Does anyone else get REALLY hot wearing shirts that have the slightest bit of spandex or polyester in them? I can hardly stand to have a shirt on that has even a tad of spandex or poly in it. This has never been a problem for me before. I haven't had any hot flashes yet( knock on wood), but have always had awful night sweats days before my period for eons. I had bought a bunch of summer tops early in the Spring. Most are made of 95% cotton & 5% spandex, which I thought was fine. But that little bit of spandex feels like a blazing inferno to me. Seems all I can wear is 100% cotton T-shirts. I have looked and there doesn't seem many clothes out there that don't have a little spandex or poly in them. I do like the little stretch in the material with my ever expanding waistline these days .....but can't stand the heat. What's a peri/meno girl to do? Anybody else have this problem?

Polyester and spandex do not "breathe" like cotton does. You might want to try to just stick with 100% cotton shirts. I realize this is a challenge since most of the shirts on the markets do have poly or spandex in them. You don't have to stick just with tee shirts though. Eddie Baurer has lots of cotton and linen shirts. Try that maybe.

Land's End has TONS of 100% cotton tops, and their prices are pretty reasonable. They have petite sizes too. I am lucky to live near one of their outlet stores, but also still order from their catalog. Lots of the tops are now on sale, and you can order online, or at least look at them there.

Hi Kat,

I know exactly how you feel. I had this problem last summer, in fact it was the worse summer of my life. I thought I was going to die of the heat or just combust in a huge inferno and I'm not exaggerating. I couldn't wear anything except the lightest of cotton tops, anything else and the sweat would just pour off of me. I was period free for a year just this spring and now this summer I feel so much better. I seem to be able to wear all materials again and I can actually move around without sweating. We were even in Myrtle Beach and Memphis (HOT) last month and I was like my normal self again - something I never thought I would be. Just thought I'd share my experience and say I believe it does get better. Arla.

I've had to give up silk and wool in the past year since I can only get one day out of clothes and the cashmere that's everywhere is way too steamy. For years my winter uniform was wool slacks, a Benneton sweater and men's Italian oxfords. The Land's End cotton sweaters are very well made, but if the stomach fits, the top is huge; if the shoulders fit, the bottom band is stretched tight. Do any of you know other places to get quality cotton sweaters with a smooth texture and sweater-finished sleeves, neck, and bottom? J. Crew is too tight all over. I wish I could afford Paul Stuart menswear.

Hi,

I will once again sing the praises of LL Bean! Their clothes are extremely well made, last forever, and the cotton shirts and sweaters are true to size. My "uniform" is a pair of Bean khakis, a cotton or wool or cashmere sweater (if it is below freezing I can take it) and loafers.

Good luck.
Marcy

I totally agree. The fabric quality is also extremely soft and good looking and the colors are great. Unfortunately, I've ordered from them and every time they don't fit me, as above.

I've switched to cotton only... When I try to wear my good old poly/rayon suits and blouses I absolutely am so miserable!!! And nylons are OUT (blick!). My feet get way-hot too. It's a happier day when you're dressed right. I too don't have much luck with LLBean. Great quality. Stuff just doesn't fit me right. Right now, I'm having trouble finding dress socks. I happened on some made of bamboo earlier this year! Bamboo is very coooool and really breathes. There's a catalog on line. The socks were amazing.