Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We've been told to wear less when it's hot.
But across South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, communities have worn loose, breathable clothing for centuries to help adapt to extreme heat.
Scientists have studied why these garments work—from improving airflow to reducing direct exposure to the sun.
These outfits aren't just cultural traditions. They're generations of climate adaptation that may have something to teach us as the world gets hotter.
We've been told to wear less when it's hot.
But across South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, communities have worn loose, breathable clothing for centuries to help adapt to extreme heat.
Scientists have studied why these garments work—from improving airflow to reducing direct exposure to the sun.
These outfits aren't just cultural traditions. They're generations of climate adaptation that may have something to teach us as the world gets hotter.
