Find out how to upgrade your wardrobe properly in time for summer.
The semester is beginning to wind down and while we all dream of what the next beautiful season has in store for us, we must also be cautious when rummaging through our summer wardrobes to decide what to wear.
Whether you travel abroad, across the country or stay near to home or Athens, it’s important to pack and dress according to the occasion. This could mean acquiring clothing made with the right materials or layering correctly to avoid discomfort and risk.
One of the most important things I’ve learned while working in the retail industry is to never layer with a cotton T-shirt or tank top when hiking, running or doing any strenuous activity in the heat. Cotton does not wick moisture such as sweat away from your body, meaning it’ll get soaked with water easily.
Not only will it smell terrible, but also once the fabric fills with water, it no longer insulates your body heat. Even if it’s hot outside, the water in the fabric will deflect heat away from your body, resulting in a higher risk of hypothermia. Yes, even in warm weather. The best fabric to wear is any type of synthetic material.
During my brief stint in North Carolina, I spent the last few weeks of my senior year of high school kayaking and canoeing on the lake behind a friend’s house. The first couple of times I went, I wore flip-flops.
Big mistake.
In boats, small leaks and splashes cause water to pool at your feet and in the event of falling overboard, flip-flops will slide right off your feet. Monsters underneath the surface will most definitely claim your lost footwear as lunch.
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Instead of risking those Rainbow flip-flops and sliding around in them dangerously, I invested in a pair of Vibram Fivefingers KSO shoes. With the rubber, non-slip soles and Velcro strap over the top of my foot, it was easier and safer to move around when I knew they weren’t going to fall off my feet or cause me to slip in the canoe.
So be careful Bobcats, when dressing for the myriad of summer activities lined up and awaiting you. Invest in the correct gear for splashing around in the water or working your calves on something a little bit bigger than Jeff Hill.
Stay fashionable my fellow students and I’ll see you all Fall Semester.
Courtney Mihocik is a sophomore studying journalism and a copy editor at The Post. Email her at cm674912@ohio.edu or find her on Twitter at @CourtneyMiho.
