Home » 3 Key Warm Weather Fabrics

3 Key Warm Weather Fabrics

The return of double-digit temperatures doesn’t necessarily mean stripping away all your clothes. While it’s tempting to reduce your wardrobe to shorts, tanks and flip flops, this approach doesn’t leave room for much creativity.

So in an attempt to keep the style and the sweat at bay, we are introducing you to these natural fabrics that were built for spring and summer.

Cotton

Adaptable, affordable and readily available, there are few corners of your wardrobe cotton hasn’t conquered. In fact, as the most widely used natural fibre in the world, you’ve probably worn it every day this year.

Cotton makes a great fabric for warm weather due to its vast capabilities.

IT BREATHES. Crucially, cotton is an extremely breathable fibre. Which means it won’t trap hot, moist air between you and what you’re wearing. What’s more, its natural moisture-wicking properties will actually help to draw moisture away from your body.

IT’S SOFT AND LIGHTWEIGHT. Cotton fabrics start out as tiny puffs which look as though they’d feel like a cloud if you touched them. Luckily – when they’ve been woven beyond recognition into tees, shorts and blazers – that same soft handle lives on.

Linen

Everybody knows linen, but do they really? Like cotton, linen is a natural fibre and equally adept at keeping you cool in hot weather. In short, it’s way too useful for you to ignore.

IT DOESN’T GET MUCH COOLER THAN LINEN. Linen is old – at least 4,000 years, give or take. Which means its heat-beating credentials are pretty much unbeatable. It’s main benefit is its low thread count – considerably lower (at 80-150) than cotton (typically 200+), which means fewer fibers and more of that essential breathability you’ll need when temperatures rise. It’s the closest you’ll get to being naked.

Silk

A by-word for pure, exquisite luxury, silk probably isn’t high up on most women’s lists of practical summer fabrics, but – worn sparingly – it’s just the stuff to add some much-needed cool when the mercury rises.

It’s biggest benefit? YOU’LL COMPLETELY FORGET YOU’RE WEARING IT. We’re not going to try hoodwinking you into thinking silk is herculean in its practicality. It’s really not. But sometimes, silk just looks good. And while it’s far from utilitarian, this fine fabric has its advantages, like being pretty much weightless. And, it’s well, pretty!

More Fashion Fabula

How to Dress For a Music Festival

If you think music festivals are all about running around in the desert with denim cutoffs and waving around a peace sign— think again! This

On Trend: Animal Prints

Animal prints are a huge trend right now for Spring/Summer 2015. It’s a fun and simple way to make a bold statement! Leopard and snakeskin

The History of J. Crew

J. Crew originally started out as Popular Merchandise, Inc., founded in 1947 by Mitchell Cinader and Saul Charles. They started out by selling low-priced women’s

What to Wear on a Second Interview

This outfit is even more important than your first interview outfit. Of course it’s your personality and skills that really matter, but your appearance is

End of Summer Vacation

The final weeks of summer are upon us, so naturally we’re trying to enjoy these last few moments of sun. Whether you want to take

How to Sculpt Your Face

When you contour your makeup, you’re essentially doing some real life Photoshop on your face. Your cheekbones pop, your face glows, and in general, your

Organic Foundations for Summer

Beauty lovers: be aware! The FDA doesn’t regulate what ingredients go into makeup products or the labels that are placed on them. Your best bet

10 Habits of Well-Dressed Women

While there’s no universal code or to-do list that all stylish women adhere to, there are a few select habits that aid the process of

Editors’ Picks: Madewell

Madewell Denim Jacket – Make every day Throwback Thursday in this lightly distressed denim jacket. Madewell Side Tie Crop Tee – Tonal side ties complete

5 Swimsuit Trends You Must Try

If you are a lot like me, chances are you’ve worn your standard swimsuit for years—that classic black two piece or adorable polka-dot bikini. While

Tips for Visiting National Parks

There are so many breathtaking landscapes and endless activities in our U.S. national parks. From whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon to exploring the elegant