Optimal summer comfort: which fabrics are the best?

The summer can be a difficult time when it comes to clothing. The hot temperatures are overwhelming, and numerous factors influence the comfort of an outfit. The most important one is the material. Some fabrics are better suited to the summer than others, and in this blog, we will list the best ones to wear for optimal comfort.

Cotton

Cotton is a staple in the world of summer fabrics. Cotton is made from the soft, fluffy protective ball that grows around the cotton plant’s seeds. It's used for a wide variety of textile products, such as jeans, t-shirts, and dresses. Many everyday items, like bedding and washcloths, are also often made from cotton. Due to its widespread availability, cotton is one of the most affordable fabric options.

Cotton is known for its soft feel; its fibres are smooth, which prevents a scratchy feeling. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic, meaning that it's less likely to cause allergies or skin irritation. There’s no need to wear another item under it, as its comfortable enough to wear in direct contact with the skin. It’s a highly durable fabric, strong enough to withstand frequent washing and wearing. 

It's natural fibres allow for great air circulation, which contributes to its breathability. Combined with its absorbent properties, cotton is a good fabric to wear in hot and humid weather. It keeps your skin both cool and dry due to its breathability and ability to absorb moisture.

Linen

Linen is hard to ignore when talking about summer. It’s a favourite for a good reason! Linen is made from the flax plant, making this an all-natural fabric. It can be found in both fashion and everyday items. It’s one of the more popular sustainable fabrics on the market, as it's biodegradable. The production process for growing the flax plant requires a minimal amount of water and no pesticides, contributing to the fabric’s eco-friendly nature.

Linen feels naturally cold, keeping you cool. It’s a relatively easy fabric to take care of, as it resists dirt and stains, and can handle being washed at high temperatures. Linen also doesn’t pill, keeping the fabric smooth and feeling intact.

Viscose

Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fibre made from wood pulp. Its fibres are man-made, but the material used to create it is natural. It can take on different qualities depending on the production process, making it a versatile fabric that can be found on any clothing item. 

Viscose is a good choice for warm weather due to its breathable qualities. It can absorb moisture well, keeping the skin underneath cool and dry. It's soft to the touch, contributing to its comfort. Viscose retains its colour well, leading to a garment that will keep its vibrant summer colours. 

One of viscose’s most appealing properties is its luxurious appearance and feel. It's regarded as a more affordable alternative to silk, but that doesn’t mean it's worse quality. It has a beautiful sheen and drapes beautifully, and is also comfortable to the touch. In a satin weave, such as our Satin Viscose, these qualities are highlighted even more. While viscose isn’t naturally strong, a satin weave improves upon this.

Ramie

Ramie isn’t as well-known as linen or cotton, but it deserves just as much recognition. It’s made from the stalks of the Chinese nettle plant. Ramie is frequently found in fabric blends, such as with wool. In Japan, luxury summer kimonos are made from 100% ramie.

Ramie is one of the strongest natural fibres out there. It’s made from fine fibres and feels incredibly lightweight, but is extremely durable. It becomes even stronger when it absorbs moisture. While initially stiff, ramie softens over time. Ramie is naturally resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew, keeping the fabric fresh. This makes it a perfect choice for hot, humid weather. 

Wool

Wool isn’t usually a first choice when it comes to the hot weather. Depending on the type, it can be your best friend during high temperatures. Merino and cashmere are the most suitable to summer. Both don’t itch when it comes in direct contact with the skin, so there’s no layering required to comfortably wear it. Merino is the top-of-the-line sheep’s wool, but balances affordability and quality very well despite its high status. Cashmere is more expensive, but its softness is unparalleled by any other wool. Air Cashmere is an especially lightweight, breathable version of cashmere.

Looking for items in these fabrics? Don’t forget to check out our Spring Summer ’25 collections.