Cool Fabrics (That Aren’t Linen)
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Linen may be the first fabric that comes to mind when dressing for hot summer days — and for good reason. It’s lightweight, cooling, and effortlessly polished. But did you know it’s far from your only option? There are many other fabrics out there that offer similar, or even more, benefits, which can help you stay comfortable even when temperatures reach scorching double or triple digits.
From easy, breezy options that are great at wicking away moisture, to unexpected picks that make even the hottest of summer days feel comfortable, ahead, we highlight the best breathable fabrics, beyond linen, that will keep you cool from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and beyond.
Cotton
Cotton and comfort go hand in hand, making it no surprise that it’s one of the best fabrics to wear when it’s hot. “Cotton is the workhorse summer fabric,” says Anthony Bolognese, owner and custom clothier at Capitol Hill Clothiers in Washington, D.C. For starters, it’s not super delicate and is easy to clean in the wash, allowing for a no-fuss fabric that doesn’t often require a trip to the dry cleaners. He also adds that this easy-to-wear fabric “allows for great air flow and comfort in the heat,” making it ideal to throw on if you know you’ll be spending long hours outside.
You might think cotton is cotton, but according to Lucy Purves, fashion designer, textile expert, and founder of The French Wedding Veil cotton voile and cotton lawn are the two types you should incorporate into your summer wardrobe.
She calls cotton voile a summer staple because it’s lightweight, semi-sheer, and soft to the touch. “Its fine weave allows airflow while still offering more structure than gauze,” she says. If you’re on the hunt for an airy summer dress or blouse, choose one made from cotton voile, like this J.Crew dress, as it dries quickly (perfect for sweaty days or beach hangs) and doesn’t cling to the body.
Meanwhile, the ultra-light, finely woven cotton lawn, Purves describes, is similar to cotton voile but feels slightly crisper. “Its breathability and softness make it ideal for summer shirting, delicate dresses, and baby clothes,” she notes. “It also takes dye beautifully, adding to its appeal for vibrant summer prints.”
Silk Organza
Is it just us, or do the words “silk organza” instantly conjure up images of gorgeous evening gowns and glamorous floor-length slips? If you want a luxe-looking (and feeling) fabric to sport this summer, try out the Purves-recommended silk organza.
“Often overlooked for casual wear, silk organza is an ultra-light, crisp fabric that holds shape while remaining breathable,” Purves describes. She notes that, unlike heavier silks, organza is made using an open weave and has natural protein fibers that help wick away moisture and allow heat to escape. This makes it “ideal for elegant yet heat-friendly layering,” she says.
Bamboo
When in doubt, buy bamboo. Bolognese explains that bamboo fabrics are an ideal choice if you’re looking for something light. He describes these fabrics as naturally cooling and silky smooth to the touch. “[They are] normally woven in a very loose, breathable way, like a hopsack weave,” he says. “This allows for easier air flow.”
Diving deeper, Purves mentions that bamboo viscose is especially moisture-wicking, making it perfect for activewear and loungewear, like Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Stretch Pajama Set. “While it’s a semi-synthetic fiber, it offers impressive breathability and thermal regulation,” Purves explains. She does note, however, that quality and sustainability depend on processing methods.
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Tencel Lyocell
For a hot weather fabric that ticks off all boxes, check out Tencel, like Quince’s Tencel Camp Shirt. As Purves explains, it has thermoregulating properties, excellent moisture-wicking ability, and a soft drape that feels cool against the skin. “Derived from wood pulp, Tencel is smooth like rayon but far more breathable and sustainable,” she adds. A plus? It wrinkles less easily than linen.
Wool
Perhaps a bit unexpected, Bolognese says that wool — ”not tweed or flannel, [but] a tropical weight wool perhaps also woven in a hopsack or loose basket weave or mesh” — is fabric you should have on your radar in the summer. For one, he explains that wool is naturally breathable. “As long as you’ve got the right weave and fit, you won’t feel like you’re melting even in a full suit,” he says. This is particularly great news for those looking for summer suiting that they can wear through Labor Day.
Ramie
For a highly breathable fabric that is actually stronger when wet, Purves suggests ramie, a bast fiber that’s similar to linen. There are many things to love about ramie. For instance, Purves points out that it has a highly lustrous finish, is resistant to mold and mildew, and absorbs moisture in a flash. “It’s stiffer than cotton but blends beautifully with other fibers for a structured, summer-friendly feel,” she says.
Mesh and Open-Weave Blends
Last but not least are mesh and open-weave blends, which Purves describes as especially useful for layering pieces, summer suiting, and casual athleisure with a tailored edge. Options like open-weave cottons and cotton-linen blends offer an airy feel without sacrificing structure. Think open-knit cardigans, tie-waist mesh sweaters, and crochet dresses, which are all highly breathable and effortless options for summer dressing.
Featured Image Credit: Yuliya Taba/ iStock
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Brittany is a New York City-based writer who crafts fashion, beauty, and lifestyle commerce stories. A Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, she has over eight years of experience testing and writing about products. Her work has appeared in Elle, Glamour, Self, Bustle, and Harper's Bazaar, among others. You can find her wandering around the Metropolitan Museum of Art or at home playing with her two cats when she's not writing.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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