Brace yourself. The summer is coming. And while it’s the season we are all very much looking forward to, we can’t forget about proper sun and heat protection. And no, wearing sunglasses and sunscreen is not enough. You should also consider your clothing, and more precisely, the material.

Indeed, your clothing’s fabrics can make a huge difference during the summer. Certain materials will protect you better from the sun, ensuring you feel more comfortable throughout the whole day in the sun.

What are they? Experts usually mention five fabrics – cotton, chambray, linen, merino wool, and rayon. We’ll discuss them in more detail below:

Cotton

Cotton is the most popular summer fabric. It’s breathable and light. Cotton is also quite durable, which makes it a good choice for activewear. However, if you need to be protected from the sun, cotton may not always be the best choice. Cotton absorbs water and dries out quickly. You may see some people wearing cotton shirts and jackets in the summer, but we don’t recommend it. If you still insist on cotton, make sure to wear a long-sleeve shirt underneath.

Cotton has always been the number one choice of fabric for summer clothing. It is lightweight and breathable, the perfect combination that you need during the summer. An important fact to remember is that cotton fabric absorbs sweat quickly and easily, helping to keep your cool.

Chambray

Chambray is a cotton fabric with a linen weave. It’s often compared to denim but while denim is usually made of cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester, chambray is just made of cotton. The fabric is fine, has a soft touch, and can be worn year-round. The material is durable, has a nice sheen, and you can even wash it by machine.

Chambray is a type of textile made of cotton, and it is very popular among men’s clothing. Chambray is an excellent choice for summer shirts because it is lightweight, soft, and breathable. Another reason why chambray is perfect for the summer is that it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can choose the exact look you want.

Linen

Linen is a natural fiber made of flax. The fabric is heavier than chambray but also very durable. Linen has a cool touch, making it perfect for summer shirts and pants. Just like chambray, linen doesn’t absorb water easily and dries quickly. It’s great for travel since it tends to be wrinkle-resistant and has anti-pilling properties. If you want to keep your linen looking new all summer long, we recommend you wash it by hand and hang it to dry. Otherwise, you may end up with pilling on your pants or shirt.

Linen is a classic summer material. It is lightweight, breathable, and easy to wash. Not all linens are made equal though and some work better than others during the summer. When buying linen pants, try to get 100% linen ones. This way you’ll be sure that they will be comfortable and breathable.

Merino Wool

If you are into hiking or traveling, we recommend you consider merino wool as your summer fabric of choice. Yes, wool can be somewhat warm in the summertime but merino wool won’t overheat you like other wools would since it has a unique structure that allows air to flow through it. It’s also very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Unlike other wools, merino wool won’t itch because of its natural antibacterial properties. To keep your merino wool lasting longer, we suggest you wash it cold only with a soap-free detergent or wool shampoo. Don’t forget to hang it to dry afterward!

Wool is a great fabric for the summer because it doesn’t trap heat and moisture. If you want to stay cool and not feel hot in the summer, merino wool is a great choice. Merino wool also happens to be extremely comfortable and soft. It feels great on your skin, which is an extra benefit that we don’t want to overlook.

Rayon

Rayon (also known as viscose) is another popular summer fabric. It’s made from natural cellulose fibers like wood pulp or bamboo and is then processed into yarn or thread. Rayon is more breathable than other synthetic fibers so it’s great for warm-weather clothing. It also feels light and smooth and drapes well on the body, which makes rayon clothing ideal for casual wear and evening outfits as well. The material is also easy to care for and can be washed by machine cold cycle or hand wash with mild detergent and hung to dry.

Rayon is one of the most versatile fabrics these days. It is made from wood pulp, which gives it a silky-smooth feel that’s great to wear in the summer. Rayon is also highly absorbent, which makes it great for keeping your cool. Rayon doesn’t trap heat as other fabrics do, so it breathes well. There are many different types of rayon available on the market – from crepe de chine and chiffon to taffeta and voile. It all depends on how you want to use it.

Conclusion

To sum up, the best fabrics to wear in the summer are cotton, chambray, linen, merino wool, and rayon. Each material has its own set of benefits that may make a big difference in your comfort level during the hot season. That doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot wear these fabrics during the other seasons as well. The beauty of these fabrics is that they are high quality and breathable, meaning you can layer them in the winter too without sweating. While garments that are 100% of a certain fabric can be quite expensive, sometimes you can find cheaper clothes with a higher percent too. Make sure that you study the label of whatever item you want to buy to find out exactly what it is made of. You should also be careful when washing these garments as not all of them can withstand the same temperatures. Take care of your garments correctly and they will last you a long time.