'I'm a modest dresser and I swear by these staples for warmer weather.'

I've been dressing modestly as a hijabi woman for more than 15 years, and if there's one thing I've learned in that time, it's how to stay cool and comfortable while still being chic, stylish and fully covered. 

"Aren't you hot in that?"

This dreaded question plagues me every Australian summer, and often comes from total strangers. I imagine most people are hot on a 37-degree day, no matter what they wear, but if you really must know, the answer is no.

Most of the time I'm actually pretty comfortable because I know how to dress for the heat. And it might surprise some people to know that being fully covered can actually help your body stay cool and safe from the sun.

Watch: The 5-second shirt tucking hack that's going to transform your style. Post continues below. 

I wear a hijab and dress modestly for my religion, but plenty of people like to cover up for a variety of reasons, ranging from religious and cultural to simply wanting to avoid those pesky UV rays.

The thing is, actually finding clothes that are modest, chic and breathable is getting harder and harder every year. Between polyester infiltrating every brand and so many clothes having hidden slits or cut-outs (I have been burned too many times by this), I don't blame you if you find the whole thing disheartening. 

But fear not, because I am here to help.

After defeating every micro-trend boss battle on my feed and finally building out the wardrobe of my dreams, I am here to offer some sage advice on which clothes will keep you cool without forcing you to sacrifice style, all while maintaining full coverage, too. 

Linen Pants.

I honestly can't remember the last time I wore a pair of jeans. Instead, I have fully transitioned into a linen pants girlie, and I am never going back. 

It's durable, washes well (it actually gets softer with each wash!), and is bacteria and pathogen-resistant thanks to its moisture-wicking properties — very helpful if you get sweaty or are prone to heat rashes.  

I personally love to have a few linen basics on hand. A loose, billowy linen pant is good for breezy beach days and picnics, and a wide-leg or straight-cut pair is perfect for when you need to head in the office or look a little smarter.

For some people, pure linen can feel a little stiff or itchy. In that case, you can opt for a linen blend, or even just go for cotton pants — they're still comfy and cool, but more accessible.

Cotton On Haven Wide Leg Pant, $49.99

Image: Cotton On

Country Road Organically Grown Linen Tuck Front Pant, $159.99.

Image: Country Road, The Iconic

AERE Patch Pocket Linen Pants, $120.

Image: AERE, The Iconic

Glassons Tie Waist Stripe Cotton Pant, $39.99.

Image: Glassons

Button-up shirts and co-ords.

The thing about linen clothes is you can get endless wear out of them and they're appropriate for most occasions. If you haven't already invested in some, now's your chance. 

Linen button-up shirts are comfortable and appropriate for both casual and more chic occasions, and you can even mix and match them with your pants to make some instant co-ords. 

However, if you're sick of linen (could never be me!), cotton and viscose are also lightweight and breathable fabrics. They're perfect for summer, and they're cheaper and more accessible than linen, too.

Probably the most-worn outfit in my closet is a co-ord set I bought from Cotton On Body three years ago (I now own it in several colours and I have no regrets).

I literally climbed a volcano in Bali while wearing one of those bad boys, so I can 100 per cent confirm these outfits are cool, breathable and comfortable.

TWIICE Ava Relaxed Brown Linen Stripe Shirt, $149.

Image: TWIICE, The Iconic

DISSH LUNE WALNUT LINEN SHIRT, $129.99.

Image: DISSH

Cotton On Haven Long Sleeve Shirt, $49.99.

Image: Cotton On

ASOS EDITION oversized shirt and wide leg pants set in green ombre print, $110.50.

Image: ASOS

Commonry Flat Front Linen Pant, $179.95.

Image: Commonry, The Iconic

Kmart Long Sleeve Linen Blend Shirt, $20.

Image: Kmart

Maxi Skirts.

A modest wardrobe is not complete without a maxi skirt (or three). I wear cotton and linen maxi skirts the most, but honestly, you don't need to worry too much about how breathable the fabric is. They'll swoosh around your legs enough to let air in any way.

There are endless ways to style maxi skirts — you could wear a tiered cotton or linen one with one of the button-ups above, or you could wear a satin slip maxi skirt with an oversized matching satin button up (I rock this look all the time), or you can pair just about every style of maxi skirt with a simple long sleeve body top. It all depends on your personal style!

Atmos&Here Shay Maxi Skirt, $59.99.

Image: Atmos&Here, The Iconic

Witchery Soft Column Maxi Skirt, $159.

Image: Witchery, The Iconic

Country Road Satin Bias Maxi Skirt, $199.

Image: Country Road, The Iconic

You & All Black Floral Maxi Skirt, $59.99.

Atmos&Here Carrie Cotton Maxi Skirt, $52.49.

Image: Atmos&Here, The Iconic

Cotton On Haven Multi Tiered Maxi Skirt, $59.99.

Image: Cotton On

Maxi Dresses.

And finally, the maxi dress. Versatile and easy, a maxi dress is great because it requires minimal planning or other matching parts — just chuck it on and be done with it!

I love to pair linen and cotton summer maxi dresses with sandals, a straw hat and a tote bag. I usually wear a chiffon maxi if I want to dress a little fancier (like for a day-time wedding), but still stay dry and comfy.

If you're looking for breathability and coolness, stay away from polyester. Instead, try cotton, lawn, linen or chiffon. These materials are light, breezy and can be both dressed up and dressed down!

ASOS DESIGN trapeze maxi shirt dress with wide cuffs and oversized pockets in chocolate, $88.

Image: ASOS

Iisla & Bird kimono beach maxi summer dress in black, $45.

Image: Iisla & Bird, ASOS

Sowears Ellora White Maxi Dress, $82.

Image: Sowears

ASOS DESIGN long sleeve maxi t-shirt dress in black, $51.

Image: ASOS

Feature image: Supplied.