We spend all winter dreaming of summer sunshine, then the UK heatwave hits and suddenly we’re all googling ‘how to keep cool in hot weather’ and ‘heatwave essentials’. 2025’s soaring temperatures might have brought the summer pub garden vibes, but the intense heat has left most of us feeling more flustered than refreshed.
Sure, hot weather is great when you’re lounging by a pool abroad, but the heat in the UK hits differently. It’s stuffy, sticky, and hard to enjoy, especially when you’re trying to power through your 9 to 5. Whether you’re commuting in the heatwave, working from home, or simply trying to get to sleep at night, having the right hot weather essentials can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up our heatwave heroes getting us through the summer and the must-haves you’ll want on hand to beat the heat.
What is a Heatwave?
A heatwave is more than just a hot day. It’s a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather that can last days or even weeks, often with high humidity. It can strike urban and rural areas alike. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense thanks to climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the UN body responsible for assessing climate change – it is now ‘unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land‘.
Best Heatwave Essentials
Whether you’re heading to the beach, planning a picnic, or simply relaxing in the garden, the right outdoor gear can help you stay cool, protected, and comfortable. From umbrellas to portable coolers and misting fans, we’ve rounded up the best heatwave essentials for outdoors to help you make the most of the sunshine without overheating.
Best Heatwave Home Essentials
When the heatwave hits, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority. From blackout curtains that block out the sun to energy-efficient fans and cooling bedding that makes sleep bearable, the right home essentials can completely change how you cope indoors. We’ve selected the best heatwave-friendly products to help turn your space into a much-needed cool zone this summer.
How to Sleep in a Heatwave
A sweltering summer night can turn even the most comfortable bedroom into a sauna, making quality sleep feel impossible. But according to Catherine Morris, Managing Director at Tielle – the luxury bedding brand found in some of the world’s most famous five-star hotels – a few simple tweaks at home can transform your sleep set-up and help you stay cool all night long.
“Setting up your bedroom for sleep success in the summer months is the key to staying cool,” she says. “Just a few small modifications in how the bedroom is set up can make for a cooling, restful sleep, straight out of one of the world’s most famous five-star hotels.
Choose Natural Duvet Fillings
“Natural fillings like feather and down are breathable and allow moisture to escape. Synthetic duvets such as those with microfibre fillings will never leave you as cool as natural options,” explains Catherine. If it’s especially hot, she suggests losing the duvet altogether and sleeping under just the duvet cover – giving you a much lower tog rating while still offering that comforting covered feeling. If you do want to keep a lighter duvet, aim for a tog rating of 4.5 or less.
White Cotton is King
“Cotton is breathable, moisture-absorbing, and easier to clean than silk or linen. It’s ideal for warm weather because it helps regulate body temperature,” says Morris. She adds that white bedding tends to feel cooler, reflecting heat more effectively than darker colours and evoking that timeless, serene hotel aesthetic.
The Silk and Linen Myth
“Ditch silk and linen in the heat as cooling effects will be limited,” advises Catherine. “At home, linen often feels rougher and less breathable than cotton, while silk requires careful laundering and doesn’t absorb moisture as effectively, meaning sweat can build up and disrupt your sleep.”
Know Your Down from Your Feathers
“Duck ‘down’ is the fluffier underside layer of feathers, making it lighter and warmer in pillows so choose a higher percentage of feather content for a cooler summer pillow. For duvets, however, look for a higher ‘down’ content than feather to keep them lighter and trick your body into feeling cooler.”
Maintain a Clean Sleeping Environment
“On laundry day, strip the bed in the morning, then leave the mattress to air with windows open before making it up in the evening,” recommends Catherine. She also suggests vacuuming your mattress weekly to reduce dust and allergens, and keeping the space under your bed clear to allow air to circulate freely during hot weather.
Best Fans for the Heatwave
A quality fan can be a real lifesaver during a heatwave. Whether you’re trying to stay cool on your commute, make your home in the summer months more comfortable, or finally get a decent night’s sleep, the right fan can make all the difference in helping you beat the heat. From portable fans to powerful tower fans and pedestal fan options, there’s something for every lifestyle budget. Here’s our roundup of the best fans to help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the summer heatwave.
Best Facial Mists and Cooling Sprays
When the heat starts to feel overwhelming, a refreshing facial mist or cooling spray can offer instant relief. Perfect for on-the-go use, these handy sprays hydrate, soothe, and revive tired, overheated skin in seconds. Whether you’re commuting, travelling, or need a mid-afternoon refresh at your desk, they’re a must-have in any summer handbag. See our editors’ picks of the best facial mists and cooling sprays for summer below.
Best Sunscreens, Deodorants & Summer Personal Care Essentials
High temperatures call for a serious summer personal care upgrade. From broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect your skin to long-lasting natural deodorants that keep you feeling fresh, the right products make all the difference in hot weather. It’s all about keeping cool, dry, and protected – whether you’re heading to the beach or navigating your daily routine. We’ve picked the best heatwave-ready sunscreens, deodorants, and personal care essentials to keep you feeling fresh from summer days to summer nights.
Best Summer Hydration Heroes
Staying hydrated is crucial during a heatwave so having a reliable reusable water bottle in your bag is a must. Whether you’re commuting, working from home, or heading outdoors, sipping water regularly is essential to avoid dehydration. For an extra boost, electrolyte powders and tablets can help replenish lost salts and minerals, keeping your energy levels up and your body balanced in the heat. Below, we’ve rounded up our picks of the best summer hydration heroes.
Best Outdoor Heatwave Essentials
