WHERE TO SHOP

Where to shop: 5 San Antonio boutiques for breezy summer style

Shh! No one needs to know you're wearing a cover-up.

In fashion, one day you're in — the next day, you're sweating through fabric. San Antonio summer style means dressing for triple-digit heat without looking like a wilted houseplant. Whether you're headed to the pool, the lake, or a backyard barbecue, these breezy boutiques will keep you blooming.

Defiant Boutique
The square neck white pocket mini dress from this Alamo Heights boutique is your next wardrobe workhorse. Wear it to a casual wedding; throw a cardigan on for an H-E-B run; bring back the statement necklace and layer it with chunky Independence Day red and blue. San Antonio’s summers are too hot for effort. This takes you everywhere but the barbecue joint.

Everything But Water
As the store's name suggests, this chain boutique is a one-stop shop for all your pool needs. Naturally, that means swimsuits galore — bikinis, one-pieces, and tankinis that won’t make you look like a Baywatch extra. But the secret weapon is resort wear and coverups that can effortlessly go from a hotel cabana to a late-night dinner with a quick accessory swap. Try on the Sirena lobster print maxi dress after a July Fourth dip and make your own kind of fireworks.

Ducky's Swimwear & T-Shirts
On your way to a Comal River float but don’t want to look like a river rat? Ducky's Swimwear has you covered with easy shorts, lounge-y pants, and oversized tops that can double as mini-dresses. We especially like the Hurley Haze tank, a ' 70s-inspired fit that looks equally chic with cutoffs as a maxi skirt. Pair it with a President of the Breaking Hearts Social Club and make every season a hot girl summer.

Too Good to be Threw
True to its name, this San Pedro Avenue consignment shop carries a wide variety of new and gently used summer styles from brands you don’t often find at Goodwill. Current finds include a red and white Tommy Bahama shift, a folkloric green linen maxi, and a flirty J. Crew babydoll that Olivia Rodrigo would kill for. All are sold at up to 70 percent off retail, leaving more budget for last-minute beach trips.

The Collection Texas
The She is a Classic top from this Alley on Bitters gem is the rare piece that flits from the office to happy hour. Available in a wide spectrum of shades , the sophisticated blouse is crafted from a taffeta that stays crisp even when you’re at your most rumpled. Time to clock out? Slip into a picnic check short set that’s somehow both Emily in Paris and all-American.

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LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Texas dermatologist says doing laundry is key to healthy summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories.

San Antonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Houston's Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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