How Should I Dress If I Get Hot Easily in Ireland?

Getting hot easily isn’t just a personal annoyance-it’s a real challenge in Ireland, where summer doesn’t always mean sunshine, but it *does* mean sudden, sticky heatwaves that catch everyone off guard. You’ve seen it: a cool morning in Galway turns into 28°C by noon, and suddenly your cotton blouse is clinging like a second skin. Or you’re walking the Dublin quays, and the lack of breeze off the Liffey turns your commute into a sauna. If you’re someone who runs hot, dressing for Irish summers isn’t about finding the skimpiest outfit-it’s about smart, breathable choices that keep you cool without sacrificing comfort or style in a country where rain can roll in by 4 p.m.

Forget Heavy Linen and Thin Cotton

Most people assume linen is the answer. And yes, it’s great-if you live in a Mediterranean climate. In Ireland, pure linen wrinkles like crazy in the damp, and when it gets wet from morning mist or sudden drizzle (yes, even in July), it sticks to your skin and takes forever to dry. Thin cotton? It absorbs sweat but doesn’t wick it away. You end up feeling clammy, not cool. The real secret? Look for fabrics that breathe *and* dry fast.

Merino wool is one of the best-kept secrets in Irish summer dressing. Sounds weird? It’s not. Modern merino from brands like Smartwool or Icebreaker is lightweight, naturally odor-resistant, and pulls moisture away from your skin faster than any synthetic. You’ll find merino tees and tanks at Penney’s in Cork or Clare’s in Galway, and they’re perfect under a light cardigan when the evening chill hits. Even better? Some Irish-made brands like Wool & Co. (based in County Clare) blend merino with a touch of TENCEL™-a plant-based fiber that’s silky smooth and super breathable.

Loose Is Better Than Tight

When you get hot easily, tight clothing traps heat like a thermal blanket. In Ireland, where even in August you might need a light jacket by sunset, layering is key-but not the kind that makes you sweat. Go for loose, flowy silhouettes that let air move around your body. Think A-line dresses, wide-leg linen-blend pants, or tunics that hit mid-thigh. Avoid body-hugging fabrics like spandex or jersey unless they’re specifically designed for sport (and even then, only if you’re walking to the gym).

Look for dresses with side slits or open backs-details that don’t just look chic but help with airflow. Brands like Stella & Dot (available in Dublin’s Liffey Valley) and Wren (in Belfast and Limerick) design summer dresses with exactly this in mind. Their ‘Breezy’ collection uses a blend of TENCEL™ and recycled polyester that’s cool to the touch, resists wrinkles, and dries in under an hour if you get caught in that classic Irish drizzle.

Color Matters More Than You Think

Black might look slimming, but in Ireland’s unpredictable sun, it’s a heat magnet. Dark colors absorb sunlight and raise your body temperature. Instead, go for light neutrals: oat, stone, pale sage, or soft cream. These colors reflect heat and look effortlessly Irish-think of the muted tones you see on the cliffs of the Aran Islands or the stone walls of Kilkenny.

White? Yes, but not the blinding kind. Off-white or ivory works better in Ireland’s grey-light conditions. You won’t look like a ghost at a pub garden, and it won’t show sweat as badly. Try Wren’s ‘Stone Wash’ dress or Clare’s ‘Dunmore’ tunic-both available in Ireland and designed for the kind of light we get here.

Footwear That Doesn’t Trap Heat

Flip-flops? They’re fine for the beach at Doolin, but not for walking the cobblestones of Kinsale or the uneven paths of Glendalough. You need something that supports your feet, lets air flow, and won’t turn your toes into sweat puddles. Look for sandals with cork soles and open weaves. Clarks and Geox have Irish-specific summer lines with breathable uppers and moisture-wicking insoles.

Another favorite among locals? Lightweight canvas sneakers with mesh panels. Brands like Ecco (sold in every major Irish town) and Irish-made Shoe Hub (based in Waterford) offer styles that look casual but give you arch support for all-day walking. They’re perfect for visiting the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin or exploring the Ring of Kerry without turning your feet into saunas.

Layering for Irish Summers

One of the biggest mistakes? Thinking summer dressing means one outfit for the whole day. In Ireland, temperatures can swing 15°C between morning and night. The solution? Build a layering system that’s light enough to shed but useful when the wind picks up.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer-like a merino tank. Add a loose, open-weave cardigan (cotton-linen blend) that you can tie around your waist when it’s warm. Top it off with a wide-brimmed hat made from breathable straw, like the ones sold at St. Stephen’s Green Market on weekends. And always carry a packable, ultralight rain jacket-something like the MacPhee jacket from McConnell’s in Donegal. It folds into a pouch the size of a phone and weighs next to nothing. You’ll thank yourself when the clouds roll in over the Burren.

What to Avoid

• Thick polyester blends-they trap heat and smell after one day
• Dark denim (even ‘summer-weight’-it still holds heat)
• High necklines or long sleeves unless they’re made of technical fabric
• Shoes with closed toes and no ventilation
• Heavy jewelry that holds heat (opt for lightweight silver or wood instead)

Where to Shop in Ireland

You don’t need to go to Dublin or Galway to find smart summer pieces. Smaller towns have excellent local designers:

• Clare’s (Galway) - Specializes in breathable, Irish-made summer dresses
• Wren (Belfast, Limerick, Cork) - Known for moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant styles
• Wool & Co. (Ennis, County Clare) - Merino wool basics designed for damp climates
• St. Stephen’s Green Market (Dublin) - Weekend stalls with handwoven straw hats and lightweight linen
• Shoe Hub (Waterford) - Irish-made, breathable sneakers for walking

Even supermarkets like Supervalu and Centra now carry basic summer lines from Irish brands-look for the ‘Ireland Made’ tag on the hangers. You’ll find decent merino tees for under €20 and linen-blend dresses for €45.

Real Irish Summer, Real Dressing

Remember: Irish summers aren’t about beach days in bikinis. They’re about sitting in a pub garden in Kilkenny, sipping a pint, and staying cool enough to enjoy it. Or walking the cliffs of Moher without your shirt sticking to your back. Or catching the train from Limerick to Ennis in the late afternoon heat and not feeling like you’ve been steamed.

It’s not about how little you wear. It’s about how smartly you layer, what you’re made of, and how well your clothes work with Ireland’s unique weather-not against it. The best summer outfit isn’t the one that looks like a catalog photo. It’s the one that lets you move, breathe, and enjoy the sun without sweating through your sleeves.