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Let’s be honest: when summer rolls around, the urge to wear as little as possible is real. But if you’ve ever sat on a sticky subway seat in just a tank top or tried to enjoy a patio dinner while shivering under the breeze of an aggressive A/C, you know that layering — even in the heat — isn’t just about fashion. It’s survival.
Enter: the art of summer layering. It’s about staying cool, looking cool and avoiding sweat stains, thigh chafe, sunburns and full-body meltdowns. It’s not about piling things on — it’s about smart combos, breathable fabrics, and strategic, comfy underlayers (that's where we come in).
Whether you’re heading to brunch, the beach or just running errands with your iced coffee in tow, here’s how to master the warm-weather layer game — with zero bulk and full-on vibes.
1. Start With the Comfiest Base Layer (Spoiler: It’s Us)
Your first layer should do the most. It should wick sweat, feel breathable, not ride up and, very importantly, stop your thighs from doing that sticky, angry dance we all know too well.
Meet your new summer MVP: Thigh Society shorties. Think of them as your base layer besties — ultra-light, ultra-soft and designed for hot, humid days when you want nothing touching you… but still need something between you and your dress.
Our Cooling shorties are made with a silky, hi-tech fabric that actually pulls heat and moisture away from your body (no swamp zone here). Plus, they come in a range of lengths and colors that work under everything, from minidresses to linen jumpsuits. You’ll forget you’re wearing them — which is exactly the point.
2. Pick Breezy, Billowy Tops Over Tight Tees
Your skin wants to breathe, and clinging cotton tanks aren’t doing you any favors. Look for oversized, boxy fits and natural fabrics — linen, gauze and soft muslin blends are your hot-weather friends.
Try layering a cropped gauze button-up over your favorite strappy tank or bra top. Leave it open for airflow and a little shoulder drama, or tie it up at the waist for a vintage-meets-vacation feel. Bonus: you’ll be thankful for the light arm coverage when the sun’s blazing.
Is your linen totally see-through? Layer a pair of Cooling or Staple shorties underneath in your perfect tone to avoid accidentally revealing yourself to anyone.
3. Love a Dress? Make It Even Better
Summer dresses are cute and easy, but let’s face it, some aren’t made for real life (like when you have to bend over, or it’s windy, or you’ve got to sprint for the bus).
The fix? Layer underneath. Not just for comfort, but confidence.
Slide into a pair of Thigh Society shorties in a color close to your skin tone (for that seamless under-dress moment), or go bold with a peek of color if you’re feeling playful. It’s like adding shorts without adding bulk. No squeezing, no pinching, no adjusting. Just floaty, breezy goodness with secret coverage you’ll be glad you thought of.
4. Light Jackets That Actually Work in the Heat
You don’t have to ditch the jacket just because it’s July. You just have to pick the right one.
Think: breathable shackets (shirt-jacket hybrids), lightweight chore coats or cropped denim jackets that give structure without heat stroke. Bonus points if it has big pockets, so you can ditch the purse on short errands and keep it minimal. But hey, if you don't have pockets, pair your shacket with The Cargo shorties — totally opaque and designed with a handy side pocket for your small essentials, like lip gloss and your phone.
Pro tip: Keep a light outer layer stashed in your bag or car. Because the temperature always dips right when you're farthest from home, and no one wants to shiver through that rooftop hang.
5. Say Yes to Sheer and Mesh (With Layers Underneath)
Summer is the perfect time to play with transparency. Mesh tops, sheer dresses, gauzy skirts — they’re all on trend, and honestly, just fun.
But to really wear them out confidently, you need a trusty layer underneath that’s sleek, breathable and doesn’t distract from the statement piece on top.
Thigh Society shorties (especially in The Staple or The Cooling) are the perfect no-show base under sheer midi skirts or paper-thin linen pants. They smooth things out without turning you into a walking sauna. And they stay exactly where you put them. No rolling, tugging or awkward adjusting while you pretend you're just fixing your phone.
6. Play With Proportions
One of the easiest ways to look put-together in the summer is to layer based on shape, not just necessity. Pair long bike shorts (our Original shorties are all the best parts of the traditional bike short with none of the compression or cutting in) with an oversized tee or short tunic. Or layer a tight bandeau with ultra-wide-leg pants and a breezy open shirt.
It’s all about balance — fitted vs flowy, long vs short, soft vs structured. Layering helps you create a silhouette, even if your clothes are whisper-light.
7. Don’t Sleep on Accessories
Accessories are the unsung heroes of summer layering. They don’t make you hotter, but they totally complete the look.
Try a silk bandana tied at the neck or in your hair, long socks with loafers or sneakers or a crossbody bag worn diagonally to break up a simple dress. Even your sunglasses count. Little elements make you look like you meant to layer, even when it’s too hot to think straight.
And if you're worried about the dreaded underboob sweat (we've all been there), a lightweight bralette layered under a top with extra ventilation (like cutouts or backless designs) is your friend.
8. Layering... at Home? You Bet.
Just because you’re staying in doesn’t mean you can’t layer up in comfort. Think: soft robes over sleep tanks, oversized button-ups with lounge shorts or even a matching cotton set with, you guessed it, Thigh Society shorties underneath. Because nothing ruins a cozy night like unexpected chafing while you’re curled up binge-watching.
The point is: layering is about feeling good in your skin, even when you’re just hanging out in it.
TL;DR: Your Summer Layering Checklist
✅ Breathable base layer (start with your thighs—thank us later)
✅ Breezy tops in natural fabrics
✅ Lightweight jackets or open shirts
✅ Under-dress shorts to stop chafe + give coverage
✅ Sheer and mesh-friendly underlayers
✅ Proportion play (tight + loose = magic)
✅ Accessories to pull it all together
✅ Lounge layers for hot days at home
Summer layering doesn’t have to mean overheating. It’s about thoughtful combinations that work with the heat, not against it. And it starts with a base layer that keeps you cool, comfortable and free to move (or nap, or dance, or strut).
Thigh Society shorties = the foundation of every summer fit you actually want to wear. Ready to level up your hot-weather style?
