The Best Fabrics for Staying Cool in the Summer Heat
Cotton:
More than nine in ten consumers prefer their jeans (96 percent), tees (96 percent), socks (93 percent), and casual shirts (91 percent) to be made of cotton or cotton blends. Additionally, 87 percent of consumers say that cotton is the most comfortable, according to Monitor(TM) data.
This is especially important for people who tend to perspire more when it's hot outside. Fortunately, natural fibers like cotton and linen are extremely breathable and allow air to pass through them.
They also help to pull sweat away from the skin, so it doesn't build up and cause discomfort. The fabric also dries quickly, which is a plus when you're wearing it in the heat.
The good news is that many brands and retailers are making these fabrics more available to consumers. For example, Invista has created a fabric called Coolmax, which is designed to wick sweat away from the body and keep you dry.
It's a great alternative to synthetics such as polyester, which doesn't breathe so well and will stick to you after a while if you're constantly sweating. It's also a more environmentally friendly fabric because it doesn't release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
When it comes to choosing a cotton shirt for the summer, be sure to choose a thin and light fabric, so you'll stay cool and dry. You should also make sure that the fabric has an open weave, which will allow more air to circulate.
Another fabric that is a great option for the summer is seersucker, which has been a staple in fashion since the 1940s. It's a classic summer fabric that requires no ironing and will give you a nice preppy feel.
Several other fabrics are suitable for the summer heat, including chambray and linen. Linen is a natural fiber that has been used to make clothing for millennia. It is a lightweight fabric that dries quickly and has a soft feel. It is a favorite among many women because it is comfortable to wear and can be found in soothing shades that will look great on you.
Linen:
Summer is a time to be extra careful with your clothing and accessories to ensure you don’t overheat. It’s also a great opportunity to invest in lighter fabrics since they can be more effective at cooling your body down than heavier ones.
The best fabrics for staying cool in the summer heat are natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk. They wick sweat away from the skin to keep you cool and dry, while also feeling soft and gentle to the touch.
Linen, which is derived from the flax plant, has been around for thousands of years and continues to be one of the most popular fabrics for summer wear. This is due in part to the fact that it’s super breathable, absorbs moisture quickly, and gets even softer with each wash.
It’s a natural fabric that’s antibacterial and stain-repellent, which means you can rest easy knowing that your clothes will look clean when they are washed. The fibers in linen are also tightly woven, which helps keep the bacteria out.
The biggest problem with linen though is that it can easily crease, but this doesn’t mean it’s not worth the extra effort to iron out those wrinkles. In addition, many linen pieces are crafted with a weave that enhances airflow, which can be very beneficial for keeping you cool on hot days.
In addition, linen dries quickly so your sweat will evaporate rather than soak into the fabric. This can also help prevent your linen clothing from developing those embarrassing sweat stains that can make you feel embarrassed about your outfit on a hot day. Lastly, linen is also incredibly versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. You can pair it with a sweater and jeans for a casual evening out, or you can dress it up with a silky blouse and skirt.
Rayon:
Rayon is a soft, lightweight fabric that feels cool against the skin. It is one of the most popular fabrics for summer clothing, owing to its easy-care properties and ability to breathe.
It's also a great choice for casual clothes that don't need to be ironed after washing. However, it is important to note that not all rayon is created equal. It may be manufactured with more chemicals than other fabrics and can shrink if not dry-cleaned properly.
Basic rayon is made by crushing and extracting wood pulp from various kinds of trees. The pulp is then washed, bleached, and dissolved with chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. The wood pulp then goes through a spinning process where it becomes a cellulose thread. The thread is then immersed in sulfuric acid, solidifying the regenerated cellulose fibers into a fine yarn known as rayon.
A more sustainable form of rayon is called modal and it involves much less pollution than basic rayon. Modal is produced from sustainably harvested beech trees that are grown strictly for the production of the modal. It also uses a much safer method than basic rayon, known as the cuprammonium process.
The cuprammonium process was developed in 1890 by Bemberg, a German company. It converts cellulose from purified wood pulp into a liquid solution. Manufacturers then spin the resulting liquid into strands of fibers. The regenerated cellulose filaments are then spun into yarns and finally made into the desired fabric.
High-wet-modulus rayon is produced in a similar way to high-quality cotton. It is a strong fiber that can be machine-washed and is easier to care for than regular rayon. It can also be spun into challis, which is a smooth, silk-like fabric.
It's best to avoid any chemical-based glues, perfumes, and nail polish removers that can dissolve the fabric. These can damage the fabric and may not be safe for sensitive skin. Instead, use non-toxic and biodegradable alternatives to keep your garments looking new.
It is also important to look for a label that states it was made in an environmentally friendly way. Many brands produce rayon more sustainably. For example, Tencel Modal uses sustainable beech trees that are sourced from regulated forests and locations. In addition, Lenzing produces its modal in an eco-friendly way that uses minimal water inputs and is fully compostable.
