Do you know what fabrics are best for summer?
May 8, 2021
Get ready. Summer is coming. And while it's the season we all eagerly await, we can't forget about proper protection from the sun and heat. Wearing sunglasses and sunscreen isn't enough. You should also consider your clothing, specifically the material it's made of.
Indeed, the fabrics from which your clothes are made can make a huge difference in summer. Some materials simply protect you better from the sun.
What are these materials? Experts typically list five fabrics – cotton, chambray, linen, merino wool, and rayon. We'll discuss them in more detail below:
Cotton
Cotton is the most popular summer fabric. It's breathable and lightweight. Cotton is also quite durable, making it a good material for sportswear. However, if you need sun protection, cotton isn't always the best choice. Cotton absorbs water and dries quickly.
Cotton has always been the number one choice for summer clothing. It's lightweight and breathable, the perfect combination you need in the summer. An important fact to remember is that cotton fabric absorbs sweat quickly and easily, helping you stay cool.
Chambray
Chambray is a cotton fabric with a plain weave. It's often compared to denim, but while denim is typically made of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, chambray is made simply from cotton. The material is soft, pleasant to the touch, and can be worn year-round. It's also durable, has a nice sheen, and is machine washable.
Chambray is a great choice for summer shirts because it's lightweight, soft, and breathable. Another reason it's an ideal fabric for summer is that it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, giving you plenty of variety in your wardrobe.
Flax
Linen is a natural fiber derived from flax. The fabric is heavier than chambray, but also very durable. Linen has a pleasant feel, making it ideal for summer shirts and trousers. Like chambray, linen does not absorb water easily and dries quickly. It's also great for traveling because it's wrinkle-resistant and has anti-pilling properties. To keep linen items looking new all summer long, we recommend hand washing them.
Merino wool
If you enjoy hiking or traveling, we recommend considering merino wool as your preferred summer fabric. While it can be a bit warm in the summer, merino wool won't overheat you like other wools do, as it has a unique structure that allows air to circulate. It's also very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Unlike other wools, merino wool doesn't irritate your skin because its fibers are exceptionally fine (several times finer than traditional wool) and resilient. They bend rather than dig in when in contact with your skin. To prolong the life of your merino wool, we recommend washing it in cool water using only a soap-free detergent or wool shampoo.
Wool is a great material for summer because it doesn't retain heat or moisture. If you want to stay cool and dry in the summer, merino wool is a great choice. Merino wool is also incredibly comfortable and soft.
Rayon
Rayon (also known as viscose) is another popular summer fabric. It's made from natural cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp or bamboo, and then processed into yarn or thread. Rayon is more breathable than other synthetic fibers, making it a great material for warm-weather clothing. It's also lightweight, smooth, and drapes well, making rayon clothing ideal for everyday wear and evening wear. The material is also easy to care for and can be machine washed on a cold cycle or hand washed with a mild detergent.
Rayon is one of the most versatile fabrics available today. Made from wood pulp, it's silky smooth and perfect for summer wear. Rayon doesn't retain heat like other fabrics, so it breathes well. There are many different types of rayon available on the market, from crepe and chiffon to taffeta and voile.
Application
In summary, the best fabrics for summer wear are cotton, chambray, linen, merino wool, and rayon. Each material has its own set of benefits that can significantly impact your comfort level during the hot season. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't wear these fabrics in other seasons. The beauty of these materials is that they are high-quality and breathable, meaning they can be worn in winter as well. Remember to be careful when washing clothes made from these materials, so they will last a long time.
