Sweating in the summer and on holiday: your complete survival guide
The sun is shining, the patio beckons, and you're finally on vacation. Wonderful. Until you realize your shirt is sticking after five minutes in the sun and you decide to stand in the shade just to be safe. Sweating in summer is simply part of it, but that doesn't mean you have to feel uncomfortable about it.
By Zero·One Redactie
18 June 2026
4 min. reading time
Just to reassure you: sweating in the heat is exactly what your body is supposed to do. It's your built-in air conditioner. The warmer it gets, the harder your sweat glands work to cool you down. It only becomes annoying when wet patches or body odor bother you. With a few smart habits, you'll stay cool, dry, and confident, whether you're on the beach or strolling through a warm city.
Why do you sweat more in the summer?
Two things work together. Firstly, the heat itself: your body cools down by sweating, so the higher the temperature, the more moisture you produce. Secondly, humidity. On a muggy, humid day, sweat evaporates less effectively, leaving it on your skin and clothes. That's why a humid 28-degree day often feels sweatier than a dry 32-degree day.
1. Choose airy, natural fabrics
Cotton, linen, and bamboo allow your skin to breathe and absorb moisture. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, on the other hand, trap heat. In summer, opt for loose, breathable clothing. Regarding color: light colors reflect the sun and keep you cooler, but show sweat stains more easily. White and black hide stains best. So choose according to what you find more important that day, coolness or camouflage.
2. Drink enough water
It sounds counterintuitive, but staying well-hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature better. Drink water throughout the day, especially if you're in the sun or drinking alcohol. Getting dehydrated won't make things any better.
3. Take it easy with outdoor cafes
Iced coffee and a cold beer are part of summer, but both caffeine and alcohol increase your heart rate and body temperature, and thus your sweat production. You don't have to give anything up, but if you have an important evening ahead, now you know why that third glass will make you shine extra.
4. Cool yourself down cleverly
A few small tricks make a big difference. Hold your wrists under cold water, as blood vessels run close to the skin there. Take a lukewarm shower instead of an ice-cold one, because ice-cold water makes your body work harder to warm up. And during the hottest part of the day, simply seek shade or a cool space.
5. Spicy food on a hot day? Maybe not
Spicy and heavily seasoned food raises your body temperature. On a scorching hot day, that can be just the push your sweat glands didn't need. Save the extra hot sambal for a cooler evening.
One wipe. Up to five days dry.
Discrete anti-perspirant wipes, individually wrapped in a plastic-free sachet. Apply in the evening, ready for the next day.
6. Set up your evening routine on the first evening
Here's the clever summer trick. An antiperspirant works best when you apply it in the evening to clean, dry skin, not in the morning rush. So, on your first vacation evening, gently dab one Zero·One wipe over your dry armpits, let it dry briefly before you go to sleep, and rinse it off in the morning. After that, you'll stay dry for up to five days, even in the heat. This way, you don't have to think about sweat on the beach or at the cafe.
The wipes are individually packaged and plastic-free, so they fit easily in your toiletry bag or carry-on. No liquid limits at the airport, no messy bottles, and you have exactly enough for your entire trip.
7. Keep your sleeping area cool
Warm nights lead to waking up clammy. Keep your bedroom or hotel room as cool as possible, choose a thin, natural blanket, and drink some water before sleeping. A fan or air conditioning on a quiet setting works wonders.
Enjoy it, and don't overthink it
Sweating in summer is normal, and with these habits, you'll keep it well under control. The most beautiful effect might be that you no longer have to constantly pay attention to it. Someone who isn't worried about wet patches simply enjoys the sun more.
If you want to know exactly where sweating comes from, read our guide on excessive sweating. And if you simply want to stay dry this summer, check out the Zero·One anti-sweat wipes.
Frequently asked questions about sweating in summer
Why do I sweat more in summer than usual? Due to the heat, your body cools itself with sweat, and in high humidity, that sweat evaporates less effectively. As a result, you feel and see it more quickly.
What clothing is best to wear to combat sweating in the heat? Airy, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo. Light colors keep you cooler but show stains faster; white and black hide stains best.
Does drinking a lot of water help against sweating? It doesn't stop sweating, but staying well-hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature better, especially in the sun and when consuming alcohol.
Can I take anti-sweat wipes on vacation? Yes. The Zero·One wipes are individually packaged and plastic-free, so they fit in your toiletry bag or carry-on without any hassle with liquid limits.
How do I stay dry on a warm vacation day? Apply your antiperspirant the evening before to dry skin, wear breathable clothing, drink enough water, and cool yourself at the wrists. This way, you start the day dry.
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