
Summer fashion is not just about breezy cuts and styles, but fabric choice is equally important.
Below are four types of fabrics that fashion experts suggest women should temporarily store away as the weather warms up, along with five alternative fabric options to allow your skin to “breathe” and avoid sticky sweat situations.
Nylon
Nylon is commonly used in sportswear or waterproof jackets due to its moisture-wicking and insulating properties. However, these very characteristics become a significant drawback during summer. Nylon is non-absorbent and lacks breathability, trapping sweat on the skin and causing a stuffy feeling.
Although some types of nylon are now blended with other fibers to enhance breathability, it’s best to avoid this fabric on extremely hot days if you tend to sweat a lot.
Viscose (Rayon)
Viscose, also known as rayon, has a sleek and silky appearance but is actually an artificial fiber produced from cellulose (wood pulp, cotton, etc.). While it is soft and can mimic premium fabrics, viscose lacks breathability.
Viscose fabric may feel unfamiliar, but it is commonly used in clothing due to its silky appearance similar to silk.
This fabric can make you feel hot and stuffy after a few hours of wear, especially if you’re outdoors. Moreover, viscose doesn’t insulate well, so it can get uncomfortably warm when exposed directly to sunlight.
Viscose jersey dresses may look stylish, but they lack moisture-wicking properties, leading to a sticky and uncomfortable feeling.
Synthetic Fibers
While synthetic fibers have a fine structure, are lightweight, and less likely to cling to the skin, they are made from synthetic materials similar to polyester, which means they are non-absorbent and do not absorb sweat. As a result, wearing this fabric all day in hot weather can make you feel even more uncomfortable and sticky.
Even when blended with cotton or other fibers, synthetic fibers are not ideal for temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius.
Denim
Lastly, we must mention denim, a classic fashion staple that is not truly summer-friendly. Its thick, heavy, and non-breathable construction makes jeans and denim jackets a “nightmare” for many when stepping out into the sun.
Denim is a popular “national” fabric worn by many women year-round, but denim-on-denim outfits can be a “disaster” during heatwaves.
5 Worthy Alternatives to Consider
If you’re unsure what to wear instead of the above-mentioned fabrics, the following five familiar fabrics will help you stay comfortable from the inside out while still allowing you to create stylish outfits.
Cotton
If your summer wardrobe is filled with cotton maxi dresses, shirts, or A-line skirts, congratulations – you own the fabric most favored by fashion experts during hot weather. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate easily, enabling wind to pass through the fabric and quickly evaporate sweat. Additionally, lightweight cotton has excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping your body cool and comfortable.
Cotton is a top choice for summer due to its breathability.
Linen
If you love the feeling of lightness, slight roughness, and exceptional coolness, then linen is your “soulmate” for summer. Made from flax plant fibers, linen excels in absorbing moisture and allowing air circulation, has excellent elasticity, and notably, it doesn’t stick to your skin due to sweat. Thus, it is an ideal choice for prolonged hot days.
Although it tends to wrinkle and is a bit tricky to iron, many women adore the natural and carefree vibe that linen exudes in the scorching sun.
Silk
For a luxurious yet equally “breathable” option, consider silk. While it may not absorb moisture as well as cotton or linen, silk has a smooth texture, feels light, and provides a cooling sensation on the skin. This fabric is perfect for casual gatherings, weekend coffee dates, or air-conditioned spaces, exuding elegance and sophistication.
Although silk doesn’t absorb moisture as well as the previous two fabrics, its smooth texture and cool feel make it a comfortable choice.
Chambray
Chambray, often mistaken for denim, is an excellent fabric choice for those who favor a dynamic style. Chambray has a similar cross-weave structure to jeans but is characterized by its breathability, coolness, and superior moisture absorption. It is also much lighter than denim fabric.
Chambray offers the same stylish denim look but with a lighter and more breathable feel.
Jersey Fabric
Finally, we have jersey fabric, commonly found in T-shirts. Thanks to its knitted structure with good elasticity, jersey fabric hugs the body while remaining cool and flexible. Premium jersey blends usually combine cotton and synthetic fibers, providing both moisture absorption and softness, making it a safe choice for all-day wear.
Jersey fabric, known for its high absorbency, is an excellent choice for those who tend to sweat a lot, preventing sticky and uncomfortable situations.
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