Looking great in summer is one thing, but looking great and staying comfortable in high temperatures? That can be a whole other challenge.
The simple fact is that not all clothes are built the same, and different fabrics, cuts and styles can make a big difference to your comfort when environmental conditions change. What might be suitable on a mild spring day won’t necessarily suit a summer heatwave.
It’s also important to remember that this isn’t just about your comfort – it can impact your safety, too. Overheating can cause health problems that range from a minor inconvenience to something more serious, so staying cool when the heat hits is vital.
Of course, the best thing to do when the temperatures are too hot is to get plenty of shade, rest and hydration – but making the right choices when it comes to your outfits can help you to enjoy the weather for longer.
Different fabrics have different properties, and this can affect your comfort while wearing them. Just as some materials like wool are well-suited for keeping you warm in the winter, there are other fabrics that help heat to escape in the summer, cooling you down and keeping you from feeling hot and clammy.
Below are some of the best fabrics you can wear during summer.
Cotton is one of the best-known fabrics for high heat situations, and it’s also one of the most ubiquitous – you’re sure to find cotton and cotton blends anywhere you look this summer.
Advantages of wearing cotton in summer:
Although cotton is a great fabric choice for summer, be aware that cotton blends can vary in quality. Choose the highest quality you can find for the best results when it comes to breathability and comfort.
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Linen is a timeless classic for a reason - people have been wearing this fabric for hundreds of years to beat the summer heat for the simple reason that it does the job so well.
Advantages of wearing linen in summer:
Linen is a little less common than cotton and cotton blends, so you might have to look a little harder to find it when browsing for new summer styles. But the benefits of this choice are more than worth it – and the really great thing about linen is that it has a Mediterranean style you can’t resist.
Generally speaking, it’s best to steer clear of synthetic fabrics in summer because they tend to be less breathable – which means you feel hotter and they soak up sweat more quickly.
However, they can be a good choice for cooler mornings and evenings when you need that little something extra to avoid getting a chill. Polyester blends are best for this, as opposed to 100% pure polyester – and you can check this figure on the garment label.
Although fabric choice is a big part of summer comfort, there are other things to think about before making your final choice.
Colour can have a big impact, for example. Simply put, darker colours absorb heat, while lighter colours reflect it – so choosing lighter shades such as pastels, whites and pale neutrals may help you to stay cooler in a pinch.
You should also consider the fit of the garment and how it affects airflow. Avoid skin-tight garments that don’t allow breezes in and opt wherever possible for flowing, loose fabrics. This helps to prevent that feeling of damp fabric sticking to your skin as well as helping you to feel more refreshed.
And most importantly of all, don’t forget that fabrics apply to other areas, not just your daytime wardrobe! Choosing summer-friendly fabrics for things like pyjamas and bedsheets can help to keep you cooler after dark so you can get a good night’s sleep.
Here at Chums, we have a wide range of summer styles in cotton, linen and synthetic blends, perfect for you to beat the heat this year. Whether you’re off on holiday abroad, exploring the UK or simply enjoying the sunshine with loved ones, we’ve got you covered.
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