With the arrival of the high summer temperatures, we are looking for lighter garments that help us stay cool in the high temperatures. However, many times, even if a fabric is very light, there is the possibility that it is not the best in terms of breathability, providing much more warmth.
Fortunately, there are breathable fabrics that help us stay cool and avoid that “sauna” effect that some fabrics produce.
To begin with, the most breathable fabrics are undoubtedly natural ones such as cotton or linen. However, although wool is also a natural fabric, it is better to leave it for the winter months. Here is a summary of the most breathable fabrics:
COTTON
Cotton is undoubtedly one of the most breathable fibers and that we will find in most garments since its price is not very high and it is very versatile, finding it in an infinity of garments that we wear in our day to day. Organic cotton is a much more sustainable version to take into account, more and more brands are betting on using organic fabrics that have been grown without pesticides.
One of the great advantages of cotton is that it dries sweat faster and circulates air, facilitating breathability.
LINEN
Followed by cotton, linen is one of the most used fibers in summer garments, although its price is also somewhat higher than that of cotton. Linen is a high-quality fiber that is very light and does not stick to the body.
One of the drawbacks of this material is that it wrinkles easily and always has that wrinkled appearance no matter how much care is taken with the garment, since wearing it will inevitably create some wrinkles naturally.
SILK
With silk, we find both positive and negative points to consider. One of them is that silk is a fiber that regulates body heat whether it is cold or hot. However, you have to be careful with sweat stains as it is a very sensitive fabric and they show up very easily on garments made from this fiber. It is also a high priced natural fiber due to its difficult production from silkworms and although it is natural, it is not environmentally friendly.
That is why, despite the fact that silk is a breathable fiber, it may not be the best option on very hot days where sweating can be a problem.
LYOCELL
Lyocell is also a fiber of natural origin; however, it is a fiber that is treated with chemical substances, placing it in the middle of natural and synthetic fibers.
Lyocell comes from trees, usually eucalyptus, although we can also find cases of Lyocell from robe or bamboo. The wood from these trees goes through a process in which solvents are used to create a pulp that will go through a spinning process.
One of the advantages of Lyocell is that it is very soft and comfortable and is perfect for summer as it keeps your skin dry from sweat, with greater absorption than cotton. Another great advantage of this material is that it does not wrinkle, despite being very light, and it also prevents the formation of bacteria.
CHAMBRAY
If you are looking for a denim fabric for the summer, opt for chambray. It is a much lighter fabric than denim and is also made of cotton.
Coming from cotton, it retains its same characteristics, making chambray highly breathable and wrinkle-free. Absorbs moisture from the skin, feeling freshness at all times.
In addition, it also exists in more sustainable versions combined with Lyocell fibers or organic cotton.
Of course, with the passage of time, there are more and more innovations in terms of smart fabrics that regulate body temperature in both the summer and winter months.
Brands like Carvico already incorporate self-developed fabrics that regulate temperature, wick away moisture and control bad odours.
These technologies are mainly used in sportswear where the breathability of the garments and, above all, body thermoregulation is essential.
Fibers And Fabrics To Avoid
Among the fabrics and fibers to avoid are synthetic fabrics made from petroleum derivatives, including polyester, nylon, acrylic or leatherette. These garments are made of plastic, which does not help the skin to breathe and ends up being harmful, causing more sweat and giving rise to bad odors or even pimples on the skin.
For this reason, it is so important to wear natural fibers and breathable fabrics, especially in summer. You will certainly notice the difference as temperatures rise. You will be much more comfortable and you will feel that the clothes will not stick to your skin on the hottest days.
