Best Fabrics for Hot Weather to Stay Cool for Summer

Whether you're a spectator at a thrilling sports game or want to be part of the action on the field, you can avoid overheating in hot weather with a few special clothing materials!

Our complete guide unveils the best fabrics for hot weather. Stay as cool as a cucumber — no matter what that thermometer says.

Curious about what material you should be on the lookout for this summer? Check out our pros and cons for each hot weather fabric.

The best fabrics for hot weather include cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, linen, Merino wool, and silk. To keep cool this summer, consider these materials and/or colors:

• Cotton Blends: Cotton blends (e.g. cotton-polyester blend) are a popular choice. These blends can keep you cool and dry by allowing air to circulate and wicking away some sweat.

• Polyester Blends: Polyester blends can also be a good option. They are lightweight and often feature moisture-wicking technology, which keeps you cool and comfortable in the heat.

• Light Colors: Avoid dark colors like black. They usually absorb heat and can actually make you feel hotter. Opt for lighter colors. These can help reflect some of the sun's rays while also keeping you cooler.

• Linen: Linen is another excellent fabric for hot weather! It’s widely known for its lightweight and breathable features that allow air to flow easily even in the heat.

Cotton is a popular choice when it comes to fabrics to wear during the summer. It’s usually more affordable. However, it does have some drawbacks:

• Cotton isn’t too breathable for high-intensity activities.
• Cotton isn’t that moisture-wicking. Consequently, it can leave your body feeling clammy.

Polyester is a synthetic fabric commonly used in workout t-shirts and shorts due to its excellent sweat-wicking properties.

• Made from plastic fibers, polyester can effectively draw moisture away from the skin — keeping you dry during physical activities.
• To avoid trapping odors, polyester garments usually blend with other materials. This helps enhance its performance and minimize any odor retention.
• As a synthetic material, polyester offers durability and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking.

Nylon is a lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic fabric that is particularly well-suited for hot and humid days. It’s most commonly used for athleisure wear since it can keep you dry during even the most intense workouts.

• Nylon fabric has excellent moisture management properties — efficiently wicking away sweat from the body to the outer surface of the fabric.
• It has water-repellent qualities, which makes it a suitable choice for outdoor activities in light rain or damp conditions.

Rayon is a fabric made from thin fibers that offer a good level of breathability. While it may not be as breathable as cotton, rayon still allows air to flow through — keeping you relatively cool.

• It is a lightweight fabric well-suited for hot and dry climates.
• Rayon tends to cling to the body. That means that this fabric is usually less ideal on the most humid days.
• Choose rayon for its soft and smooth texture that can also be blended with other materials.

Linen is a lightweight fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is highly regarded for its moisture-wicking properties, making it an excellent choice for hot summer days.

• Linen can absorb moisture while still allowing air to circulate — keeping you cool and comfortable.
• It becomes softer and more comfortable with each wash, further enhancing its appeal.

Merino wool is a remarkable fabric known for its absorbent fibers that can regulate body temperature. It offers excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties (which makes it a good fabric choice for hot weather).

• Merino wool is particularly favored in outdoor activities like hiking. It is commonly used in hiking socks, light sweaters, and other garments.
• Its natural properties allow this hot weather fabric to trap air pockets (which creates a cooling effect and prevents overheating).
• Merino wool resists odors — keeping you fresh all day.

Silk is a fabric renowned for its luxurious softness and smooth texture. It is made from the protein secreted by silkworms during the production of their cocoons. While silk can be breathable to some extent, it may not always be the best choice for summer weather.

• Silk does a poor job of absorbing sweat and can stain under your arms if you sweat too much wearing this fabric.
• While silk is a coveted fabric for its elegance and feel, it may be better suited for milder summer climates.