The quickest ways to stay cool and sweat less in hot weather are simple: drink water steadily, stay out of the midday sun, wear loose, breathable fabrics, eat lighter meals, and cool your skin as soon as you start to overheat. For your underarms, a daily antiperspirant applied to clean, dry skin does the heavy lifting. Here are 10 practical habits that make hot days easier.

1. Hydrate throughout the day

Sweat cools you as it evaporates, and your body needs fluid to keep that system working. Sip water steadily rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, and drink more on days you're outside, commuting on foot, or working out. A refillable bottle in your bag makes this easy.

2. Go easy on alcohol and sugary drinks

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it can leave you more dehydrated, and it widens the blood vessels near the skin, which is why many people flush and feel warmer after a drink. Very sugary drinks don't hydrate as well as water either. On hot days, alternate any cocktail with a glass of water, or choose something sparkling and unsweetened.

3. Avoid direct sun in the hottest hours

Midday sun heats your skin quickly and sends your sweat glands into overdrive. The CDC suggests limiting outdoor activity to the coolest parts of the day, like the morning and evening. If you have to be out at lunchtime, stick to the shady side of the street, wear a hat, and plan errands so you're not walking long stretches in full sun.

4. Choose lighter, looser clothing

Light colors reflect more heat, and loose, breathable fabrics let air reach your skin. Cotton, linen, and lightweight moisture-wicking blends are good choices. A relaxed white tee or a sleeveless linen dress will keep you more comfortable than a fitted synthetic top, and loose cuts also make sweat less noticeable on fabric.

5. Eat lighter, cooler meals

Large, heavy meals take more energy to digest, which can leave you feeling warmer. Spicy food can also trigger sweating, often on the face and scalp, in some people. On the hottest days, build meals around vegetables, fruit, salads, and chilled dishes, and save the rich or spicy food for cooler evenings.

6. Take the pressure off

Heat isn't the only trigger. Stress and nerves can also switch on sweating, especially on the underarms, palms, and feet. Build some slack into hot days: leave a few minutes earlier so you're not rushing, take breaks, and save strenuous tasks for the cooler morning hours. If you're active outdoors, listen to your body and stop when you need to.

7. Take a cool shower

A cool shower is one of the most direct ways to bring your temperature down. The water doesn't need to be ice cold, just cooler than usual. Dry off thoroughly afterward, especially before applying any antiperspirant, since these products work best on dry skin.

8. Cut back on caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant, and for some people it can increase heart rate and sweating. If you notice you sweat more after your second coffee, try a smaller size, switch to iced decaf in the afternoon, or swap in a cold herbal tea.

9. Cool down as soon as you start to overheat

Once you're overheated, it takes longer to settle. Act early: step into shade or air conditioning, run cool water over your wrists, use a handheld fan, or press a cold drink to the back of your neck. Small resets throughout the day add up.

10. Give your underarms dependable protection

Deodorant handles odor, but it doesn't reduce sweat. For drier underarms, you need an antiperspirant. Our Clinical Sweat Control Stick is an antiperspirant and deodorant for daily underarm sweat and odor protection. Apply 2–4 swipes per underarm to clean, dry skin.

If your underarms still get wet on hot days, you can add a nighttime step. The Intensive Sweat Minimizing Gel is applied at bedtime to clean, completely dry underarms and washed off in the morning. It's applied at night so you sweat less during the day; it isn't meant to stop sweating while you sleep. The Sweat Control Trio brings the gel, stick, and Deep Clean Body Wash together in one routine.

For sweat on other areas, like your back, chest, thighs, hands, or feet, Sweat Control Body Wipes are antiperspirant wipes made for the body. Avoid the face and mucous membranes, and follow the directions on the pack.

Your next step

Pick two or three of these habits for your next hot day, and start with a daily underarm step you can rely on. Not sure which routine fits? Find your sweat care routine.