We love summer just as much as the next person. Warm afternoons on the patio, rounds of golf, and weekend BBQs are just a few things that we look forward to. However, the July and August heat can wreak havoc on your stylish summer threads. Choosing the right fabrics is an easy way to keep comfortable while maintaining your style. (Yes, you can look and stay cool at the same time.) Below are our favourite summer fabrics for beating the heat.
Terry Cloth
Terry cloth is one of the most prominent fabrics that we’re seeing this season. There are two types of terry: French terry and towel terry. French terry is typically used in casual clothing, it has loops on the inside and is smooth on the outside. It’s your classic sweatshirt. The fabric we have been seeing from brands like 04651/A trip in a bag, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, and Sunspel is towel terry. This iconic fabric (see Sean Connery’s infamous terry cloth ensemble in the 1964 film Goldfinger) is perfect for the summer because the air easily circulates through the open weave and helps regulate body temperature. Not only does it keep you cool, but it also makes you feel like you’re laying by the pool catching some rays, even when you’re not. Terry cloth is not just for your vacation, it’s on-trend and should be worn out and about also.
Seersucker
Cool, smart, and relaxed. Seersucker is typically cotton, but it has a unique puckered weave to make it breezy and lightweight. Seersucker is a great fabric for travelling because it’s durable and tends to be wrinkle-resistant. Besides the obvious physical benefits of this fabric, it adds texture to basic pieces helping to elevate your summer look. We’ve been seeing this fabric from almost every collection this season. It is a fantastic option for a summer suit, but also fares well for sport jackets, camp collar shirts, trousers, and even bucket hats. It is a great alternative to linen.
Linen
Linen is the original summer cloth. It’s crafted from flax seeds, which makes it a durable and strong fabric with hollow fibres for moisture-wicking. Although it is typically more expensive due to the lengthy harvesting and manufacturing process, it is luxurious and a great choice to fill your closet with for the hot summer season. The number one reason people may shy away from linen is its tendency to wrinkle, but that’s a feature of your carefree summer style and should be embraced. It can easily be your beach companion or crafted into a linen suit/sport jacket for a dressy function. The fit is what’s important to making linen work for you on any occasion.
Summer is the best time to be a little more fashion-forward and experimental with your style (since you’re not hiding under 5 different layers). Looking good is not just about your clothes, it’s about the confidence you have when you know you’re looking fresh. Wearing the right fabrics that you can be comfortable in this season is the first step. Check out our summer style must-haves!