Winter has packed up and left the building. Thank goodness! Now, it’s time to dress for warmer weather. But, as we transition to the warmer weather, there are a few key things to keep in mind. For example, it’s important to choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon that allow air to circulate and keep you cool while still looking stylish and put-together.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at breathable fabrics and styles to help you avoid sweat patches and enjoy summer to the fullest.
Linen
Linen is a miracle worker in the summer – you can wear linen in almost every type of heat. In all of the warmest countries in the world – linen is the star of the show. Choosing styles that are a little looser, like wide-fit pants and a shirt, will mean you aren’t trapping heat to your body, and this gives you the maximum in breathability.
Before you jump headfirst into the linen life, learn to be accepting of its wrinkly nature or be prepared to give the items a quick spritz with water to help the creases drop out.
Cotton
Cotton is ideal in humidity or dry heat – making it a must for many different locations. What makes cotton great is that it can give you reasonable coverage and comes in a range of mixes too. The closer your items are to 100% cotton, the better it will be. The natural cotton fibers allow air to circulate and help you to stay cool even in high heat.
One of the downsides to cotton is that it can and does shrink when in the dryer – so make the most of the hot day and hang your clothes out on the line. Yes, people still do this.
Silk
Silk is very breathable but can bring a good level of glamour to the outfit too. Opt for stunning maxis or other patterned bohemian clothing to add a little luxe when you need it. Silk has some moisture-wicking properties, so it can help to keep you cool on balmy summer evenings, not to mention it is really lightweight, so it won’t feel heavy or clingy.
A note on silk, though: it doesn’t have high absorbance, so you’re likely to see sweat patches from time to time.
Rayon
While rayon isn’t a natural fiber, it doesn’t perform as highly as cotton or linen when it comes to wicking away moisture. However, since it has a thinner thread than cotton, it can work wonders in high heat – but it is best avoided in humidity. If you want something that drapes and flows, then Rayon is a great choice.
Chambray
Chambray is cotton but has a look that is closer to denim. So if you want something that looks a little more structured but without committing to the weight, chambray is an ideal option. Like cotton, chambray offers breathability and works well in humidity and dry heat. The finer weave that gives chambray its texture is also what offers breathability.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the key to dressing for warmer weather is to prioritize comfort and practicality while still looking stylish and put-together. Keep in mind that summer fashion doesn’t need to be boring. If want more inspiration, check out: A Newbie Fashionista’s Guide to Color Coordination – Just Brennon Blog.
