3 Types of Fabrics to Wear in Summer

Like a clockwork, summer moves by like a speeding bullet. We are left to wonder how we haven’t reached half of the year already. This article will help you to find out the best fabrics for summer and the clothing that will keep your cool.

These are the fabrics you will want to wear, no matter if you’re at the beach or grilling at the next backyard barbecue. These summer fabrics are light, breathable, and body cooling to keep you cool and comfortable all summer.

This comprehensive guide will also explain why these fabric types are important, what the downsides are, and how to wear them when mother nature cranks up the heat.

WHAT FABRICS ARE THE BEST FOR HOT WEATHER?

Let’s start with the most important staple. Cotton fabric.

1. COTTON

Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for clothing. It is the most versatile fabric for clothing, and you will see it on all your garments. It is a great choice for bedding, textiles, and clothing because of its versatility, comfort, and durability.

What is Cotton Fabric?

Cotton is a very breathable fiber. It absorbs a lot of moisture, and it has an open weave that allows air to flow through the fabric. Cotton is the most popular natural fiber in the world.

Why wear cotton?

When it comes to warm-weather fabrics, cotton is almost always the smart choice. These are the top reasons to wear cotton in hotter summer temperatures.

1. Comfortable 

Cotton’s softness is a key characteristic. It isn’t itchy, stuffy or clingy as many artificial fibers. Comfortability is the reason most basic tees use 100% or a primary mix of cotton.

2. Hypoallergenic 

Cotton is a natural fiber so allergic reactions are unlikely.

3. Versatile

The versatility of cotton as a fiber means that it can be used to knit or weave many fabrics, including chambray and corduroy. You can find cotton in athletic wear and formal wear as well as many other textiles, including bedding, home and kitchen linens.

4. Cotton is naturally sustainable

Cotton is a strong fabric that can be worn over and over. Cotton, one of the oldest fibers in the world, has been around for thousands and years. The USDA regulates it as a renewable and biodegradable fiber.

5. Cotton is breathable

Cotton is more breathable than synthetic fibers such as polyester, so you’ll be comfortable in warmer temperatures. You can also find moisture-wicking cotton, which is specially designed to keep you cool and dry while working out.

6. Cotton is easy to care for

Cotton is one of the easiest fabrics to clean. You can either hand wash it, let it dry flat, or dry it on the line. Or you can throw your cotton clothes in the washing machine to save money.

There are down sides to wearing cotton

Pure cotton fabric is a great choice for people who want natural, comfortable clothing. However, there are also some drawbacks to cotton.

1. Cotton Wrinkles Easily

You’ve probably worn a button-up or t-shirt made of 100% cotton, and you know how easily they can wrinkle when stuffed in your suitcase or closet.

Cotton wrinkles easily, so ironing is a must, especially for professional clothes like dresses and trousers.

2. Cotton Often Shrinks

Everybody has seen their clothes shrink after a wash cycle. It’s usually your 100% cotton garments that shrink. While some manufacturers might pre-shrink cotton products, you can still expect your cotton clothing shrinking.

It happens because the fibers shrink when they are exposed to water. The garment then shrinks when it is dried on high heat. You’ll see care labels that say “tumble dry low” on cotton garments. Drying at low heat might prevent mass shrinking but it will shrink as soon as you wash them.

3. Cotton retains water

Cotton fabric has a characteristic that absorbs and retains large amounts water. Cotton fabric can retain moisture from sweating. This can cause discomfort and odor over time. It’s a good idea to wear clothing made from a blend of cotton and other materials when you exercise.

2. LINEN

Linen fabric is light, but strong, and breathable by nature. It also has a beautiful texture. You will often find linen and cotton blended fabrics that combine the best of both these fabrics.

What is Linen Fabric?

Linen is made of fibers from the flax plant. It is the ideal summer fabric. Linen is a light, breathable textile that can be used for everything from home furnishing to clothing. Linen material is used in many products, including towels, tablecloths, bed sheets, and button-up shirts.

There are many reasons why linen is the best summer clothing fabric

1. Durability

It’s also incredibly durable. Linen is the strongest natural fiber known. Linen fabric is resistant to regular wear and tear, without losing its shape or ripping after washing.

Linen is a very durable fabric. Ancient Egyptians wrapped mummies in layers of linen to preserve them during mummification. Talk about durability.

Because linen fibers are stronger and thicker than cotton, they are often blended with cotton to strengthen cotton garments. Its natural durability is evident not only in clothing but also in US dollar bills, which contain 25% linen.

2. Breathability

Breathable fabrics are a lifesaver when it’s hot and humid outside. Because linen doesn’t stick to your skin, it is extremely breathable. This creates a cooling effect especially when air flows through the fabric, which allows for greater breathability.

