Are you on the lookout for lightweight/breathable fabrics to add to your summer wardrobe?
We all know that summer is the season of the year when we experience the summer scorching sun that makes us feel hot and sweat easily. It’s a season of sunshine, beach trips, and light, breathy clothing.
As the temperature rises, staying cool becomes your priority. That’s why you need to wear fabrics that will keep you comfortable through this period.
Fabrics like lightweight cotton, silk, rayon, and merino wool are a perfect choice for everyone who wants a comfortable material best for staying cool during the hot weather.
This article will guide you through the 12 best lightweight fabrics for summer that will keep you looking chic and fresh. These fabrics are highly breathable and a perfect summer choice.
Let’s get right into it!
What is a Breathable Fabric?
A breathable fabric is characterized by allowing air to pass easily. This helps facilitate the evaporation of sweat and keeps your body cool even in hot weather.
Breathable fabrics are moisture-wicking; they draw moisture away from your skin and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
What is a Lightweight Fabric?
A lightweight fabric is made with fine yarns and has a thin structure. This makes it weigh little and less burdensome to wear during summer.
One of the characteristics of lightweight fabrics is that they drape so well and don’t cling to the body excessively like heavy-weight fabrics.
Having understood the meaning of lightweight and breathable fabrics, let’s get into the best fabrics that keep you cool all through the summer months.
Cotton
One of the most breathable fabrics of all time is the cotton fabric. Cotton is a staple in every capsule wardrobe. Not only is cotton lightweight and breathable, but it has also proven to be a versatile and most sought-after fabric in the world.
Cotton is a natural fabric that feels soft and durable. It’s one of the easiest fabrics to care for as you can either go for hand washing or dry cleaning to maintain it.
Also, you don’t have to worry about itching as cotton is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
From cotton t-shirts to polos and sundresses, this fabric is extremely versatile and comfortable to wear for casual outings to keep you cool during summer.
Rayon
Rayon is another ideal fabric you should add to your summer wardrobe to keep you cool in warmer weather conditions. It is a semi-synthetic fiber material made from wood pulp.
Just like cotton, rayon absorbs water and doesn’t trap body heat making you stay cool in the summer heat.
Rayon is soft, smooth, breathable, and drapes beautifully. This makes it a great choice for summer dresses and blouses.
The breathability and silky texture of this fabric ensure air flows in easily, preventing sweat and overheating. However, rayon wrinkles easily and requires careful maintenance.
Whether going for a date night with friends or attending an outdoor event this summer, you can rely on any rayon piece in your wardrobe.
Linen
Linen is a natural fiber material made from flax plants. It’s a renowned fabric that keeps you cool always in hot weather conditions.
Its natural fibers make it highly breathable, allowing air to circulate freely and wicks away moisture.
Although linen is a fabric that wrinkles easily when compared to other fabrics, this is one of the distinctive charms that makes people love it.
Linen is available in different styles from trousers to shirts and skirts making it a perfect fabric choice for summer.
Seersucker
Another timeless fabric to use as summer wear is the seersucker fabric. It is primarily made from cotton and is characterized by a puckered, crinkled texture that allows air to flow freely, keeping you cool always.
The lightweight and breathable properties of this fabric make it a classy choice for your summer outings and even official gatherings.
Whether you’re looking for stylish and comfortable shirts, shorts, skirts, and sharp suits, seersucker provides the comfort and style you need to stay fashionable all through the summer season.
Chambray
Chambray is another example of lightweight and breathable summer fabrics. Chambray fabrics are often mistaken for denim but have a much higher thread count and are lighter and softer.
Chambray offers this denim-like appearance without weight, making it perfect for your summer shirts, dresses, and trousers.
Not only is chambray lightweight, but it also features a soft texture that offers a comfortable feel against your skin and prevents overheating.
So, even if you’re a denim lover who wouldn’t want to compromise your choice of style, you can opt for this fabric in summer.
Merino Wool
People often perceive wool to be a winter-only fabric, but do you know you can also wear it for winter, especially merino wool?
Merino wool is derived from Merino sheep, known for their fine, soft wool. Merino is renowned for its natural temperature-regulating properties, making it suitable to wear for all seasons.
While it keeps you warm during winter, it is also able to wick away moisture and allows for breathability during summer.
Another unique characteristic of merino wool is its antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria that cause odor, making it an excellent choice for summer.
Compared to other fabrics like linen, merino wool is wrinkle-resistant and you don’t have to worry about any crinkle in your fabric.
From merino t-shirts to lightweight sweaters and activewear, merino wool is versatile enough to wear for outdoor activities, hiking, and casual wear.
Bamboo
Bamboo is an eco-friendly, soft, and breathable fabric option for summer. It is a sustainable textile made from bamboo fiber, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Bamboo has excellent moisture-wicking properties, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable in humid weather.
One of the standout features of bamboo fabric is that it naturally possesses antimicrobial properties, making it unlikely to retain odors even after wearing your clothes for long hours in summer.
