“Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love. Beauty comes when fashion succeeds.” Coco Chanel
Summer is definitely one of the most fun seasons to experiment with new styles and fabrics. No matter how many dresses I have squeezed into my overstuffed closet, I can always justify buying a few more like this sunny cotton beauty from ASOS.
I’m sure you will agree with me that a cool summer dress is an instant mood booster, fuss free and on trend.
We’ve had a lovely summer so far in the UK with a couple of heat waves and I have to say that this really got me thinking about what fabrics I wear. Whether you consider yourself a ‘sweaty person’ or not, at some point this summer you’re bound to have some kind of a wet patch fiasco.
If you happen to be in need of some inspo, I rounded up a few of the best and the worst fabrics to wear in scorching temperatures.
THE BEST SUMMER FABRICS
COOL AS A CUCUMBER LINEN
Linen continues as summer’s fabric of choice and I’m here for it!
Linen is a natural fibre which absorbs moisture and dries quickly. However, nothing is perfect and linen can wrinkle quite easily so if you are not in favour of daily ironing then look for linen blends.
For SS 2020 I’m seeing a few key micro trends within the linen theme, including earthy tones like sage green and terracota that are huge at the moment. I’m also loving mustard, olive and cream.
COTTON CANDY
Famously breathable, cotton is a staple textile of the fashion industry and an excellent choice for summer.
It’s made from the natural fibers of cotton plants which allow air to circulate. Cotton is also soft, durable, holds dye well and does not conduct electricity, therefore static is not an issue.
A few cons to consider, cotton creases easily and also absorbs moisture and therefore can show a few sweat patches.
DENIM’S OLDER SIBLING -CHAMBRAY
If you’re in love with denim but want something more lightweight, chambray is the perfect material for you.
This fabric is a plain weave, well absorbent and quite breathable in comparison to denim.
CHIC JERSEY
Its flexibility and comfort makes it a popular option for hot weather. Often blended with cotton to make a lightweight material, jersey is an excellent choice for summer clothing.
THE WORST SUMMER FABRICS
POLYESTER
Developed in a 20th-century laboratory, wrinkle resistant, damage resistant, cool and comfortable but…also a sweaty person’s nightmare in summer.
It is a synthetic fabric and therefore not breathable and resists moisture, making it less than ideal for hot summer weather.
Initially, consumers were enthusiastic about the durability of polyester and these benefits are still valid today however, the harmful environmental impact of this synthetic fiber has come to light in great detail and the consumer stance on polyester has changed significantly.
Polyester has a lot of stigma however, modern polyester can feel and look as beautiful as real silk and wool. It’s all about ensuring you opt for a high-grade version or the right blend. A lot of high end brands use polyester in their collections, mainly to increase durability, ease of care and exciting effects.
NYLON
As a fully synthetic material, nylon is the opposite of breathable and it is specifically designed to repel water. Because it has a low level of absorption, clothing made from nylon tends to trap heat and sweat against the skin.
SILK
A bit controversial but I’m going to say no to silk in summer. Even though it is a lightweight fabric it’s not as absorbent as linen or cotton and therefore not the best choice when it comes to sweat patches on a humid day.
I made the mistake of wearing silk tops in hot weather and ended up in the bathroom under the drier trying to get rid of unwanted stains….
DENIM
So your denim shorts may look cute on the beach but this is not a fabric to be worn in scorching summer temperatures.
Denim is a durable and heavyweight fabric which means it isn’t breathable or stretchy. If you don’t want to bathe all day in your own sweat swap denim for more breathable chambray.
ACRYLIC
Similar to nylon, acrylic is not a natural but synthetic material and is often hot and abrasive. One of the worst breathable fabrics in the world so put it away.
RAYON
Invented as a cheaper alternative to silk, rayon has very thin fibres and absorbs more liquid than cotton. Although rayon is lightweight don’t forget that it’s a synthetic fiber, and they’re generally not the most breathable.
Not a bad fabric, however, there are better choices to avoid wet patch fiasco.
What’s you favourite summer fabric?
Such a beautiful summer dress! I love this colour on you!
Great tips too – I love linen (except that it creases too easily) and cotton for summer
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Author
Thanks Julia. Same here. Linen and cotton are lovely but they do crease a lot xx
I never really thought much about fabrics so this is amazing to read! I love linen!
Demi | https://demibang.com/
Author
ah thank you, glad you enjoyed the post. xx
This is such a cute dress and it looks absolutely perfect on you!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Author
Thank you Didier 🙂
Such a cute summer dress! i love the mustard colour! 🙂 I like simple dresses like this for summer too, with the heat and humidity here in Queensland natural fabrics are the best!
Hope you have been having a great weekend 🙂
Author
We’ve had a great summer so far in the UK and I quickly realised how important is to get a fabric right! xx
It is so important that we utilize the appropriate fabric for the season. The last thing we want is to overheat during the summer because we wore something heavy. I am not a fan of wearing denim during the summer – unless it is shorts. They really soak up the heat! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
Author
You welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the post xx
I really want to stock-up on more linen pieces this summer. They’re so breathable and light. My skin loves them.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Author
I couldn’t agree more! xx
I stick to a lot cotton and linen in the summer. It gets so hot here in NY. And also a lot of lose fitting clothes as well. And love this dress it looks amazing on you!!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Author
Thank you Allie. Same here xx
I totally agree with you!
