As the summer heat comes rolling in, it's critical to choose the right fabrics for your summer outfits. Not only do you want to ensure that you look comfortable and stylish even as the temperature goes up, but you may also want fabrics that will help keep you cool while you're outside. Take a look at these great summer fabrics and how they can influence your summer style, keeping you looking and feeling your best.

1. Cotton

Many of your favorite summer outfits are likely made of cotton fabric: a lightweight, breathable fabric that is perfect for dresses, shirts, and bottoms. Organic Cotton offers a number of advantages as you're headed out into the summer heat.

It's cool and lightweight, which means that you won't be sweltering in your summer clothes. It's also more likely to soak up a sweat than many other fabrics, which means it can help keep you looking great, rather than feeling sticky and uncomfortable in the midst of the summer heat. Furthermore, organic cotton is available in many colors and prints, so you can be sure that you can find the perfect outfit for your needs.

Look for cotton that is blended with other fabrics, like polyester, if you're looking for a garment that is less likely to wrinkle. Cotton fabric is also prone to shrinking, particularly on its own, so you may want to take that into consideration when selecting your summer garments.

Jersey Cotton

Jersey cotton is a common fabric used to help cool off during the hot summer months. Jersey knit is a single-knit fabric that is often used for t-shirts and summer dresses. It's stretchier and more flexible than traditional cotton, and maybe a little lighter, which can make it cooler when you're putting together an outfit for the hot summer months. In addition, jersey cotton is a more laid-back option that is appropriate for many settings. You may find jersey cotton used in workout gear, especially when combined with other stretchy options like spandex.

2. Polyester

Some of your best summer clothing options are likely a cotton-polyester blend. Polyester clothing, especially given the modern advances in its technology, can help you stay much cooler in the summer heat. Polyester is commonly used for workout clothing because it can help wick sweat away from the body and dries quickly, which means it can be much more comfortable for many users. Furthermore, polyester is often water-resistant, so it's the ideal option for many people who are ready to get out and enjoy the summer sun.

3. Rayon

Rayon was originally developed as a less-expensive, more wearable alternative to silk. Summer clothing with a high rayon blend has a light, airy feel that will help keep you looking cool and pulled together all summer long. Frequently, rayon is used in making summer dresses and even workout clothing. It may be blended with linen or other fibers to help prevent shrinking and keep you as cool as possible.

Rayon has thin, breathable fibers that make it perfect for wearing in the summer heat. With more airflow, you can stay cool even when you spend the entire day out in the summer sun.

4. Linen

Classy women’s clothing made from linen, including cool and comfortable summer dresses, can be the perfect way to beat the heat. This light, loosely-woven fabric is highly breathable, making it the perfect solution for summer dresses and cute tops for women. Unlike cotton, it also tends to dry quickly, which can help prevent you from developing a rumpled or sweaty look after a long day out in the sun.

Women’s linen pants, dresses and tops may wrinkle as you wear them, particularly after a long day. Those wrinkles, however, can offer their own sort of style, especially if you're looking for an outfit for a more casual gathering or event.

Linen fabrics are less likely to stick to you even if you get hot and sweaty while you're outside in the hot summer sun, so you can feel more comfortable with all the tasks on your To-Do list. If you're looking for a fabric that can help keep you looking put together even in the summer heat, linen could offer the ideal solution for your needs.

5. Chambray

Are you looking for an option that will allow you to wear some of your denim-style favorites, but without the heat? Chambray could be the ideal addition to your summer wardrobe. Chambray has many of the same properties as denim, but what is the difference between Chambray vs denim. It’s sweat-wicking properties, but it does not have the same weight that you would get from a denim outfit.

Curious about what is Chambray? This cotton-weave fabric is often the same color as light denim, but you can also find chambray in other hues, depending on your outfit plans. You can find dresses, shirts, and bottoms made of chambray, then pair them with your favorite accessories and outfits to create a stunning summer style that will both keep you cool and allow you to look your best.

6. Seersucker

Seersucker is a light, airy fabric that is perfect for many of your summer adventures. Seersucker is highly durable and very comfortable, especially when summer temperatures start to rise increasingly higher.

Seersucker is a puckered fabric that often comes in patterned stripes. While the pucker is a hallmark of seersucker fabric, it does not necessarily have to have the traditional stripe pattern in order to be considered seersucker. Because seersucker starts out with a slightly wrinkled look, it is ideal for those long days when you want to keep looking your best, since it won't appear to pick up considerable additional wrinkles throughout the day. Seersucker is also breezy and comfortable, allowing plenty of airflow and keeping you comfortable even when you're out in the summer heat.

Seersucker is used in a variety of formal outfits, including both women's summer dresses and men's suits.

7. Nylon

Nylon is a great option for many of your favorite summer outfits. Nylon is lightweight, stretchy, and perfect for more active pursuits over the summer. While nylon is frequently used in athletic attire, it can also be found in a variety of other summer-weight options, including dresses and shirts. Nylon is often blended with other fabrics, including cotton, to help create the perfect, cool construction for your summer outfits.

Nylon has sweat-wicking properties that can help pull moisture away from your skin, which may make you more comfortable as you head out for a long summer day. It is also highly durable. It's often used for sports bras, running attire, and even shoes because it can stand up to hard use and help keep you cool.

8. Merino Wool

Generally, you don't think about wool when you consider your summer clothing. Wool is usually a winter-wear clothing item, due to its thick layers and often heavier weight. However, merino wool can actually have a number of advantages when you're choosing summer clothing. Merino wool helps regulate your temperature in both hot and cold weather.

This unique fabric actually helps trap pockets of air that can keep you insulated and maintain your overall temperature, even when you're trying to keep cool in the summer heat. Many hikers use merino wool as part of their regular attire so that they can remain protected against both hot and cold as they head out on their journeys.

Many people also find that merino wool is a very comfortable alternative when you're planning for an evening out. Even after hot summer days, summer nights can feel cooler than anticipated, and wearing merino wool can help keep you comfortable regardless of where your summer might take you.

9. Silk

Silk is a popular luxury fabric for a number of reasons. While silk does not absorb sweat well, which can result in unexpected underarm stains and wet spots, it is a light, cooling fabric that breathes well and can help keep you comfortable in the summer heat. Dressestrendy jumpsuits,and long skirts for womenmade from luxurious silk have the bonus of looking and feeling light and airy, which can make a perfect pairing for any wedding guest dress code or another big event.

Are You Looking for the Perfect Summer Outfit?

Choosing summer clothing isn't just about style, it's also about ensuring that you're prepared to stay cool and beat the heat no matter where your summer plans may take you. At Karen Kane, we offer a variety of clothing styles in fabrics perfect for the summer, from buttery soft cotton to flowing linen-blend outfits that are perfect for everything from your favorite daily look to dressing up for parties, weddings, and more. Check out our summer collection to learn more about what we have to offer and how it can help you look and feel your best as you enjoy your summer.