Linen
Linen is another top choice for cool fabrics to wear in hot weather conditions. It is made from flax fibers and is naturally antibacterial and stain-repellent. Garments made of linen will get clean even when you wash them at low temperatures. Linen is less absorbent than cotton, it dries quickly, and it feels pleasantly airy to wear. It is also a classic summer fabric that never seems to go out of style. Read more about linen.
Silk
Nothing beats wearing a silk dress on a hot summer day. Silk is a natural protein fiber that is produced by silkworms. Known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability, it has a long trading history across the world. Silk transports moisture well and will feel cool and airy instead of sticking to your body like synthetic materials. The only downside of silk is that it is a quite delicate material that requires a particular care routine. Read more about silk.
Seersucker
Seersucker is another timeless summer fabric that is pleasant to wear on a hot day. It is a type of cotton fabric that is made with a special weaving process that gives the fabric a puckered surface that allows some extra airflow. Seersucker has been very popular lately, even though it never really went out of style.
Lyocell
We have many names for the things we love. Lyocell and Tencel are chemically identical textiles, but Tencel is a trademarked brand. Lyocell is a semi-synthetic variant of viscose that is produced from cellulose fibers. It is often used as a substitute for cotton or silk because they share similar qualities. Despite not being a traditional natural fabric, it is still breathable and feels pleasant to wear during summer.
Hemp
Hemp is very similar to linen but is often blended with cotton to create a comfortable blended fabric. Just like linen, hemp feels cool to the touch, since it has the ability to breathe and hold liquids without feeling damp. Hemp is made using fibers from the stalks of the Cannabis Sativa plant and provides all the warmth and softness of a natural textile but with durability seldom found in other materials.
Cotton
Cotton is another natural textile that is made from the fluffy fibers of the cotton plant. Garments made of cotton can be very comfortable to wear in the heat. The fabric can retain a lot of liquids that slowly evaporate and makes the garment cooler. Thin and light cotton fabric is preferred over thicker and darker ones. Look for garments that are made from 100% cotton.
Fabrics to avoid in hot weather
As a general rule, we recommend you stay away from synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon in hot and humid weather conditions since these materials tend to trap odors and bacteria. Garments made of synthetic materials cannot breathe and will trap the heat and make you feel warm. They will also reek of sweat after wearing them just once. Avoid these materials in hot, humid weather.
Is polyester breathable?
No. Polyester is made from plastic fibers. On the upside, it wicks moisture and dries quickly, but it tends to retain bad odors. The breathability varies depending on yarn size and whether it is a knit or weave, but in general, polyester should be avoided in hot weather.
Is rayon breathable?
It depends. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber with moderate breathability that dries quickly, but on the downside, it does not wick away moisture as well as polyester or nylon, and many rayon garments require dry cleaning. We recommend choosing a more natural textile fiber on a hot day.