Author
thank you xx
What a helpful article! Thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth, Review Belt For Women
Author
Thank you Elizabeth xx
My favorite fabrics for summer are cotton, linen and silk. Love your dress, you look fabulous!
jointyicroissanty
Author
I love linen and cotton but I stay away from silk in summer. xx
This post is everything! Its amazing what a difference a natural fiber can do for you on a hot day! I love silk and cotton the most but linen is great. I try to stay away from synthetic fibers these days.
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel
Author
Same here however, I also avoid silk as it does show any sweat patches.
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Yes, it makes absolutely sense to take care about the fabrics we wear. And you look fantastic!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Author
Thank you Rena xx
Amazing outfit for summer 🙂
Author
Thank you Kinga xx
This is the perfect summer dress! I love the color and pretty detailing!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Author
Thank you Jill xx
That is such a cute babydoll dress! The fabric looks breathable and comfy.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Author
It’s a lovely dress for summer xx
I love wearing linen in the warmer months! It’s so breathable and I love the easygoing feel it has!
https://sundaydahlias.com
Author
I couldn’t agree more xx
For sure agree about wearing denim in the summer! The only exception is denim shorts haha!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Author
I actually don’t wear denim at all, I find it super uncomfortable. I prefer stretchy trousers or dresses even more so in summer xx
Thanks for the tips! Love your dress.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Author
Thanks Gemma xx
I love it, these are really beautiful photos! The dress, the styling, the background, everything is perfect. I have been living quarantine in cotton, I love summer clothes deeply.
Lindifique
Author
Thank you beautiful xx
Ahh! Good to know about denim, especially if you’re going to be out in the heat. I LOVE this dress on you and your accessories go perfectly with it. Love your hair, too!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Author
Thank you Carrie! xx
Love the gorgeous lace and eyelet details of this dress! Thanks for sharing what is best in summer.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
Thank you Kathrine! Glad you enjoyed the post xx
Your dress looks refreshing to wear! I love it!
xoxo
Lovely
http://mynameislovely.com
Author
Thank you Lovely xx
This dress looks very beautiful on you! I’m loving linen in summer too, so comfy to wear.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Author
Thank you Simone! I couldn’t agree more. Linen is super comfortable, just wish it didn’t crease as much haha
I love your dress and the selection here My favourite has to be silk as I love the feel and how chic it looks saying that I choose my clothes as a combination of design and fabric that catch my eyes The shoe selection is to die for Amazing post Cris
http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=7344
Author
Thank you Cris. I’m very similar when comes to making fashion choices xx
You look so cute in that dress. Such a great cut! Perfect for summer. Love your heels as well. Cotton and linen are lovely options for summer. I agree with what you said about the best and the worst fabrics to wear in the summer, but I don’t always adhere to these rules. I know polyester isn’t the most breathable fabric and a really bad choice for summer, but I have a few summer vintage dresses made from polyester that I simply cannot resist. They are all A-line dresses so I don’t really sweat in them. I also have one silk pussy bow shirt that I often wear in the summer and I never sweat while wearing it- I think it sometimes also depends on the cut. If something doesn’t cling to the skin, then we don’t sweat in it as much.
Author
Thanks Ivana. As much as I love linen and cotton I also have dresses that are a mix of polyester and other fabrics and are totally fine in summer. Unfortunately for me silk is a no in summer. With temperatures very often over 40 degrees on trains is hard not to sweat a bit and silk shows everything and also stains easily. xx
Great advise. Love the images. https://lovezenenergy.wordpress.com/
Author
Thank you xx
I really love cotton for summers! You look so pretty in this yellow dress!
Nice Post! Have a great day!
Rampdiary
Beautyandfashionfreaks
Author
Thank you beautiful xx
I loved reading this post! Thanks for sharing! Beautiful photos, as well! 🙂
melissakacar.blogspot.com
Author
you welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the post xx
I really love cotton and/or linen for summer. They’re both so cooling and light in the heat xx
http://www.GemmaEtc.com
Author
I couldn’t agree more xx
Such a really interesting article.
I love your dress. It’s beautiful !
And Polyester makes me sweat so much ! I hate this material but it’s often pretty chic.
Thanks for sharing.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Author
Thanks Margot, same here. I can’t stand pure polyester but I don’t mind a mix of different fabrics xx
Thank you so much for sharing this post. it is so informative and helpful. You look gorgeous, I like your dress so much.
New Post – https://www.bibliothequeduparfums.com/2020/07/armaniprive-rose-alexandrie-miss-dior.html
Author
ah thank you beautiful. I’m glad you loved the post xx
I love linen and cotton for summer!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Author
Same here Jennifer xx
Ah, polyester is the worst!
Mariya | https://www.brunetteondemand.com/
Author
xx