How to dress your children 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 reach new heights as early as June, 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 favor to keep them cool, without sacrificing their style.

The Risks of Heat for the Youngest

Before even discussing style, it is 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 heat stroke. The goal is therefore twofold: to protect their health while respecting a certain everyday aesthetic.

The Star Materials of Summer: Breathing First of All

Washed linen, cotton gauze, hemp jersey, openwork knit… These natural materials have one thing in common: they allow the skin to breathe. Say goodbye to synthetic fibers that cling or make you sweat. Linen, once deemed too stiff, is modernized in a washed version, soft and ideal for bloomers and shirts. Double gauze, on the other hand, has established itself as the must-have material of summer childhood: soft, airy, naturally wrinkled (and therefore iron-free).

Hemp jersey, still relatively unknown, is increasingly appealing to environmentally conscious brands. Its natural resistance to UV rays, thermal comfort, and low-impact ecological production make it a promising 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

Less is more. Loose tunics, cotton playsuits, lightweight 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, shells, vegetation) meet desaturated solid shades. No logos, no fluorescent colors, no polyester.

For the little ones, tied tops, puffy pants, and flared dresses allow the skin to breathe while providing essential freedom of movement. For the older ones, gauze shorts or oversized shirts become the new summer uniform. In terms of accessories, we opt for soft leather sandals, well-braided straw hats, and UV-protective glasses.

Brands That Rhyme with Freshness and Consciousness

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

Minimalist Californian line for babies and toddlers. Delicate tones, certified cotton gauze, practical cuts, and soft elastics. Special mention for their coordinated sets to slip into a summer suitcase.

Nixnut

Dutch label with a Nordic-chic style. Noble materials, soothing colors, gender-neutral design. Their textured shorts, Claudine collar blouses, and linen tunics have become must-haves for stylish mothers in search of clothes that are as beautiful as they are durable.

Studio Bohème Paris

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

Omibia

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

Practical Tips to Survive Heat Waves

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

During heatwaves, it’s better 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 safely.

At night, prioritize sleeveless pajamas or lightweight muslin sleep sacks. And don’t forget to air out the room during the cooler 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 story of childhood: free, poetic, and deeply rooted in the living.