Summertime fashion can be tricky to master when we’ve got perspiration, humidity and rising temperatures to face. How can a collegiette maintain her signature style without overheating or collecting sweat (ew)? As it turns out, the secret to an easy-breezy runway-ready summer is fabric choice. So put away those weighty wools and dauntingly heavy denims and say hello to wearable materials that won’t cause a heatstroke. With these lightweight lifesavers, you can keep cool while looking smoking.
1. Cotton
100 percent cotton is all-natural, lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect fabric choice for summer clothing. It’s extremely accessible (so many clothing items are made with cotton) and diverse, meaning it’ll help you keep cool in a variety of forms and outfit staples and can be found at relatively low prices.
Unfortunately, there’s a small catch to cotton’s cooling. Be wary that although cotton is perfectly fine for the summer months, it does have a tendency to absorb moisture quickly and thus acquire sweat stains, especially if it’s the fabric making up your summer whites. But luckily, because cotton’s also extremely durable, you’ll be able to machine-wash your cotton items frequently without fear. This is vital in the summer, not only to remove those sweat stains, but also to ensure that residue isn’t weighing down the fabric and leftover sweat isn’t in contact with your skin (gross!).
Choose cotton for all of your tees, tanks, maxi skirts and more. We’re particularly obsessed with this cotton and silk (another one of our featured summer favorites!) pinstripe top—talk about posh ($49.99, Madewell)!
2. Linen
Linen is quite possibly summer’s best friend. It’s similar to cotton in that it’s breathable and comfortable, but better in that it’s quick-drying and the more permeable weave allows heat to escape your body more quickly and efficiently. Because linen is stiffer than cotton, it won’t cling and maintains a darling shape on your body. Worried about the infamous wrinkling that linen products endure? The fashion world is so obsessed with the fabric that they’ve embraced those wrinkles, making them an integral part of any on-point linen look. Overall, linen is light and airy, classic and chic, and comes in a wide array of fabulous summer brights and pastels. We’re definitely obsessed.
Try a linen button-down, linen shorts, linen skirts, or linen trousers like this versatile and work-appropriate pair from J. Crew ($128).
3. Silk
Looking for a bit of luxury? Look no further than smooth and sultry silk. Incredibly thin and super sleek, it feels cool to the touch and oh-so-lovely to wear. The material is great at absorbing moisture, and with its glamorous comfort, wearing it this summer will feel like a total treat.
Paisley is the perfect summer print, so slip into this silk dress or something similar to make a fresh and cool fashion statement ($148, Madewell). Not about silk’s expensive prices? Madewell also has some killer silk styles (including adorable dresses) on sale right now, so grab them before they’re gone!
4. Wicking Fabric
For the sporty girls and gym-lovers, it’s time to embrace a cooler workout! While cotton is great for regular summer clothing, steer clear of it when you’re about to engage in high activity. Instead, gravitate towards a fabric that promises to wick away humidity, moisture, and sweat, rather than absorb it—we can’t stand the feeling of a moist tee sticking to our overheated skin!
Most sports lines produce items that boast lightweight fabric and impressive water-resistant capabilities. Nike’s Dri-FIT fabrics, which make up a multitude of athletic tops, bottoms, socks and even sports bras, are the answer to your summer workout prayers. We adore the Tempo shorts, since they’re designed with built-in ventilation and come in a ton of flirty patterns and shades ($27.20, Dick’s Sporting Goods).
5. Chambray
We all love denim, but recognize that it can be pretty heavy and unappealing when the temperature rises. Instead of completely abandoning the classic denim look, simply swap out weighty jeans for softer chambray pieces when the heat is especially sweltering! Chambray is way lighter than true denim but just as fashionable. Even better, it maintains all of the best properties of standard denim, including a breathable structure and helpful absorbency. Just like your favorite pair of fall jeans, chambray goes with almost anything, making it a summer staple you can’t pass up!
There are tons of chambray tops and bottoms out there, as well as stylish chambray shirtdresses and rompers. We’re swooning over this rosy take on the classic chambray button-down, which is the perfect blend of preppy and modern ($59.95, Gap).
Thought you couldn’t avoid disastrous sweating and horrible hot flashes this summer? Think again! With these fabulous fabrics, you’ll look (and feel) cool as a cucumber!