Voile
Voile is a lightweight sheer fabric made from cotton and cotton blend. It can also be blended with linen, polyester, or wool. The name is derived from the French word for veil.
The voile fabric has a higher thread count and it drapes beautifully, allowing for ease of movement.
Also, it is extremely versatile and can be used for various dress styles, blouses, and scarves. Its soft feel is gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation which is needed during hot weather.
So, if you want to stay cool, comfortable, and stylish for that garden party or keep it casual, voile is a fabric that promises to do just that.
Georgette
Georgette is another lightweight, sheer fabric you should add to your summer wardrobe. Its sheer and flowing quality allows for excellent airflow, making it perfect for hot weather.
Georgette is made from silk and synthetic yarn, making it a top choice for summer due to its elegant properties.
The lightweight feature of this fabric doesn’t allow it to cling to your body easily. This helps you stay comfortable and cool in hot weather.
Georgette is suitable for both casual and formal wear and can be used for a variety of summer outfits.
Silk
If you want to look classy yet cool during hot weather, then you should add silk to your summer clothing essentials. Silk is a unique fabric that can absorb moisture while keeping you dry and at ease in hot weather.
Not only is silk renowned for its luxurious feel and elegant appearance, but it is also one of the most breathable fabrics. Its natural fibers allow air to circulate easily and help you stay cool and comfortable when temperatures rise.
The smooth and soft texture of silk makes it one of the perfect fabric choices for hot and humid summer months.
You can opt for silk blouses, scarves, shirts, and dresses to add a touch of elegance and luxury to your summer wardrobe.
Chiffon
Chiffon is another lightweight and breathable fabric to opt for during summer. It’s a sheer fabric made from silk, nylon, or polyester.
Chiffon comes in different prints and colors. Its versatility makes it easy for you to sew various styles like dresses, blouses, scarves, and even jumpsuits. It can be used as evening or daytime wear during summer months.
If you want to stay cool during the warm weather, you should add chiffon to your summer wardrobe.
Micromodal
Micromodal, also referred to as modal fabric is a soft type of rayon made from beech tree pulp. The soft and smooth texture offers a silky feel and superior comfort to the person wearing it.
The fabric also allows for air circulation, which is needed for you to stay cool during summer. Micromodal lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for summer wear as it doesn’t add extra weight.
The luxurious feel and elegant appearance of this fabric make it one of the best fabrics for anyone looking to enhance their summer wardrobe.
Benefits of Choosing Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics for Summer
The benefits of lightweight and breathable fabrics cannot be overemphasized, especially during the summer months.
Irrespective of how high temperatures rise during this season of the year, lightweight fabrics can make all the difference in providing comfort while still maintaining your style.
Here are a few reasons why you should add lightweight fabrics to your summer wardrobe:
Comfort in Hot Weather
Lightweight fabrics are designed to keep you cool and comfortable even when the temperatures soar. Most breathable fabrics allow for air circulation and feature finer or looser weaves that enhance excellent breathability, making them ideal for humid weather conditions.
Therefore, you can be sure of your comfort with fabrics like cotton, rayon, chambray, etc. while still maintaining your personal style in summer.
Moisture-wicking
Another essential benefit of lightweight fabrics is their moisture-wicking properties. They can wick away sweat from the body, preventing you from skin irritation and any form of discomfort.
Versatile
For any lightweight fabric you are opting for, you are sure of its versatility. This implies that they can be used for a variety of clothing items. From T-shirts to maxi dresses and simple formal attires, lightweight fabrics ensure you remain comfortable all through the summer.
A chambray shirt, for example, offers the look of denim but with a much lighter and breathable feel. Natural fabric options like linen and cotton are also known for their sheer fabric qualities, providing an airy look perfect for casual outings.
Environmental Sustainability
Most lightweight fabrics are made from natural fibers, which are often more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics. For instance, cotton and linen are biodegradable and derived from renewable sources. Merino wool is another eco-friendly choice, as it is a natural fiber sustainably harvested from sheep.
Choosing these fabrics can help promote sustainable fashion practices.
What are the Fabrics to Avoid in Summer?
It’s essential to opt for fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable in summer. Some fabrics like nylon, polyester, acrylic, and denim should be avoided as they lack breathability and are too heavy for summer use.
You should also avoid dark colors during hot weather as they attract more heat compared to light-colored fabrics that absorb less heat.
Wrapping Up
Breathable and lightweight fabrics are summer wardrobe essentials you should prioritize to maintain comfort and style. You can’t afford to wear synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon because they easily trap heat and cause discomfort during hot weather.
Lightweight and breathable fabrics make a significant difference compared to other thick fabrics because they offer excellent breathability, allow for better air circulation, keep you cool, and are moisture-wicking.
With the right fabric choice, you can enjoy your summer months without feeling too much heat.
Which of these fabrics have you not added to your summer wardrobe? You can go ahead and do that now to keep the summer heat at bay.
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