If you’re planning on hitting the trails this summer, there are a few things you should definitely leave at home. Here’s a list of the top five fashion no-nos for hikes, so you can stay safe and stylish all season long.
Hiking Clothes to Avoid
Steer clear of clothes made from cotton. When it’s wet, cotton won’t insulate you from the cold and when it’s dry, it doesn’t wick sweat away from your body as well as synthetic fabrics do. You’re better off in a pair of moisture-wicking hiking socks, base layer and shirt, and a quick-drying pair of pants or shorts.
Don’t wear open-toed shoes or sandals while hiking — they offer zero protection from the elements and there’s a good chance you’ll stub your toe or get a rock in your shoe. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with closed toes and don’t forget to break them in before your hike. Wearing new shoes on the trail is a recipe for blisters.
It might be tempting to wear your favorite pair of jeans on a hike, but denim is heavy and takes forever to dry if it gets wet. Stick to synthetic materials that will dry quickly if they get wet and won’t leave you feeling soggy and miserable on the trail.
Hiking in Jeans
Wearing jeans while hiking is generally not recommended. Here are a few reasons why:
Jeans are not very breathable, so they will make you sweat more.
They are also not very good at wicking away moisture, so you will likely end up feeling damp and uncomfortable.
Jeans are not very flexible, so they can limit your range of motion and make it difficult to climb over obstacles.
They can also be very constricting, which can be dangerous if you need to move quickly or scramble up hills.
denim fabric is also quite heavy, so it will add more weight to your backpack than other options.
Hiking in a Dress
Bras A good sports bra is key for any physical activity, but it is especially important while hiking. A poorly fitted or unsupportive bra can chafe, cause blisters, increase the risk of injuries, and make your hike less enjoyable overall. Look for a comfortable, breathable sports bra with adjustable straps and cups that provide ample support. If you’re larger-chested, you may want to consider a compression sports bra or one with underwire.
Hiking in Shorts
Shorts might be comfortable in the heat, but they offer very little protection against the elements, especially if you’re hiking in a remote area. If you insist on wearing shorts, choose a pair that covers your knees and is made of a durable, breathable fabric such as nylon.
Hiking in a Bathing Suit
Many people believe that it is appropriate to hike in a bathing suit because it is comfortable and easy to move in. However, there are a few reasons why this is not a good idea. First, a bathing suit does not provide much protection from the sun. Second, a bathing suit can easily get caught on branches or rocks, which can lead to ripped clothing or even injuries. Finally, a bathing suit does not provide much warmth, so you may be at risk for hypothermia if you hike in cold weather.
Hiking in High Heels
We’ve all seen it in the movies: the heroine effortlessly scaling a mountain in her high heels, looking windblown and sexy. Unfortunately, this is not an accurate portrayal of what happens when you try to hike in high heels. Wearing high heels while hiking is a recipe for disaster, and here’s why:
First, high heels are not designed for walking on uneven terrain. The way they are constructed, with a narrow heel and a raised toe, makes them unstable on anything but level ground. This can lead to sprained ankles and rolled feet, which are definitely not sexy.
Second, high heels can damage the trail. When you wear them on a hike, you are more likely to slip and fall, which can damage the trail and make it unsafe for other hikers. In addition, the spikes on your heels can leave gouges in the trail surface, which can be a hazard for other hikers.
So if you want to hike in comfort and style, leave your high heels at home and opt for a pair of hiking boots instead.
Hiking in Flip Flops
Flip flops are not appropriate footwear for hiking for several reasons. They offer very little support, which can lead to ankle and foot injuries. They also provide very little protection from rocks and roots, which can result in cuts and scrapes. And they offer no protection from the sun or insects. If you’re planning to hike, be sure to wear shoes that are designed for the trail.
Hiking in a Suit
Of all the places you might wear a suit, hiking is probably one of the last places you would think to do it. And yet, there are some people out there who choose to hike in a suit. We’re not sure why they do it, but we’re pretty sure it’s not a good idea.
Wearing a suit while hiking is impractical for a number of reasons. First of all, suits are not made for physical activity. They are made for sitting around and looking important. This means that they are not going to be very comfortable when you’re trying to hike up a hill or scramble over rocks.
Second, suits are not made for the outdoors. They are made for indoor settings where the temperature is controlled and there is no chance of getting wet or dirty. When you take a suit outdoors, you run the risk of ruining it with mud, water, or sweat.
Finally, wearing a suit while hiking is just plain weird. You’re going to stand out like a sore thumb and people are going to stare at you. If you’re trying to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature, this is probably not what you’re looking for.
So if you’re thinking about wearing a suit while hiking, we would strongly advise against it. It’s just not worth the hassle or the risk. Stick to wearing clothes that are designed for the outdoors and leave your suit at home where it belongs.
