Summer’s here, and the pavement is basically lava. No matter where you are—city-roaming in platform sandals or chilling in a backyard with two fans blasting—one thing’s for sure: your clothes better breathe. You don’t want to end up in polyester purgatory, sweating through your fit before brunch.
Here are the top five fabrics to keep you cool (literally and vibe-wise) this summer:
1. Linen
The OG of summer fabrics. Linen is made from natural flax fibers, and it’s ultra-breathable with a natural texture that screams, “I thrifted this in Barcelona.” It’s airy, moisture-wicking, and actually looks better with a little wrinkle. Linen gives you that relaxed, European vibe that’s all over Instagram. But without the pit stains.
2. Cotton
Your forever BFF. Cotton’s natural, soft, lightweight, and breathable qualities make it great for hot days and nights. If you’re really into airflow, go for loose weaves like voile, lawn, or seersucker. It also absorbs sweat, so that you won’t feel like a swamp creature five minutes into your workout. It’s also great for people with sensitive skin.
Seersucker
The bumpy-texture MVP. Seersucker is technically a type of cotton weave, but it deserves its own spotlight. The puckered surface keeps the fabric slightly off your skin, creating natural airflow and keeping you way cooler than you look (and you already look cool). It’s got a preppy, retro vibe, and it’s perfect for those vintage tennis club summer outfits: picture pastel stripes, oversized shorts, and iced matcha energy.
3. Hemp
The underrated eco-hero. Hemp fabric is made using fibers from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant. It’s really breathable, durable, and it’ll get softer the more you wear it (like your ex’s hoodie, but better for the environment). It’s also got an antibacterial feature, which is great for those times when you’re feeling a bit sweaty. Bonus points: it goes well with earthy, dystopian summer vibes.
4. Chambray
Looks like denim, feels like heaven. Chambray is a lightweight cotton weave that gives you that classic jean look without the jean sweat. Perfect for structured button-downs or matching two-piece sets that don’t trap heat like a denim prison.
5. Rayon
A slinky summer sleeper hit. Rayon is semi-synthetic, made from wood pulp, but drapes like a dream. It’s light, silky, and perfect for those Y2K-adjacent flowy fits. It soaks up sweat, dries fast, and doesn’t cling to your skin, so the air can flow.
Viscose
Viscose is the star of the rayon family. It’s the most common type, and you’ve definitely worn it without realizing. Ultra-breathable and ultra-soft, it moves like liquid and feels luxe without the luxury markup. Catch it in everything from low-effort maxis to that artsy button-up your crush totally thrifted.
What Kind of Fit Works Best in Summer?
It’s not just about what you wear, but how it fits. In summer, it’s all about being comfortable. Think oversized button-downs, wide-leg trousers, boxy tees, and billowing skirts that make it easy to stay cool. Skip anything tight or clingy (unless you’re going for sweatcore, in which case: bold choice, respect). Looser silhouettes keep you cooler and give that effortless, throw-on-and-glow summer look. Floaty, not fitted. Chill, not constricted. Basically: wear clothes that move with the breeze, not ones that glue to your skin.
Stay breezy, wear natural (or smart synthetic) fibers, and never underestimate the power of a good weave. The streets are hot, but your fits don’t have to be. Go out there, stay cool, and serve silhouette.
And don’t forget to slap on some sunscreen if you’re heading out into that summer sun.
