Drivers rushing to snap up stunning deal to ‘boost car’s air con’ ahead of August heat – but there’s a catch

Keep out of the heat if you can.

If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.

Cool yourself down.

Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.

Keep your living space cool.

Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.

Clemmie Fieldsend and Abby McHale reveal the ultimate dos and don’ts so that you never suffer from unsightly tan lines, sweaty patches or wardrobe malfunctions again.

Cover up
While you might be tempted to put on your skimpiest outfit when the mercury rises above 25C, it has actually been proven that staying covered up can keep you cooler.
We’re not saying wear your winter coat and wrap up. You should wear a light breathable fabric such as cotton - look for flowy midi skirts, dresses or wide leg trousers which will billow and create a nice cool breeze for you as you walk.

Prepare for extremes
With our unpredictable weather, it’s not uncommon to see either someone in hotpants with goose-pimpled legs after an unexpected downpour, or at the other end of the spectrum, someone still wearing their winter tights in 30C heat. When you’re on the fence, opt for a loose co-ord that will keep you cool but not expose you to the elements if it rains.

Wear shorts
Yes, you can wear shorts - and at any age. The key is getting the length just right and longer shorts are all the rage this year. Short shorts are of course allowed but they won’t make you any cooler. If anything, micro-shorts can make you feel hotter. Plus, they are wedgie inducing, often too tight and often show off rather too much bum cheek.

Wear white
White is not the easiest to keep clean but it is the best shade for a heatwave, and looks effortlessly chic. It doesn’t absorb light like black but instead, reflects it. It’s also a shade that never goes out of style. If you do get the odd suncream smear on your whites, quickly dab with hand soap and water, rub in with a brush and then wash as normal.

Don't show bra straps
Whilst everyone wants to wear strappy clothing in the summer, there really is nothing classy about your bra straps being on show - especially when they’re the opposite colour to your top. Instead, if you are plumping for a strappy top, stick a strapless bra underneath.

Don't attempt a boob tube
The boob tube has got to be one of the most faffy and unflattering pieces of clothing you can own. Yes, you will avoid shoulder strap tan lines, but you will spend the whole day pulling your top up and trying to keep your boobs in place. Come evening, you will have grubby fingerprints all over and will have no doubt experienced the odd nip slip.

Don't choose espadrilles
Espadrille wedges were once Kate Middleton’s go-to summer shoe but they have well and truly fallen off the fashion wagon. While noughties ballet flats are back, the espadrille is yet to have its revival. It’s one of those fashion items that Gen Z won’t be seen dead in, and have even dubbed ‘the granny sandal’. For now, opt for a ballet flat or a sandal.

Don't wear crochet
The crochet trend is nice enough and while it looks great on the likes of Love Island presenter Maya Jama, it’s simply not practical. If the sun is out, chances are, you’ll end up with tragic tan lines like a mosaic. Plus, it’s essentially knitwear - hot and itchy. For men, knitted polos have also crept into the fashion fold, masquerading as summer wear but they are made from synthetic materials and induce swear. Wear at your own risk.