How to Dress Your Kids When It’s (Really) Hot?

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When the thermometer climbs above 32°C, dressing your child becomes a subtle art: combining comfort, freshness, and aesthetics.

Scorching summers are no longer an exception. In 2025, as temperatures soar from June onwards, parents are looking for alternatives to thick cotton bodysuits and ill-suited outfits. How to dress your child, or even your baby, when the mercury doesn’t drop? Here are the materials, cuts, and brands to prioritize to keep them cool without sacrificing their style.

The Risks of Heat for the Youngest

Before even discussing style, it’s important to remember that children are more vulnerable than adults to high temperatures. Their bodies struggle to regulate heat, and inadequate clothing can quickly worsen a situation of dehydration or heatstroke. The goal is therefore twofold: to preserve their health while respecting a certain daily aesthetic.

The Star Materials of Summer: Breathing Above All

Washed linen, cotton gauze, hemp jersey, openwork knits… These natural materials have one thing in common: they allow the skin to breathe. Say goodbye to synthetic fibers that cling or cause sweating. Linen, once deemed too stiff, is modernized in a washed version, soft and ideal for bloomers and short-sleeve shirts. Double gauze, on the other hand, stands out as the key material of summer childhood: soft, airy, naturally wrinkled (and therefore wrinkle-free).

Hemp jersey, still relatively unknown, is increasingly appealing to environmentally conscious brands. Its natural resistance to UV rays, thermal comfort, and low ecological impact production make it a future alternative. Another advantage: it becomes softer wash after wash. As for certified OEKO-TEX organic cotton, it remains a staple for the most sensitive skin.

Style Without Overheating: Minimalism and Freedom

The less you do, the better. Loose tunics, cotton playsuits, light dresses, harem pants… The summer wardrobe draws inspiration from southern traditions and Japanese silhouettes: airy cuts, light layering, and earthy or pastel color palettes. Nature prints (dried flowers, seashells, vegetation) meet desaturated solid colors. No logos, no neon, no polyester.

For the little ones, knotted tops, baggy pants, and flared dresses allow the skin to breathe while offering essential freedom of movement. For older kids, gauze shorts or oversized shirts become the new summer uniform. In terms of accessories, focus on soft leather sandals, well-braided straw hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.

Brands That Rhyme with Freshness and Conscience

Petit Stellou

A discreet yet cult Swiss brand. Organic cotton bloomers, hand-knitted cardigans, timeless body-shirts. Each piece evokes a sweet, simple, and tactile childhood. We love: their palette of natural tones and impeccable quality.

Quincy Mae

A minimalist Californian line for babies and toddlers. Delicate tones, certified cotton gauze, practical cuts, and soft elastic. Special mention for their coordinated sets perfect for slipping into a summer suitcase.

Nixnut

A Dutch label with a Nordic-chic style. Noble materials, soothing colors, non-gendered design. Their textured shorts, Peter Pan collar blouses, and linen tunics have become must-haves for stylish mothers seeking clothes that are as beautiful as they are durable.

Studio Bohème Paris

A French brand with a strong ethical commitment. Each piece is designed to last, in organic cotton or OEKO-TEX linen. We love their loose silhouettes, retro detailing, and stylistic coherence. A reliable choice for parents sensitive to both style and commitment.

Omibia

Poetry and eco-responsibility united. Handmade in Spain, natural dyes, bohemian aesthetic. The pieces are designed as heirlooms, to be passed down between siblings, and even from one generation to the next. An author’s wardrobe, with complete lightness.

Practical Tips for Surviving Heat Waves

Dressing lightly is good, but considering the thermal environment is equally crucial. Avoid unnecessary layers, choose light colors, and prefer quick-drying materials after water play. Think about useful accessories: wide-brimmed hats, category 3 UV-protective sunglasses, and breathable sandals.

In case of a heatwave, it’s best to stay indoors during the hottest hours or opt for outings early in the morning or late in the afternoon. At home, a natural misting device or a damp towel on the legs can work wonders. Some parents even set up a small inflatable pool in the shade for refreshing moments in complete safety.

For nighttime, prioritize sleeveless pajamas or lightweight muslin sleep sacks. And don’t forget to ventilate the room during the coolest hours.

Dressing your child during a heatwave is not a constraint, but an opportunity to anchor a sober and sensory aesthetic. In 2025, freshness becomes a discreet luxury. And childhood is reinvented, between comfort and beauty, to the rhythm of the sun. From breathable materials to committed brands, every clothing choice tells a vision of childhood: free, poetic, and deeply rooted in the living.