The number of Zika virus cases is on the rise, with 258 and counting as of now, and while the disease is not fatal to most people, the worst case scenario would be a wave of birth defects affecting hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in Singapore.
Mosquito repellents in almost every form (sticker, spray, balms, and so forth) have flown off the shelves and are nearly out of stock nationwide due to the Zika virus outbreak. While what you wear does not necessarily solve the problem, it wouldn’t hurt to know a few tips and tricks to avoid the virus as much as possible (in style).
1. Light Coloured Clothes.
Karlie Kloss looking gorgeous in white – but you might need to cover up those legs!
Credit: In Style
Yes, we’re going into Fall/Winter but no one will judge you for being so Spring/Summer all year round, especially in Singapore. Or at least you have an excuse now. However, the myth that mosquitoes are attracted to bright colours is only half-true – the bloodsucker females hunt by scent, not sight. Only the males attack you if they mistake you for a vibrant flower – but it doesn’t hurt to prevent those, too.
2 .Clothes With Tightly Woven Fabric.
Miranda Kerr wearing denim on denim.
Credit: Rayli
The fabric of your clothes is your first defense, and a tight weave will prevent mosquitoes from moving through your shirt onto your skin. Examples of such fabrics are woven polyester, nylon, twill and denim.
3. Loose-Fitting Clothes.
Chiara Ferragni rocking a relaxed fit OOTD.
Credit: ASOS
If the material of your outfit is not fitted, mosquitoes that pierce through your clothing fabric will not be trapped right next to your skin and get into a biting frenzy. A relaxed fit also retains less of your body heat – which is the most glaring ‘sensor’ they detect while picking their prey. That’s also probably the reason why pregnant women are easy targets for mosquitoes due to their increased body temperature.
Credit: Victoria's Secrets
Bonus Tip: Victoria’s Secret’s Bombshell perfume is a tested and scientifically proven to be a powerful mosquito repellent! Researchers at New Mexico State University was comparing the effectiveness of different mosquito repellants in this study and threw in some perfumes for good measure. Despite smelling sweet and fruity, mosquitoes hated it and the repelling effects lasted well over two hours!