The Best Fabrics to Wear in a Heatwave
When the temperature soars, fabric choice becomes everything. Whether you're strolling through sun-drenched city streets or escaping to the coast, what you wear matters, and it all starts with what it’s made from.
The right fibres don’t just look good, they work behind the scenes to keep you cool, dry, and effortlessly put together. Here’s our guide to the best fabrics to reach for in hot weather, and why they deserve a place in your summer wardrobe.
Linen: The Cool Classic
Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, linen is a timeless summer staple. Its hollow fibres allow air to circulate freely, making it one of the best materials for staying cool when the heat is on.
Linen also softens beautifully with wear, giving it that easy, lived-in charm. Prefer a smoother finish? A linen blend offers a more structured look with fewer creases, often at a more affordable price point too.
Cotton: Everyday Breathability
A loosely woven natural fibre, cotton is soft, breathable, and perfect for daily wear in warm climates. It allows air to pass easily through the weave, helping to keep you cool and comfortable.
For a more elevated look, cotton poplin is a great choice, it has a smoother, tighter weave that holds its shape beautifully and offers a crisp, clean finish.
Regenerated Fabrics: High Performance, Lower Impact
Regenerated fibres are made from natural sources like wood pulp, offering the softness of natural fibres with added performance benefits. Lenzing is a leader in this space, producing sustainable fibres such as:
- TENCEL™ Lyocell
- TENCEL™ Modal
- LENZING™ ECOVERO™.
Each is created using eco-conscious processes and responsibly sourced wood, making them a smart choice for feel-good, lower-impact fashion.
Viscose: Silky and Breathable
Made from wood pulp, viscose has a cool hand feel and elegant drape, ideal for floaty summer dresses and relaxed trousers.
While traditional viscose can be resource-intensive to produce, we recommend versions like LENZING™ ECOVERO™, which uses up to 50% less water and fewer chemicals.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™: A Cleaner Viscose
A cleaner alternative to traditional viscose, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is made from FSC-certified wood and produced with up to 50% lower water and emissions. It feels soft, breathable, and lightweight, ideal for summer styles that move with you.
The fibres are traceable from source to final fabric, making it one of the most transparent and eco-conscious viscose options available.
TENCEL™ Lyocell: Performance + Elegance
Often described as a higher-performance cousin to viscose, TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus wood. It’s:
- Breathable
- Odour-resistant
- Moisture-wicking
- Silky and crease-resistant
All this while being produced in a closed-loop process that drastically reduces waste.
TENCEL™ Modal: Ultra Soft & Skin-Loving
Softer than cotton and smoother than silk, TENCEL™ Modal is derived from beech wood pulp and beloved for its skin-friendly softness. It absorbs moisture without clinging, resists shrinking, and holds its shape wash after wash.
Often used in pieces worn close to the skin, like underwear, loungewear, and base layers, it’s a luxurious yet practical summer choice.
Final Thought
In the heat, comfort is key—but so is confidence. Choosing the right fabrics means you don’t have to compromise on either. Whether you're after relaxed linen, breathable cotton, or silky-soft TENCEL™, these summer heroes are designed to help you stay cool while looking and feeling your best.
