Ask Angie: what materials are more comfortable in hot weather?

havanagirl

Hi Angie! I am trying to plan ahead for when the weather gets really hot. Do you think I will feel cooler dressed in cotton tees or would a polyester top like this be better :http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....textualcat

Will certain materials (cotton vs. polyester vs. ???) keep me cool better than others? Thanks so much.

12 years ago

Dressing

9 replies

Latest reply was from Claudia

Kalli

Active Member

Not Angie but in hot weather I like linen.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Natural fabrics like cotton or linen will keep you cooler. I hate polyester in the heat because it absorbs and retains odors :/

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Cotton, linen, and rayon are my faves for hot weather. Especially knit linen.

12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Cotton, linen, silk, rayon, viscose - even some types of wool if they are breezy enough. Looser cuts are best, nothing too fitted.

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

Natural fibres all the way! I avoid polyester, or even polyester blends, as it just gets so hot and sticky and sweaty!

12 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Cotton, linen, viscoze, rayon...but no polys!!!!

12 years ago

havanagirl

Active Member

Thanks, everyone! I'll look for cotton and linen. I hadn't considered rayon - I keep finding more and more things made of rayon, so I will definitely give them a chance. I definitely don't want to deal with odors, so I'll skip the polyester

12 years ago

Marigold

Active Member

I love summer dresses made of rayon, also thin breezy cotton tops, don't wear linen but a lot swear by it. Definitely no polyester, i wear poly blouses and tops when I know I will be in AC

12 years ago

Claudia

Veteran

I've researched and read that it isn't the fiber, it's the tightness and density of the fabric that make it hot and and creates the lack of breathability. A heavy weave or knit cotton fabric will be more uncomfortable in hot weather than a light, modern polyester one. It was the original old heavy polyester when it first came out that gave it the bum rap that has stuck even though the fabric has changed over the decades. Man made fabrics like polyester and other synthetics can wick away and evaporate sweat, while cotton can hold it: think about all the high-tech workout clothing and gear, and what bras and most undergarments are made from today.

12 years ago

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