What material to choose for summer when it's very hot: the guide to staying cool
When the heat sets in, the problem is not just the temperature: it's the clothes that stick, the feeling of humidity in the small of the back, the sweat marks that appear at the slightest journey, and the impression of being "trapped" in your outfit.
The right material changes everything: it lets air circulate, dries quickly, feels pleasant on the skin, and stays neat throughout the day. Here, we specifically address the question which material to choose for summer with a concrete textile approach: what works according to the climate (dry or humid), the level of perspiration, and the desired look (casual, office, ceremony).
Materials to prioritize in summer: breathability, cool feel, and neat drape
To choose a summer material without suffering, three criteria dominate: breathability (ability to let air pass), moisture management (absorb then release/dry), and wearing sensation (cool feel, absence of "film" effect on the skin). Natural fibers and some well-constructed artificial fibers are your best allies.
Linen is the safest reflex when it's hot. Its hollow fiber promotes air circulation, and its slightly dry feel gives an immediate impression of freshness. On the skin, linen does not "stick": even when the air is heavy, it maintains a distance, a hold.
In a loose shirt version, straight dress, or wide pants, it's a material that accompanies movement and avoids the sauna effect. Note: it wrinkles, yes, but that's also what marks its naturalness. For a neater look, look for linen fabrics of good density (less transparent) or well-balanced linen-cotton blends.
Cotton works very well if you choose it wisely. A cotton poplin or cotton voile has pleasant breathability, especially in airy cuts. The sensation is soft, familiar, "clean." However, a cotton that is too thick (heavy jersey, fleece, dense denim) retains more heat and dries more slowly: in the height of summer, it can become a trap if you sweat. For an active woman, prioritize woven, lightweight cottons with a dry touch rather than thick knits.
Viscose (artificial fiber derived from cellulose) is an excellent option when looking for a fluid drape and a "cool" sensation on contact. It glides over the skin, follows the silhouette without clinging, and expresses itself very well in a dress wrap dress, midi skirt, draped blouse. Its point of caution: it absorbs moisture and can show marks if the fabric is too thin or if the cut is tight. In humid climates, a good quality viscose, not too light, will be more comfortable than a "paper" viscose that wrinkles and sticks.
Silk is precious for summer when chosen in a good weight and suitable weave (silk crepe, light twill). It regulates quite well, remains pleasant on warm skin, and maintains an impeccable look. Sensorially, silk has this subtle freshness, a smooth touch that does not become sticky if the piece is well cut. However, be careful: some very fine satin silks can reveal perspiration and require suitable lingerie.
Finally, think construction: a successful summer material is not just a fiber, it's also a weave (more or less airy) and a density. A linen that is too thin can become transparent and less durable; a cotton that is too tight can suffocate. The ideal balance: a fabric that lets air pass but maintains hold.
Materials to avoid (or reserve) when it's very hot: the sauna effect and marks
Some materials become uncomfortable as soon as the temperature rises, not because they are "bad," but because they trap heat, retain moisture, or create a surface that sticks to the skin. If your goal is clear, not to suffer in summer, you need to know how to identify risky fabrics.
Polyester (and more broadly many synthetics) is often the main culprit of the sauna effect. The fiber breathes little: heat remains trapped, moisture concentrates, and the skin ends up feeling "filmed."
A technical polyester designed for sports can be tolerated, but for a summer city outfit, it is rarely the best choice. However, it is possible that technical polyesters, with mesh or micro-perforated constructions, allow for better heat management, although this remains rare in city pieces.
Acrylic should be avoided in hot weather: it insulates, warms, and provides no pleasant moisture management. Similarly, nylon and some very synthetic blends can increase sweating and discomfort, especially on contact areas (back, chest, elbow folds). Moreover, some technical nylons, thanks to specific finishes, can promote better ventilation, but they remain the exception.
Coated fabrics, synthetic satins or very "glazed" ones may seem visually appealing, but they often have a surface that retains heat and marks quickly. Result: you feel dressed up for the first ten minutes, then trapped in your outfit as soon as the air becomes heavy.
The importance of breathability in material choice
At Misciano, we have found that the breathability of a fabric is essential to ensure optimal comfort during hot summer days. The feeling of lightness of a linen shirt, for example, is incomparable: it allows air to circulate freely, creating an effective barrier against heat. When wearing a linen garment, each movement triggers a slight breath of air, bringing immediate freshness. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable on humid days, where a breathable fabric like linen will save you from the discomfort of sweating.
