Our top 3 breathable fabrics for hot weather
By Clémence MacKenzie Dehais
Disclaimer: this article is powered by a human brain and lots of caffeine x
“Life in Plastic, it’s fantastic”, once sang Lene Nystrøm in Aqua’s classic hit “Barbie Girl”. But when sweltering heat becomes the norm in June, and you’re stuck in your little London flat cooking like a rotisserie chicken, sporting plastic clothes is the last thing to do if you wish to survive yet another season of “record-breaking” temperatures. Like hay fever, polyester is ubiquitous during the warmer days. But with the right medication (natural fabrics), you might be able to breathe and enjoy the outdoors again. It’s time for a No Polyester Summer, and for that, we’re (re)introducing you to 3 breathable fabrics for the ultimate heatwave-proof wardrobe.
1. Linen : The queen of summer
If there’s one natural fabric that screams “summer”, it’s got to be linen. Made from the bast fibres of the resilient flax plant, linen is known to be lightweight, breathable and highly absorbent. It’s also a lower-impact fabric that can be biodegradable if left undyed. Honestly, what’s not to love? Sure, you may need to iron (or in my case, learn to iron) linen to enjoy a wrinkle-free look, but it’s a small price to pay given its many benefits.
Linen trousers
Linen trousers are a must-have for the summer, end of discussion. Whether you prefer a wide leg or a more tailored look, incorporating a high-quality pair of linen trousers into your summer wardrobe guarantees a low-effort, high-style moment. Make it chic, but lazy, basically.
If you’re on the hunt for 100% linen pieces, Whimsy + Row’s comfy white linen trousers will go with every summer top already in your possession. Another strong contender is this 100% linen pair from LA Relaxed, featuring an elasticated waistband for extra comfort. And petite girlies, we may have found your new best friend: these laidback cream linen trousers from Nobody’s Child. You’re welcome!
100% Linen Dresses
Another summer piece that deserves much praise is the classic linen dress (and if it’s 100% linen, that’s a win in our books). Pact’s Organic Linen Easy Tank Dress is a relaxed midi dress with round neck and side-slit hem for a cheeky/chic look. The cherry on top? It uses GOTS-certified linen. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a short linen dress, Whimsy + Row’s white Lainey Dress will do the trick. It also features adjustable straps for a tailored look that adapts to your silhouette. Craving a pop of colour? OhSevenDays’ Holly Dress in sky blue or emerald will be a vibrant addition to your seasonal wardrobe.
2. Cotton: your go-to pal
Just like linen, cotton is light, breathable and biodegradable, making it an A+ natural fibre for spring/summer. Cotton is highly absorbent and remains comfortable against the skin, so hopefully, you won’t be swimming in a pool of sweat this season.
Not all cottons are born equal, though, and if you can, try to prioritise organic cotton (it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or hazardous pesticides like normal cotton) or cotton that’s certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). After all, the whole point is to pick fabrics that are better for your skin and the planet!
Cotton tops
A cotton top is always a sound wardrobe investment if you want to stay comfy and cool all season long. Omnes’ Nicolla Top in Barbados Cherry is 100% cotton and 100% cute. The red hue pops with a pair of dark denim jeans, but it’s also available in more subtle shades, including chocolate and white. For a versatile look, Jan N June’s white cotton tie top might be your best bet, thanks to its double-sided design, which lets you create two looks in one (we love a piece that works overtime). It’s also made of 75% organic cotton and 25% recycled cotton. Want a sexy cotton top you’ll wear everywhere? We thought so, that’s why we recommend Jan N June’s Spaghetti Tie Top Ebur in Leo Print, made in 100% organic cotton poplin.
Cotton dresses
A white cotton dress is like a basic jeans and tee look: it’s timeless, looks good on everyone and takes two seconds to slide in. Our favourites include Omnes’ white Paulina Dress (made from 100% cotton), and Nobody’s Child’s adorable White Square Neck Esme Mini Dress (made from 70% organic cotton and 30% linen). Not feeling white? Check out OhSevenDays’ blue Tori Dress. Made from 100% patchwork deadstock cotton, this midi dress is reversible with a tie front or back, and an elasticated waistband. Two looks for the price of one, that’s the dream.
3. Silk: she’s boujee, and she knows it
No other natural fabric screams luxury quite like silk. Soft to the touch and smooth like butter, silk is a natural protein fibre derived from the mulberry silkworm. It’s flexible, 100% biodegradable and temperature-regulating. Delightful! But again, just like cotton, some silks are better than others. If you’re vegan, you’ll obviously want to go for plant-based vegan silk, and organic and peace silk remain the best cruelty-free alternatives on the market.
Silk dresses
A high-quality silk dress is like a good man: it’s hard to find but not impossible. The Audrey Maxi Bias Cut Slip Dress from Lora Gene is crafted from pure crepe back satin silk for a glamorous look that reminds us of Keira Knightley’s iconic green dress in “Atonement”. If you’re more of a Charli XCX fan, Herth’s silk dress bears a striking resemblance to the short white dress the pop star wore during her surprise appearance at Air’s concert in Paris. This look, though, is 100% organic silk sourced from GOTS-certified suppliers in Como, Italy. Add a chunky pair of black glasses for a nostalgic Brat look. Last but definitely not least, if you’re looking for a silk dress with a clear “wow factor”, Reformation’s Jillian Silk Dress in chili mango will add a whole load of elegance and style to your summer with its halter-style neckline and open back.
Silk tops
You can never go wrong with a cool silk shirt, especially if it’s made from 100% silk. Reformation’s lightweight Raya Fitted Silk Shirt is a long-sleeved button-up shirt with a collared neckline. Pair with a pair of high-rise wide-leg jeans and open heel sandals for an easy “I’ve got my shit together” look. Too hot for a shirt? That’s fair, hence why we’ve included two cool silk tops: the Jasmine top from Olistic The Label (100% organic peace silk certified by GOTS) and the Boat Neck Silk top from Lilysilk, made of 100% charmeuse silk.
