Choose a loose layer over a thin top rather than one thick garment. See the soft styles in bamboo sweatshirt for women.

Fabric that moves moisture quickly

After a hot flush, it is often the damp skin that feels most uncomfortable. Once the heat has passed, a damp fabric turns cold against the skin. A fabric that dries quickly and moves moisture onwards shortens that phase. Bamboo viscose is smooth and thin. See bamboo joggers for women for days at home.

Colours that hide moisture

Many people worry that moisture will show on their clothes. Mid grey and other middle tones show moisture most clearly. Black and very light colours show it least. They can be a good choice for days when you spend a lot of time with others. See the colours in the range for women.

A loose fit on the upper body

Clothing that sits close around the neck and chest keeps the heat in, which can make a hot flush feel stronger. A loose fit with some air between skin and fabric gives the heat somewhere to go. Choose a top with a round or slightly open neckline and sleeves you can push up.

At night

Many people have hot flushes at night, and they can disturb sleep. A thin layer of nightwear in a fabric that absorbs moisture is often more comfortable than sleeping without clothes, because the moisture does not stay on the sheet. Keep a spare set by the bed so you can change if you wake up damp.

Avoid dense synthetic fabrics

Dense synthetic fabrics are the worst choice if you have hot flushes. The moisture stays between skin and fabric, and it feels clammy long after the heat has passed. A fabric that both absorbs and releases moisture makes that phase shorter. Check the care label when you buy something new.

Washing and care

Clothing worn close to the skin should be washed regularly. Wash bamboo viscose inside out at a low temperature and without fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and make them worse at absorbing moisture. Let it air dry. That way it keeps its softness and its ability to move moisture.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo help with hot flushes

It can make them less uncomfortable, because the fabric moves moisture away from the skin, but it is not a treatment.

Which fabric is worst

Dense synthetic fabrics, because the moisture stays between skin and fabric and feels clammy long afterwards.

When should I talk to my doctor

If hot flushes are frequent, strong or new to you. That belongs with your doctor, who can assess the cause.