Linen is also highly absorbent, which helps remove sweat from your skin while keeping your clothes and body cool. Because of its molecular structure linen fabric can absorb upto 1/5 its weight before it feels damp or wet. It takes linen cloth a while to feel damp, and it dries much faster than cotton.

3. All year comfort

Many people, including myself, think of linen only as a summertime fabric. However, linen can also be used to keep you warm in colder weather. It is known for its ability to allow for more airflow and moisture wicking properties which makes it cooler.

If you are prone to overheating under heavy winter covers, linen sheets could be a good solution. This can be applied to clothing. You could wear linen as a layer to keep cool in heat and cold.

4. Sustainability

Another advantage of linen fabric is its eco-friendly nature. Linen is made from flax plants and requires less water than cotton.

Linen can be disposed of in its natural state if it is not treated (non-dyed). Sure, linen wrinkles. It’s that unique characteristic that gives linen its character.

5. Antibacterial Properties

Flax fabric made from linen is distinguished by other natural fibers because it’s a linen. Flax fabric contains silica, which prevents the growth of bacteria and acts as an anti-virus, antimicrobial, and antifungal agent.

Linen is also a moisture-wicking machine, so it will dry much faster than cotton. This means that there will be less chance of sweating or stinkiness.

6. Cool Style

Linen fabric is more appealing than plain cotton because it has a distinctive look. Personally, I prefer the linen suit’s coarse texture and thick weave.

My favorite pair of summer shorts are linen shorts. They keep me cool and look stylish. A well-worn linen garment is charming.

Downsides to wearing linen

1. Linen Wrinkles

Linen wrinkles easily, especially 100% linen. This can lead to a messy appearance. You should be aware that a linen suit or button-up shirt will wrinkle at the back and around the arms. This is a natural trait of linen, but I believe it can be its charm.

2. It’s cold 

Second, linen textiles can be used to keep cool in warm weather. However, linen is not an insulation fabric. This could make it difficult to retain heat in buildings with high-powered AC. A lightweight jacket would be a great solution.

3. Dryer friendly

You should also be aware that linen has a high texture and may lose its appeal if washed with certain chemicals or detergents. You should avoid drying your linen in a high heat cycle. It is a good idea for linen clothing to be allowed to air dry or tumble dried low.

3. CHAMBRAY

Chambray is an American staple that should be in every man’s summer wardrobe. Chambray is not only stylish, but it can also keep you cool in the hot summer months.

What is Chambray Fabric?

Chambray is a plain-weave cotton fabric made with a dyed yarn for the warp and a white filling yarn. Chambray is most easily distinguished when the weave is looser, which makes it a great casual shirt. The chambray shirt will look more sophisticated the tighter it is weaved.

Chambray, which is a plain weave fabric, is woven with both white and colored yarns (in the warp). This creates its unique look. Chambray is traditionally a light blue color but it can also be found in a variety of trendy colors.

Chambray can be found in lighter and heavier weights, which is similar to denim. Chambray can be mistaken for jeans due to its similar weave (blue weft and warp woven together), however, chambray’s lightweight and airy nature is quite different from denim’s rigid and strong nature.

Reasons to wear

These are just a few reasons why chambray is a great choice.

1. Chambray is soft

Although your garment might be rough to begin, chambray is a soft, breathable fabric. It’s made mostly with short-staple cotton but you may also find it made from long-staple cotton. Fabrics with long fibers have a stronger and softer nature.

2. Chambray is a summer fabric

Chambray fabric is very summer-friendly. Chambray fabric’s cotton will keep you cool during heat and humidity. Chambray fabric is more breathable because it has a finer weave and a higher thread count. It’s great for hot days.

3. Chambray has a moisture-wicking capability

Chambray is an ideal fabric to wear in summer if you are prone to sweating. For additional protection from sweat, it is a good idea for you to wear a lightweight underneathshirt.

5. Chambray is versatile

Chambray, like denim is versatile and can be dressed up or down. Chambray button-up shirts can be worn tucked into for a more formal look, or untucked for a casual and cool feel.

Chambray: The downsides

Chambray can be uncomfortable, especially when it is still being woven in. Chambray has a texture that is similar to linen but it will soften over time.

1. Not the most durable

Chambray is generally a durable fabric but it’s more susceptible to wear than cotton and denim. Regular wear and repeated washing can cause rips. High heat drying of chambray is not recommended as it can cause damage and reduce the garment’s life expectancy.

2. Chambray Wrinkles Easily

Chambray, like linen, wrinkles easily. This is an advantage if you are going for casual wear. Chambray garments can be easily pressed with a hot iron using steam.