Close
1 of 15

summer beauty tips

Source: AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty

The summer heat can be rough on everybody but women know that it’s especially tough on our vaginas. That is not an area that needs excess heat and moisture. It’s unfair, really, that we have to somehow keep a naturally damp area fresh when it’s 100 degrees out. I have often had insecurities around how I, um, smell down there during the summer. I’m a very hygienic person and still can be left feeling unhygienic all because I have lady parts in the summer (well I have them all year round, to be clear). Living in a muggy city in California with air conditioning only in my bedroom, I’ve had to learn ways to keep my vagina cool during the summer. Hopefully these help you, too.

summer beauty tips

Source: izusek / Getty

Work at a standing desk

Sitting at a desk all day isn’t good for us for many reasons, but it’s especially problematic for our vaginas during the summer—they’re just pressed up against synthetic upholstery or leather for hours. Work at a standing desk to keep a breeze going down there.

summer beauty tips

Source: Westend61 / Getty

Skirts and dresses are your friends

The more you can keep fresh air circulating down there, the better. Your jeans and leggings won’t let that happen. While you may wear these in an attempt to trap odor in, they just create more odor buildup. If you start with things fresh down there and wear a dress or skirt, the circulating air will keep things (mostly) cool.

summer beauty tips

Source: Kirsten Klengel / EyeEm / Getty

Linen is also your friend

My partner says I’m turning into Barbra Streisand from “Meet the Fockers” with all of my loose linen clothes but I don’t care: my lady parts are happy. I own four pairs of linen pants in various colors so I can put together an outfit from any of them

summer beauty tips

Source: martin-dm / Getty

Don’t go budget on the workout clothes

Unfortunately, the higher-priced workout clothes are high-priced for a reason: they’re often made from moisture-wicking fabric. Your moisture-wicking underwear won’t do you much good if your vagina is still trapped beneath cheap, synthetic leggings.

summer beauty tips

Source: RgStudio / Getty

Don’t bike or walk to work

This is no time to be a hero about your commute. Maybe work is only a 20-minute walk away and you want to get your steps in but 20 minutes of steps on a summer day in full office attire results in one sweaty vagina by the time you get to work. And you won’t be showering there. Drive, carpool, or take a Lyft.

summer beauty tips

Source: PeopleImages / Getty

Keep things trim

Having a full bush, though erotic in its way, also traps moisture and bacteria. That being said, a bit of hair has a way of masking odor. When you’re bald down there, odor gets out fast. Keep your pubes at a medium length—long enough to mask lingering odors but short enough to prevent bacteria from building up.