I tested this comfy cooling dress to see if it made me less sweaty. Here's what I thought

CNN

26-05-2025

When it comes to staying cool, cooling clothes can be a game changer, especially for those who live in hot climates, enjoy being outdoors or run hot. After my experience testing an Amazon-bestselling cooling dress that I plan on pulling out again this summer, I was curious to see what other options were out there. That's how I came across the Arctic Cool Women's Cooling Sundress.
While some brands offer just a handful of cooling clothing options, Arctic Cool is a brand dedicated to creating cooling clothing and accessories for men and women. Its cooling sundress, which is powered by the brand's proprietary cooling technology (more on that later), is the only dress offered on its site, though there are plenty of other clothing options.
With summer right around the corner, I decided to test this sundress to see if it would actually help me feel cooler once I worked up a sweat.
Arctic Cool Women's Cooling Sundress
Having a cooling dress like this in your closet is a great way to beat the heat and a smart way to protect your body from the sun. This sundress is made from a quick-drying and moisture-wicking polyester and spandex mix. It has a UPF rating of 50+ and comes in several colors and sizes S to 3X. It's comfortable to wear
The first thing I noticed about the Arctic Cool Sundress is how soft, stretchy and lightweight it is. Even though it's thin, it isn't flimsy or see-through (I have it in gray and purple), so I didn't feel overly exposed wearing the dress outside. I was expecting the material to feel similar to the cooling dress I reviewed last year, but it actually feels slightly different in comparison.
The Arctic Cool Sundress has a smoother feel, is lighter and a tad less stretchy than the Columbia PFG Freezer III Dress I tried. It also doesn't cling to the body, making it a great option if you're looking for a cooling dress that isn't as body-skimming. When you compare the fabrics of both dresses, this all makes sense. Though they're both made from polyester and spandex/elastane — the Arctic Cool Sundress isn't made with as much spandex, so it's less stretchy and has a looser fit.
One of my biggest concerns when it comes to dresses and skirts, especially for active wear, is the material riding up. Since this dress has a relaxed fit and hits at a comfortable length just above my knees (I'm 5 feet 5 inches), I didn't feel the need to wear it with biker shorts underneath. I'm also a sucker for an easy, pull-on style dress and this one is so easy to slip on and off. Plus, it's bra-friendly and there are no sleeves for you to wrestle your arms out off. I have the dress in a medium, but I probably could have sized down since I noticed a little gaping around the armpits.
It helps cool you down
As previously mentioned, the Arctic Cool Sundress is made from a stretchy and lightweight polyester and spandex mix. Like the brand's other products, the dress uses Arctic Cool's proprietary Hydrofreeze X technology to keep you cool. As you sweat, the brand's ActiveWick moisture-wicking technology pulls sweat away from your skin and spreads it through the fabric evaporating the moisture. In short, you'll feel the fabric's cooling effect once you start to sweat, and the dress wicks the moisture away.
I experienced its cooling abilities after hopping on the treadmill and doing the 12-3-30 workout, which involves walking on your treadmill for 30 minutes, at a speed of three and on a 12 incline. I was able to get through my workout comfortably and not finish it as a sweaty mess. If you're looking for an instant or more intense cooling sensation, the brand recommends dampening the material beforehand. I did this before hopping on a Peloton ride, and while I noticed I felt cooler faster, I think doing this makes more sense for outdoor workouts like running or hiking.
It's versatile
So far, I've worn this dress on an outdoor walk, for indoor cardio workouts and while working from home. Because it's so breathable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking and cooling, I can see it being a go-to for hot summer days, especially if you need something you can throw on for the beach, a cruise or a BBQ. Plus, it's machine-washable (cold wash and tumble dry on low), wrinkle- and odor-resistant and easy-to-pack in a carry-on or backpack, so you can easily treat it as a travel dress. As a bonus, it also has a UPF rating of 50+ to shield the body from UVA and UVB rays.
There's isn't much I dislike about the Arctic Cool Cooling Sundress, but like I wrote in my other cooling dress review, it would be nice if there were pockets and if underwear lines were less visible.
While I can't say the Arctic Cool Cooling Sundress made me feel like the AC was on full blast, I also wasn't expecting it to. What it did do was wick away my sweat, so I didn't end my workouts drenched, keeping me cooler and more comfortable than I would have been feeling otherwise. Overall, this dress and Columbia's cooling dress are good options if you're in the market for cooling clothes, though I prefer the looser fit and thinner fabric of Arctic Cool's. That said, I plan to continue testing the Arctic Cool Cooling Sundress into the summer to see if I still feel the same way with continued use.
How does Arctic Cool's clothing keep you cool?
How does Arctic Cool's clothing keep you cool?
Arctic Cool's clothing helps lower your body temperature by wicking sweat from your skin and dispersing it through the threads of the material.
What is the best type of cooling clothing?
What is the best type of cooling clothing?
That depends on what you're looking for, but important features to look for in cooling clothes include a breathable construction, moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials and cooling technology.
Do cooling clothes really work?
Do cooling clothes really work?
Yes. Much like cooling bedding, cooling clothing can make you feel less sweaty and hot, which is also why cooling pajamas are such a popular option for hot sleepers.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Rachel Dennis reviewed Arctic Cool's cooling sundress.