Triple-digit days are coming soon, which means it’s time to switch up our wardrobes to beat the summer heat. The key? Lightweight fabrics. They’re summer essentials that offer breathability, moisture-wicking properties and a comfortable feel against the skin.
Whether you’re lounging by the beach, navigating a busy city or attending a casual outdoor gathering, the right lightweight fabrics can make all the difference. Our Stylists are here with their hottest stay-cool tips. So, let’s get into our guide to the best fabrics for hot weather.
1. Cotton Summer Clothes
When it comes to clothing that keeps you cool and comfortable for summer, cotton is a go-to fabric to ensure maximum comfort and breathability. Is cotton breathable? Yes! Stylist Dania adds, “Not only is it naturally breathable, it’s so lightweight and soft—great for those hot humid days ahead.”
Here are our Stylists’ favorite cotton fabrications to wear when the temperatures rise, so keep these keywords in mind as you shop. (Or feel free to request a Fix and let your Stylist send your new favorite cotton pieces.)
Egyptian cotton clothing
Known for its long fibers, Egyptian cotton is very soft, durable, breathable and high quality, making it an excellent choice for summer wear.
Organic cotton clothing
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making it a more eco-friendly option. Due to its processing, it’s typically softer and more breathable than conventional cotton fabric.
Cotton jersey clothing
This knit fabric is soft, stretchy and breathable. It’s commonly used for t-shirts and casual wear, making it a summer staple.
“Not only is cotton naturally breathable, it’s so lightweight and soft—great for those
hot humid days ahead.”
-Dania, Stylist
2. Breathable Linen for Summer
“Linen is the quintessential summer fabric,” says Dania, “it has that effortlessly chic tropical-vacation look and feel.” (Who doesn’t love that?) Linen, a natural fabric made from the fiber of the flax plant, has a signature loose weave, making it the quintessential summer fabric. Coveted for its strength, durability, lightweight texture, excellent breathability and timeless appeal, Stylist Dania notes that “linen adds sophistication to your summer outfits.”
By focusing on relaxed fits, light colors and strategic fabric combinations, you can effortlessly incorporate linen into your summer wardrobe. Is linen good for summer? Oh, yes! It’s one of the best fabrics for hot humid weather for a reason—see for yourself by requesting linen and linen-blend pieces in your next Fix.
Embrace loose and relaxed fits
Linen shines in loose, relaxed silhouettes. Opt for wide-leg pants, flowy dresses and oversized shirts to maximize comfort and breathability. The loose fit allows for better air circulation, keeping you cool even in the hottest weather. Plus, the relaxed style adds an effortless, chic vibe to your summer wardrobe.
Stick to light colors
Light-colored linen garments—such as white, beige and soft neutrals—reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. These shades enhance the cooling effect and create a classic summer look. Pair a white linen shirt with beige linen trousers for a breezy, elegant outfit.
Mix and match with other fabrics
Linen pairs beautifully with other summer-friendly fabrics like cotton and rayon. This mix adds texture and visual interest to your outfits. Stylist Dania says, “Try combining wide-leg linen pants and a silk camisole, or layer a lightweight linen jacket over a rayon maxi dress. These pairings provide cool comfort with an elevated touch.”
“Linen is the quintessential summer fabric—it has that effortlessly chic tropical-vacation
look and feel.”
-Dania, Stylist
3. Lightweight Chambray for Summer
“Chambray often gets mistaken for denim, but it’s so much lighter—perfect for summer,” says Stylist Dania. Due to its softness and flexibility, it can be used in various styles like dresses, jumpsuits and button-ups.
Chambray’s versatility makes it a valuable addition to any wardrobe; you can style it for lots of occasions, from casual outings to more polished settings. Here are our top tips on how to wear chambray during the hot months—and if you need a lift before the next barbecue, request a Fix from your favorite Stylist.
