Summer: Fabrics to beat the heat

The Fabrics Worth Choosing This Summer So You Don’t Overheat

So far, we’ve been lucky that this summer has remained relatively normal by Greek standards. That doesn’t mean, however, that in a country like ours, temperatures haven’t been especially high. According to meteorologists, the rest of the summer is expected to stay hot—except for a few upcoming days where, although temperatures won’t drop significantly, we will experience heavy rainfall.

  

In any case, heat is a constant in Greece for at least half the year. You might be incredibly stylish and well-dressed, but that image is easily overshadowed by a face showing discomfort and a body drenched in sweat. Dressing appropriately for the season and weather conditions is essential—not just to avoid looking out of place, but mainly to feel good in your own skin. No one can tolerate suffocating heat, excessive sweat, or clothes that make your body feel trapped.

So, set aside the overly tight pieces, the layering, and the fabrics that don’t let your body breathe.

Thankfully, the Market Offers Plenty of Lightweight, Breezy Fabrics. These are the ones that offer freedom of movement, ventilation, and don’t trap sweat. But which fabrics should you actually look for when shopping this summer?

The Coolest Fabrics for High Temperatures

Let’s start with cotton, because most of our everyday clothes are made from it. It’s genuinely breathable, extremely popular, and affordable. Its biggest advantage? It allows your skin to breathe and absorbs sweat. Plus, cotton is often hypoallergenic, which is especially important for your skin in summer. Just so you know, cotton fabric comes from the cotton harvested in the fields, which is spun into yarn and then woven into cloth.

 

Next up: linen — the ultimate summer fabric, in my opinion. I know not everyone agrees, since linen is hard to iron and wrinkles easily when you're out and about. But that’s also part of its charm. It’s so light and airy that it radiates a carefree summer vibe—where even the creases in your shirt show how relaxed and effortless you are. A full linen outfit can make you look stylish, without even trying. It dries quickly, doesn’t stick to your skin, and is incredibly lightweight.

Moving on to jersey—a fabric you’ll find either on its own or blended with others. It’s one of the softest, most flexible, and lightweight fabrics, making it ideal for summer. That’s why you’ll mainly find it in t-shirts and casual tops.

  

Finally, there’s viscose—a fabric that combines softness with a luxurious feel. Its biggest asset is the elegant way it drapes over the body and its high-quality finish. That’s why I love it in summer shirts. Viscose is absorbent, doesn’t trap heat, doesn’t stick to your body, remains soft, keeps its shape, and doesn’t fade easily.

Whatever fabric you choose, don’t compromise comfort for the sake of style—especially when you can easily have both. Try to educate yourself not just on trends but also on the characteristics of the garments you’re wearing. Understanding fabrics and their composition means you’ll know exactly what you’re ordering before it even arrives at your doorstep. And that helps you make better choices while saving time and energy.