Moreover, the structure of linen, with its hollow fibers, helps regulate body temperature, making it a preferred choice for women who wish to combine elegance and comfort. By incorporating linen pieces into your summer wardrobe, you opt for a pleasant tactile experience that enhances your silhouette while offering a sense of freedom.
Another trap: thick knits even in natural fibers. A heavy jersey, a dense cotton knit, a tight rib: on paper, "cotton = good," but in practice, the compact structure prevents air from circulating. If you like knitwear in summer, look for openwork constructions, fine ribs, or blends that maintain lightness.
Finally, beware of fabrics that are too thin and too light without a designed lining: they can become transparent, mark lingerie, and push you to layer... thus adding heat. It's better to have a slightly denser, well-cut fabric than an ultra-thin material that forces you to cheat with layers.
If you hesitate between two materials, do a simple test in the store: crumple the fabric in your hand, then place it on your forearm. A successful summer fabric remains pleasant, does not "stick," and gives an immediate impression of breathability. To delve deeper into technical markers (weaves, densities, finishes) without going off-topic, you can also consult how to choose a clothing material. Sources: Institut Français du Textile et de l’Habillement, Textile Exchange.
Which material to choose according to your situation: dry heat, humidity, sweating, office and evening
The best answer to which material to choose for summer depends on your reality: climate, mobility, level of perspiration, and context (subway, office, terrace, ceremony). A perfect material on the French Riviera in dry weather can become less pleasant in Paris when humidity lingers.
1) Dry heat (hot air, low humidity)
In a dry climate, you can aim for materials that ventilate and keep a cool touch. Linen is king: shirt dress, wide linen pants, unlined summer blazer. Light cotton works very well too (poplin, voile). Silk in crepe brings a sharp elegance without overheating, especially in fluid cuts. Here, the wrinkling of linen is less bothersome because the dry air limits the "wet" effect.
2) Humid heat (heavy air, sweat that doesn't dry)
When the air is humid, the challenge is the ability not to stick and to dry cleanly. Linen remains excellent, but favor fabrics that are not too thin, which maintain structure. Viscose can be very pleasant if it is not ultra-light: a high-quality viscose, with a soft but not "floppy" drape, avoids the crumpled effect. Cotton remains relevant in an airy version, but avoid pieces that are too tight: humidity would concentrate at contact points.
3) You sweat a lot: prioritize cuts and colors as much as the fiber
If you sweat easily, the material is not enough: the cut must allow air circulation (comfortable armholes, slightly open back, volume at the bust). As for material: linen, woven cotton, medium-density viscose. Avoid synthetics that retain odors. As for colors: very light shades limit the sensation of heat but can make marks visible depending on the fabric; prints and textures (slub linen, micro-relief) camouflage better than a smooth solid color.
4) Office attire: stay fresh while keeping a neat line
At the office, you want breathability, but also a clean drape. Blended linen (linen-cotton) can be a compromise: more stable, a little less wrinkly. Cotton poplin is ideal for shirts and structured dresses, with a clean feel on the skin. Crepe silk or a nice light twill allow for a held look, without heaviness. Avoid synthetic satins that shine and suffocate: they quickly degrade in comfort, especially under irregular air conditioning.
5) Evening, event, ceremony: freshness + style
For a summer evening, silk and viscose are your allies if you are looking for an elegant drape that doesn't confine you. A long dress in well-constructed viscose gives a soft movement, pleasant when the air circulates. A piece in silk (crepe, twill) maintains a refined presence, without overheating. If you opt for linen, choose an intentional cut: a worked back, a belted waist, a midi waist linen dress, the wrinkling then becomes a signature, not a flaw.
The detail that changes everything: look at the inside of the garment. A synthetic lining can ruin a beautiful outer material. For summer, an unlined piece, or lined with breathable material, is often more comfortable than a "beautiful dress" that traps heat.
Limits & care tips
Each material has its specifics: linen can shrink and wrinkle easily, cotton requires low-temperature ironing to preserve the fiber, viscose needs delicate washing to avoid halos, and silk often requires care by hand or on a delicate cycle. It is recommended to always check the care label and test the material in-store (transparency, wrinkling, adherence on damp skin) to make the most of its qualities.
Experience examples: for a day in the subway and office, favor a cotton poplin with an airy cut; for a humid heatwave, opt for a structured and well-fitted linen-cotton blend; for an outdoor wedding, a crepe silk or well-crafted viscose ensures elegance and comfort.
Article by Alexander Chekushine
Published on 01/18/2026 at 14:08
About the author
A specialist in style and fashion trends, I bring a sharp eye to Misciano's creations. My in-depth knowledge of noble materials and Italian craftsmanship enriches each of my articles with a precise and demanding reading of contemporary elegance.
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