Retailers such as Macy¡¯s and Columbia Sportswear are expanding their use of ¡°breathable¡± and ¡°cooling¡± fabrics in a bid to boost sales as record-high temperatures drive demand for clothing that can help consumers beat the heat.

Other major companies, including VF Corp. and Permira-owned Reformation, are also touting warm-weather styles made with Tencel, a Lyocell fiber that textile manufacturer Lenzing says is more absorbent than cotton.

Clothing retailers, whose sales dipped as inflation-weary consumers prioritized essentials over discretionary purchases, are amping up their marketing of ¡°cooling¡± garments as heat waves batter at least three continents.