Lightweight
When choosing chambray for summer, look for lightweight versions of the fabric—save your heavier denim for colder months. A lightweight chambray shirt or dress keeps you cool while maintaining a stylish, casual look.
Perfect cool layer
Chambray works well as a light layer during cool summer moments, like an early morning dash to yoga or a nighttime barbecue. Layer a chambray shirt as a lightweight jacket over a t-shirt or tank top or drape it over your shoulders for a casual vibe that keeps the A/C or nighttime chill at bay.
Wear to the office
Chambray can be office-appropriate when styled correctly. We love to pair a chambray button-down shirt with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt. Opt for darker shades of chambray for a more polished look. Add a statement necklace or a blazer to elevate the outfit further.
“Chambray often gets mistaken for denim but it’s so much lighter—perfect for summer,”
-Dania, Stylist
4. Rayon in the Summer
Summer calls for lightweight, breathable fabrics—and rayon is a perfect choice. Known for its smooth texture and airy feel, rayon keeps you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
“We love how this effortless and easy-going fabric offers breathability while looking as luxe as silk,” adds Dania. Rayon is a versatile semi-synthetic fabric made from regenerated cellulose fibers, usually derived from wood pulp. It’s known for its smooth, silky texture and its ability to mimic the feel of natural fibers like silk, wool, cotton and linen—ideal for drapey rayon summer dresses. Yes, rayon is good for summer! Try requesting it in a Fix for a summer wardrobe refresh.
Moisture-wicking
One of rayon’s standout features is its breathability. It helps pull moisture away from your skin and allows it to evaporate more easily, which means you stay cooler and more comfortable. That’s especially helpful on hot, humid days or when you’re on the move.
Lightweight comfort
Rayon is incredibly lightweight, providing a relaxed and airy feel. It drapes beautifully without clinging to the body, allowing for ease of movement and ultimate comfort. Whether you’re wearing a flowy rayon dress or a breezy blouse, you’ll enjoy the light-as-air sensation.
Versatility
Rayon’s versatility allows it to be blended with other fibers like cotton and linen, enhancing its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. This makes it versatile for various summer styles, from casual daytime outfits to more polished evening looks.
Stylist Dania suggests focusing on versatile staples during the summer. “Try reaching for a classic blazer in a long-line silhouette or a pleated high-rise short in neutral hues for easy mixing and matching.” Whether you’re headed to the office or weekend brunch, rayon’s versatility and blendability will keep you cool all summer long.
“We love how this effortless and easy-going fabric offers breathability while looking as luxe as silk.”
-Dania, Stylist
5. Silky + Satin Fabrics for Summer
“Lightweight silk camis or slip dresses and skirts are a perfect way to bring elegance to dressing in hot temps. It’s perfect for nights out or special occasions,” says Stylist Dania. These luxe materials naturally regulate temperature, meaning they keep you cool in the heat and comfortable all day (or night) long. While they offer a dressier vibe, modern silhouettes make them more wearable than ever—whether you’re heading to brunch or a rooftop soirée. Here’s how to work them into your warm-weather rotation.
Summer-ready elegance
Look for satin or silky finishes in breezy silhouettes like camis, midi skirts or slip dresses. The fabric drapes beautifully and adds instant polish—without weighing you down. Lighter colors feel especially fresh and help reflect heat.
Dress it down
Don’t reserve silky and satin fabrics only for special occasions. Try dressing a slip skirt down with a relaxed tee or a casual button-up tied at the waist. It’s an unexpected combo that balances softness with a cool, everyday edge.
“Lightweight silk camis or slip dresses and skirts are a perfect way to bring elegance to dressing in hot temps.”
-Dania, Stylist
Stitch Fix style for summer
Ready to beat the heat? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and ask your Stylist to throw these breezy summer fabrics into the mix. Buy what you like and return the rest—or get a 25% discount when you keep all items. Shipping and returns are always free. It’s as easy as 1,2,3.
