What to Wear When It’s Too Hot for Clothes

The role of UPF 50+ clothing in extreme heat

Sun exposure in Australia isn’t a beach-day thing. It’s an everyday thing. Walking to the car, hanging out the washing, grabbing a coffee, picking up the kids. UV rays don’t care about where you are (or your to-do list).

That’s where UPF 50+ fabrics earn their keep, and why every Sheila design has UPF 50+ protection woven in. UPF 50+ (aka Ultraviolet Protection Factor) blocks up to 98% of harmful UV rays, without you having to think about it. 

Of course, this works alongside SPF 50+ on exposed areas, but it’s reassuring to know a portion of your precious skin is already taken care of.

Why swimwear can be your most comfortable summer outfit

We’ve been conditioned to think of swimwear as pool-only or beach-only. But properly designed swimwear can outperform almost everything else in your summer wardrobe.

Here’s why: it’s built to get wet, dry quickly and move with your body without losing shape. It breathes. It doesn’t cling, dig or ride up. It doesn’t trap heat, show sweat or wrinkle. And it transitions from water to walking around without that awkward damp-fabric-stuck-to-skin moment.

When we designed each of our pieces, we asked at every stage: can this be lived in, not just swum in?

Which is exactly what your summer wardrobe should be doing anyway.

Replacing traditional summer staples

Here’s where it gets interesting. One well-designed Sheila piece can replace multiple items you’d normally pack, wash and rotate through summer.

Our Mina One Piece? It’s a bodysuit, a base layer and swimwear all in one. Pair it with jeans for errands, a skirt for lunch, or wear it solo at the beach.

Our Ash Cropped Rash Vest? It works as gym gear during morning walks, then heads straight to the beach without missing a beat. 

Our Alyssa Mid Swim Shorts? They’re activewear bottoms and actual swim shorts. Wear them to Pilates, throw on a tee and head to the farmers market, then dive straight into the ocean without changing.

Suddenly, packing for a long weekend doesn’t require a suitcase. It requires two or three pieces and some accessories (looking at you sunnies and wide-brimmed hat).