As the UK braces for another summer of elevated temperatures and stuffy commutes, a Manchester clothing brand founder is promoting a low-cost, low-tech solution to staying cool: putting your T-shirt in the fridge before you leave the house.

Sophie Rhone, who founded Masc Femme Clothing, an independent Manchester label specialising in premium oversized graphic T-shirts inspired by music, nightlife and street culture, says the method is straightforward: seal a clean T-shirt in a bag and place it in the fridge, or in the freezer for no more than 10 to 15 minutes, before heading out. The result, she argues, is a noticeably cooler wearing experience during the earliest and often most uncomfortable part of the day.

The advice comes as the UK faces increasingly frequent heatwaves. Met Office data in recent years has shown that summer temperatures in Britain are trending upward, and urban areas such as Manchester and London are particularly susceptible to the heat island effect, where dense infrastructure retains warmth and makes journeys on foot or public transport markedly more unpleasant.

Why the Freezer Isn’t Always Your Friend

Rhone cautions against a common mistake: leaving the garment in the freezer for too long. “Most people think leaving their T-shirt in the freezer for hours is the best way to stay cool, but you’ll usually end up with a stiff, uncomfortable top that’s no fun to wear,” she said. “A better approach is to chill your T-shirt rather than freeze it solid. Pop it into a sealed bag in the fridge, or into the freezer for around 10 to 15 minutes before you head out. It feels refreshingly cool without becoming rigid or soaking wet.”

Storing the T-shirt inside a sealed bag is also important, she notes, to stop the fabric absorbing moisture or odours from food nearby in the fridge or freezer — a small detail that makes the difference between a pleasant hack and an unpleasant surprise.

Rhone has tested the method herself. “It’s something I’ve done on really hot days, especially before walking into the city or getting on public transport,” she said. “You only get that cooling effect for a short time, but sometimes that’s all you need to make a hot commute much more comfortable.”

Fabric, Fit and Airflow Matter Too

Beyond the chilling trick, Rhone offered broader guidance on dressing for hot weather — advice that aligns with what textile and health experts have long recommended. She suggests opting for relaxed-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate freely rather than cling to the body, and choosing natural breathable fabrics that allow perspiration to evaporate more efficiently than synthetic alternatives.

She also points out a frequently overlooked culprit in overheating: the humble backpack. Carrying one traps heat against the back and shoulders, which can significantly raise overall body temperature during warm weather. Where possible, she recommends leaving it at home or switching to a bag carried by hand.

On the popular belief that dark-coloured clothing is always the worst choice in summer, Rhone offers a more nuanced view. “People often assume the colour of their T-shirt is the biggest factor in staying cool, but in reality, fit and airflow can make a much bigger difference,” she said. “Choosing comfortable, breathable clothing and making small changes to how you wear it can help you feel noticeably cooler, even during a heatwave.”

She also reminds people that no amount of careful dressing replaces the need to stay properly hydrated — clothing can help manage discomfort, but it cannot prevent the health risks that come with dehydration in high temperatures.

A Simple Alternative to Specialist Products

The appeal of the chilling trick lies in its accessibility. Specialist cooling vests, wearable fans and moisture-wicking performance fabrics can carry significant price tags, and are often associated with sport rather than everyday wear. Briefly chilling a standard cotton T-shirt costs nothing and requires no special equipment, making it a practical option for commuters, outdoor workers and anyone navigating the summer heat without air conditioning at home or on public transport.

Masc Femme Clothing, founded by Rhone, positions itself at the intersection of streetwear and self-expression, drawing on Manchester’s music and nightlife culture. The brand’s focus on oversized fits — inherently more forgiving in warm weather than tailored cuts — means its advice about airflow and comfort carries a degree of practical coherence with its product range.

As summers in the UK grow progressively warmer, practical, low-barrier tips such as this one are likely to find a ready audience among the millions who rely on trains, buses and their own two feet to get around during the hottest months of the year.