Summer tips: Most Breathable Fabrics

As you enjoy the long, hot summer days, it is important to stay hydrated and to stay cool. In some places, it can get unbearingly hot. Dressing for the weather is the best thing that you can do to beat the heat! Luckily, there are some fabrics that are designed specifically for hot and humid weather. Keep reading to find out what fabrics are the most breathable for the hot summer months! 

6 of the Most Breathable Fabrics

• Cotton

Cotton is perfect for all weather. This fabric is made of natural fibers that allow air to easily circulate and move freely through the fabric; this makes the heat much more tolerable! This fabric comes in countless styles and colors, so you will be able to find pretty much any garment of clothing that you need!

• Pros: Soft, lightweight, breathable, versatile, and easy to care for. 
• Cons: If you are going to be sweating a lot, cotton might not be the best option for you. Because it tends to soak up moisture, the clothing can become heavy and wet, as well as show any sweat stains that you may have. 

• Rayon

This man-made fabric is made from a blend of cotton, wood pulp, and other natural or synthetic fibers. It was initially designed as a cheaper alternative to silk. Rayon is a great fabric for sportswear and summer dresses due to it being both comfortable and cooling. 

• Pros: Moderate breathability, silky feel, dries quickly, drapes nicely, does not stick to the body.

• Cons: Rayon can shrink if it is washed in warm water; it is best to use a dry-cleaning service for this fabric. It also wrinkles very easily. 

• Nylon & Polyester

Nylon and Polyester are very similar fabrics. Nylon is a lightweight synthetic fabric, most often seen in athletic wear. This fabric is designed to specifically transport sweat away from the body. It is also a staple in high-performance athletic shoes due to its equal parts flexibility and durability. 

Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric that is made from durable plastic fibers. The thread structures of this fabric are designed to draw sweat away from the body and towards the surface of the fabric, making it a top pick for athletes. 

• Pros: Nylon & Polyester both wick moisture and dry quickly. They also resist pilling and abrasion. 
• Cons: On the downside, they are not as soft as cotton, retain odor, and their breathability can vary depending on the yarn size and knit or weave. 

• Linen

Another great option for the hot summer days is linen. Because it is a very light and loosely woven fabric, it allows heat to quickly escape from the body. 

• Pros: Extremely breathable, very durable, and easy to care for. Although it absorbs a lot of moisture, it dries quickly, keeping you cool and dry throughout the day. 
• Cons: Linen tends to wrinkle very easily. 

• Silk

Silk is made from natural fibers that have been harvested from silkworm cocoons; this results in an ultra-soft, luxurious material. Silk is often used in both underwear and upscale casual wear. 

• Pros: Lightweight, breathable, and luxuriously soft. 
• Cons: Not moisture wicking, fragile, retains odor, and most often requires hand washing. 

• Merino Wool

Although merino wool is most often used in long undergarments or winter wear, it has also proven to be a good fabric for the summertime. It is one of the only fabrics that is designed to trap pockets of air; this keeps you insulated, while also being able to regulate your temperature. 

• Pros: Great breathability, wicks moisture, and does not retain odors. It is also available in lightweight styles that are perfect for summer. 
• Cons: Merino wool is much less durable than fabrics such as cottons, nylons, and polyesters. 

All of Your Dry-Cleaning Needs

Whether your clothing is too delicate for your washing machine or you just need to save time during your week, trust their care and cleaning to Hangers Cleaners. Our team of professionals is here to help you with any of your laundry needs. We offer free laundry pick-up and delivery for all of our customers. Call us at 501-227-8500 to schedule your laundry services today!