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If you want to stay cool this summer while looking hot, you may be thinking about which fabrics and materials are going to feel and look best on your skin during the warmer summer months. And we don’t blame you because the last thing we want to be doing is sweating through our favorite outfit or feeling too hot and sweaty to enjoy some summer fun.
That’s why we have put together a guide that shows you which fabrics you are going to want to keep in your closet this summer and which materials you should reserve for the chillier days of the season.
So don’t fret about the summer sweats. Load up your wardrobe with these sweat-proof, barely-there fabrics so you’re feeling free and confident all summer long. And don’t worry—we will also share which fabrics you should avoid and why!
Best Fabrics to Wear in the Summer
When it comes to summertime fabrics, not all materials will pass the sweat test or keep you cool during the warmer days of the season. But these fabrics will make sure you’re feeling breezy and confident.
1. Cotton
Not only is cotton an extremely versatile fabric and it’s also found in almost any garment, but this material is definitely a good one to have in your closet for the summer. From boutique dresses to t-shirts, you’ll find cotton in every style! This material is soft, it comes in a variety of thicknesses and it can soak up any moisture leaving your body, which allows you to feel your best. Because this fabric does soak up moisture, you may see sweat lines or have sweat marks in the underarm area. If you sweat a lot, try an antiperspirant that keeps your sweat at bay while you wear cotton. Still, we think this fabric feels the best during summer.
2. Linen
If you’re looking for a fabric that is both lightweight and breathable, linen clothing for women is going to be your go-to this summer. The greatest quality about the loosely woven material is that it allows moisture to escape from your body, keeping you dry, but it doesn’t absorb the moisture. So if you sweat a lot and you want to avoid visible sweat marks, linen is the fabric for you. Linen also typically doesn’t lay flat on your skin. It’s typically a looser style that isn’t curve-hugging or tight.
3. Rayon or Silk
We have placed these two materials together because they are very similar. Rayon was made to be a cheaper and more affordable version of silk, being a blend of cotton and other natural and synthetic fibers. Whether you love silk or rayon, they are both great fabrics to wear this summer because these lightweight materials are breathable and don’t stick to your skin. Think beautiful pastel clothing for summer in the form of a rayon or silk slip dress. While the fabrics above tend to look more casual, rayon and silk are perfect for more formal events as they are usually used in a variety of dresses and gowns. If you’re wondering about whether sweat will show through in this fabric, it’s a possibility, but you can mitigate that by sticking to darker colors that don’t show sweat easily.
4. Lycra
Do you plan on spending your summer in boutique swimwear? If so, you’re probably going to be wearing a lot of lycra, which is what swimsuits are made of. These fabrics are great because while they were made for getting wet, they dry quickly. Even if you aren’t spending your day by the pool or at the beach, swimsuits are becoming an important part of outfits this summer. Swimsuit looks are definitely in, and they were made to keep you dry and withstand wetness!
Worst Fabrics to Wear in the Summer
We never want to tell you what you can and can’t wear. But with that being said, proceed with caution when you style outfits that include these materials as they aren’t the best when it comes to keeping you cool and hiding sweat. The thing that most of these fabrics have in common is that they are made of synthetic fibers, which usually are not very breathable.
1. Nylon
Because nylon is a fully synthetic and thick material, you will probably run really hot in this fabric. Nylon isn’t usually very breathable. In fact, it’s used in a lot of winter coats to help keep body heat in. We advise you to avoid this fabric at all costs this season and save it for the colder months!
2. Acrylic
You may see acrylic fabrics mimicking the look and feel of silk and rayon, but they are not to be confused as acrylic materials can trap heat in and show sweat easily. This material is the furthest thing from breathable and it’s usually used in styles that are more curve-hugging. This is a sweater’s worst nightmare.
3. Polyester
Today, polyester is in almost every kind of clothing, so it can be hard to avoid. The material is moisture-resistant meaning it will leave your body feeling moist and wet as it doesn’t allow your skin to breathe. Because polyester is almost unavoidable, try getting clothing that has a blend of cotton and polyester. This will ensure breathability and comfort.
4. Vinyl
The faux leather and vinyl looks are totally trendy—even for summer—but the idea of the fabric’s moisture-trapping and sweat-inducing properties make us cringe at thinking about wearing this during a hot summer day. If you must embrace these materials, opt for an antiperspirant and make sure that you are wearing an outfit underneath that you feel comfortable enough removing your vinyl pieces to stay cool if you have to!
Stay cool this summer! We know if you use this fabric advice to guide your outfit decisions, you will be feeling cool, confident, and vibrant all summer long—minus the sweat!
