Summer is just around the corner, thankfully and I would recommend that it’s the best time to start buying your holiday outfits and pieces for you to enjoy and feel comfortable out in the sun. While some fabrics are obvious to steer away from during the summer, like your wool and heavyweight clothing, you will be surprised at how little knowledge individuals have regarding fabric’s breathing properties and will opt for thin tops that are made out of polyester and still wonder why they are really uncomfortable.
Knowledge is power and just knowing these little things will ensure your money is well spent preparing for summer and you are met with the most versatile pieces all year round. Here are our recommendations on what fabrics to look out for and lean towards during your summer shops.
Linen
My personal favourite as this fabric is natural and get’s better and softer the more you wear and enjoy them, making it the perfect choice when you are picking timeless pieces as you know you will appreciate it to get the best soft result. Linen hates to see summer coming because it’s by far the most popular choice when it comes to summer choices. From linen shirts to dresses to even bedding, linen is the ultimate choice for summer in every aspect.
Linen is made from flax fibres and is naturally antibacterial and stain-repellent, which is a miracle in itself. Clothing made of linen will get clean easily during your wash so there will be little to no need for harsh stain removers or chemicals, plus you don’t need a high heat either; stains are removed with cold to cool washes just fine. Not only are you free to do whatever you want wearing linen with no repercussions but you can do it while feeling the comfortest you’ve ever felt.
Another thing about linen that I love is that it’s less absorbent than the likes of cotton and modal so that means it dries much quicker, which makes it a great beach cover-up option. This classic summer fabric is a classic for a reason and I would always feel more inclined to buy products for summer if they were made out of linen.
Silk
I would say silk in the summer is essential; not only does it look stunning in the sun and it’s a chance for your silk to really shine but it’s a natural protein fibre that is produced by silkworms, so not only is it a sustainable fabric choice that will leave you with a guilt-free conscience,. As mentioned, silk is more expensive than your typical cotton due to its production, but also its lustre, shine, strength and durability, and overall is a very reliable and stunning look at fabric. They also might be expensive compared to your cotton due to their long history and representation within royalty.
Silk is known for being moisture absorbent but also drying quickly; in addition, 100% will never cling to the skin and elegantly drape over the skin, something you will never achieve with polyester and other synthetic fabrics.
It wouldn’t be a fair discussion if I didn’t discuss the negatives with these fabrics. Silk does have one downside and that is it’s a very delicate fabric, so if there were to be a snag or a pull, this likely unsalvage about and could ruin the aesthetic. While this is still to this day a relatively expensive fabric, I would recommend keeping your silks for special occasions and being careful.
Cotton
Another natural textile that is made from fluffy fibres from the cotton plant. This is a very popular fabric and also has a rich history of use. Cotton is also a very popular option to blend with other materials, but I find 100% cotton is much softer, more comfortable and more breathable. These features make them the perfect choice for summer and are more attainable, accessible and affordable.
Cotton is very absorbent but it also slowly evaporates and makes this fabric keep you cool. Thin and lightweight cotton products are of course much better in the summer; in addition, ensure that if you are picking a cotton piece of clothing, it’s at least 95% cotton.
Modal
This is a part natural, part synthetic fabric that is from a beech tree so it has a natural background and I would say it’s extremely similar to cotton except that it’s 50% more absorbent, meaning it’s 50% cooler than cotton. I would strongly recommend this fabric choice for headpieces like headbands, hijabs, thin beanies and so forth to keep your head cool, but it is a perfect option for garments like underwear and t-shirts.
Modal fabric is a very underrated fabric and I am beginning to notice it more with brands such as SKIM who are representative of a 100% modal fabric collections and so forth.