Heat, light, slower pace: finding a little comfort during urban heatwaves
Some heat is not like other heat.
There's the dry heat of a nature trail.
The air that still moves a little.
The shade of trees.
And then there's urban heat.
The kind that gets trapped between buildings.
That accumulates in stone, trams, apartments.
This feeling of still air found in many European cities during the summer.
Lisbon, Milan, Budapest, Barcelona, Paris…
At certain times of day, the heat seems to come from everywhere at once.
The body naturally slows down.
Fatigue appears more quickly.
Hair sticks to the neck.
The scalp becomes more sensitive.
And even simple daily tasks require more energy.
During heatwaves, comfort doesn't just depend on the displayed temperature.
It also depends on how you adapt to this environment.
Why cities become so challenging during
heatwaves
Cities accumulate heat.
Concrete, stone, asphalt, and buildings absorb the sun's energy throughout the day, then slowly release it.
Even in the evening, some streets remain hot long after sunset.
This is sometimes called the "urban heat island effect."
In many European apartments, especially older ones, air circulates little during heatwave periods.
Transportation becomes heavier.
The air seems denser.
The body sweats more to maintain its thermal balance.
And this constant heat ultimately influences:
– energy levels
– concentration
– sleep
– overall comfort
The scalp and hair also react to heat
We often think of protecting the skin on our face.
But the scalp is also directly exposed to the external environment.
When it's very hot:
– perspiration increases
– hair retains more moisture
– the scalp can become more sensitive
Sun, heat, and friction from perspiration can also accentuate certain feelings of discomfort:
– heavy hair
– greasier roots
– feeling of overheating
– humidity-related frizz
Even hair tied up all day can sometimes create an additional feeling of tension when it's very hot.
Simple habits that truly improve daily comfort
During urban heatwaves, it's often the small adjustments that make the difference.
No need to completely transform your daily life.
But some habits help you better cope with the heat.
Keep cool for as long as possible
In European cities, many people naturally adopt the same rhythm:
– close shutters or curtains during the hottest hours
– air out early in the morning
– reopen windows later in the evening
The goal is not to completely cool down the space.
But to limit heat accumulation.
Slow down the pace
The body expends more energy when it's very hot.
Walk more slowly.
Seek shade.
Take more frequent breaks.
These simple adjustments often help regain a more stable sense of comfort.
Drink regularly
The sensation of thirst sometimes comes late.
Drinking a little water throughout the day helps the body better manage the heat.
Some people also appreciate:
– mists
– lightly humidified fabrics
– cool water on the nape of the neck or wrists
Which materials to choose during very hot days?
When temperatures rise, materials play an important role.
Certain fibers allow more air to circulate and create a lighter feeling on the skin.
Light cotton
Cotton remains widely used in summer for its relatively simple daily comfort.
Depending on its weave and thickness, it can offer:
– a more breathable feel
– more flexibility
– a softer touch against the scalp
Cotton gauze fabrics, for example, are often appreciated during heatwaves for their lightness.
👉 Discover Quello light cotton accessories .
Linen
Linen is often associated with Mediterranean summers.
Its more airy texture and ability to allow air to circulate explain its popularity during hot periods.
It also offers a drier feel to the touch than some thicker materials.
Modern breathable materials
Some modern synthetic fibers, when light and well-designed, can also improve comfort during physical activity or urban travel.
Not all synthetic materials are necessarily stifling.
The fabric's structure often plays as important a role as the composition itself.
Heatwaves: light accessories that improve outdoor comfort
During the summer, accessories often change function.
They no longer just protect from the cold.
They become lighter, more breathable, more discreet.
Light headbands
A thin headband can help:
– keep hair in place
– clear the forehead
– limit certain friction related to perspiration
👉 Explore Quello light headbands for summer.
Ventilated caps
A light cap creates a shaded area over the face and scalp.
In certain situations, this immediately changes the feeling of outdoor comfort.
👉 See Quello caps designed for sunny days.
Thin scarves and flexible accessories
In the city, some people prefer lighter and more adaptable protections:
– thin scarves
– flexible fabrics
– accessories easy to remove or adjust
The goal is not to cover up more.
But to find a balance between protection, air circulation, and comfort.
European urban summer: seeking shade and adapting to the rhythm of the heat
European cities have a particular way of experiencing summer.
Streets become quieter in the middle of the afternoon.
Terraces fill up later.
Movements slow down.
We instinctively seek:
– shade
– ventilated passages
– spaces near water
– lighter materials
The body imposes its own rhythm.
And sometimes, comfort simply returns with a few adjustments:
more flexible clothes,
a light headband,
a breathable cap,
a little less speed,
a little more shade.
Frequently asked questions about urban heatwaves
Why is heat harder to bear in the city?
Buildings, stone, and asphalt accumulate heat during the day and then slowly release it, even in the evening. This creates a feeling of constant heat called the urban heat island effect.
Which materials to choose during a heatwave?
Light and breathable materials such as certain cottons, linen, or airy fabrics are often more comfortable during heatwaves.
Can accessories improve comfort in summer?
Yes. A light cap, a headband, or a thin scarf can provide slight sun protection, keep hair in place, and improve outdoor comfort.
Why does the scalp become more sensitive during heatwaves?
Perspiration, sun, and humidity can alter the scalp's balance and accentuate certain feelings of discomfort.
Sources and references
The information presented in this article is based on work related to thermoregulation, urban thermal comfort, and the behavior of textiles during heatwaves.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Heat and health.
European Environment Agency – Urban heat islands in Europe.
Guyton & Hall, Textbook of Medical Physiology – thermoregulation and body adaptation to heat.
International Journal of Biometeorology – studies on urban thermal comfort.
Textile Exchange – properties of natural and breathable textile fibers.