Summer is the season to wear light and fewer clothes to combat the heat and humidity. However, it’s important to choose the right fabric to stay cool and comfortable. While some fabrics are obvious choices to avoid, such as tight leather pants, there are others you might not expect. The wrong fabrics can make you feel uncomfortable and even encourage fungal growth. So, when picking out your summer clothes, check the tag to ensure they don’t contain these worst offenders.
One group of fabrics to avoid are synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylics. Despite their popularity in fashion, these fabrics are made from petroleum and essentially plastic. Unless designed for athletic wear, they are not ideal for summer as they retain body heat and odors. Fabrics made from synthetic materials not designed for performance lack breathability and absorbance, making you sweat more and feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag.
Denim jeans can also be a poor choice for hot weather due to their lack of breathability and their dark color that absorbs heat. However, you can still wear denim in summer by opting for loose styles in lighter colors.
While cotton is generally recommended for summer wear, it’s not the best choice for socks as it holds onto moisture and can cause smelly, wet feet. Instead, consider wearing merino wool or polyester socks for moisture-wicking properties.
Finally, wearing winter wool during summer is not a good idea as it keeps you warm. However, lightweight wool like merino can effectively pull moisture away from your body and help keep you cool.
Instead of these worst offenders, opt for natural fabrics like linen, cottons, and jerseys whenever possible. Lighter colors and loose-fitting clothes also help to keep you cool.