When temperatures rise and days stretch long, the fabrics you reach for can make all the difference. Whether you’re navigating a packed schedule or kicking up your feet at the beach, choosing the right warm-weather material is key to staying comfortable, dry, and put-together all season long. From breezy linen shirts to rugged hemp clothing and classic cotton tees, here’s a breakdown of the best fabrics for summer, and how to wear them.
Linen: The Quintessential Summer Fabric
Linen is the undisputed king of summer fabrics—and for good reason. Woven from fibers derived from flax plants, linen has a natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool even in high heat. It’s light, airy, and looks better slightly rumpled, which makes it perfect for laid-back summer styling.
How to Wear It
Reach for a linen shirt when the dress code calls for polish without the sweat. Camp shirts and button down shirts in linen are easy staples that look great tucked into chinos or worn open over a cotton tee.
Want a deeper dive into this warm-weather workhorse? Check out our Linen Style Guide.
Hemp: Rugged, Breathable, Responsible
A rising star in the summer wardrobe rotation, hemp has been used in textiles for centuries, but today it’s enjoying a resurgence thanks to its breathable weave, hard-wearing durability, and minimal environmental impact. Hemp shirts and hemp clothing in general tend to soften over time while retaining their structure, which means they get better with every wear.
How to Wear It
Hemp blends are a solid pick for casual silhouettes like short sleeve camp shirts, laid-back pants, and chore jackets. Wear them on the trail or to the farmer’s market—they’ll handle both with ease.
Organic Cotton: A Tried-and-True Staple
While linen and hemp tend to get the summer spotlight, don’t overlook high-quality organic cotton. Cotton t-shirts in particular are a breathable, soft, and endlessly versatile option to have on hand. When loomed in lighter weights, blended with hemp, or crafted with textured finishes like slub, cotton becomes a go-to for easy summer outfitting.
How to Wear It
Pair a broken-in cotton tee with jeans or chino shorts, or layer one under a camp collar shirt for a smarter appearance that still reads relaxed. A lightweight cotton button-down shirt is also a great choice when you need something more refined.
Seersucker: Classic Texture, Contemporary Comfort
Known for its distinctive, puckered texture and cooling breathability, seersucker is a warm-weather classic. That unique weave allows air to circulate between your skin and the fabric, making it a perfect choice for humid days or dressing up without overheating.
How to Wear It
Swap out your spring chinos and overshirts with a pair of seersucker pants or a camp shirt in versatile, neutral tones. The texture adds interest, while the fabric works hard to keep you cool.
Final Notes on Summer Fabric Styling
Whatever your summer looks like, start with the right fabric. Keep silhouettes relaxed, layer lightly, and don’t be afraid to mix in textures—like slubby cottons or crinkled linen—and bold patterns. And remember; style is in the details, but comfort is foundational.
Taylor Stitch Summer Staples
From breathable linen shirts to durable hemp and organic cotton t-shirts, our summer assortment is stacked with versatile, timeless pieces built to beat the heat and wear well beyond the season.
