The Best Fabrics to Wear When It’s Way Too Hot Outside

Cotton creates classic summertime looks that are naturally lightweight and breathable enough for hot, humid days. Versatile cotton is used in tees, sundresses, button-downs, and lightweight pants that are perfect for errands, lounging, everyday wear, and non-athletic outdoor activities. Think dinner at a beachy restaurant or sunset concert outfits.

Soft cotton tees, breezy cotton dresses, pullover cotton sweaters, and casually cool cotton wide-leg pants are staples you’ll reach for all season long. Stock up on something like the Gap Organic Cotton Vintage Soft T-Shirt in a few colors for a classic, 100% cotton tee that's soft, breathable, and perfect for layering or as standalone wear using a Gap promo code. For a lightweight cotton staple with a flattering fit that's made for summer brunches, vacations, or casual gatherings, the iconic Somerset Maxi Dress scores. Grab it using an Anthropologie promo code.

Is cotton breathable as an undergarment? You bet. We recommend stocking your summer lingerie drawer with cotton bras and briefs. Check out our cotton bras and cotton underwear guides for tips and deals. (Image credit: @anindigoday)

Linen's loose weave absorbs moisture and keeps airflow with no cling, making it one of the best fabrics for hot weather. We love its polished, down-to-earth vibe for relaxed shirts, tailored shorts, jumpsuits, summer suits, and lightweight sleep sets. Linen lets you feel pulled together for beach days, picnics, vacations, and outside gatherings. Some of our favorite linen tops and button-ups offer the sun protection of long sleeves. Tailored linen short sets are great for moderate coverage.

If the goal is a summer-ready work look, veer toward something like the belted 100% European Linen Shirt Dress from Quince. We also like this one for brunches and graduation parties. We like the Relaxed Linen Shirt from J.Crew over linen pants or shorts for an effortless, cool, country-club vibe. Make it your own with a J.Crew promo code. 

These semi-synthetic fabrics from plant cellulose offer a lightweight drape and soft, silky texture that feels like a dream in hot weather. They're our top picks when shopping for flowy dresses, blouses, skirts, wide-leg pants, and slip-style camisoles for summer weddings, semi-formal occasions, or date nights. Look for fabric tags that say 100% Rayon, 100% Viscose, or blends like Rayon + Spandex. Some brands label them "Bemberg rayon" or "viscose from bamboo."

There's nothing like a viscose midi dress or rayon wrap top on a warm night. If there's a summer wedding invite on your calendar this year, bring a romantic, boho energy with the Shyla Dress from Reformation that's lightweight and breathable with a flattering silhouette. Use a Reformation coupon code to grab this breezy frock on discount.

We're also having a moment with the ultra-flattering, travel-ready Mango wide-leg trousers. Use this Mango promo code to justify buying them in both the chocolate and sand color options. (Image credit: @johnsboetiek)

Fake them out with this denim look-alike that's much lighter and more breathable. Chambray replaces denim for casual outings, travel, and weekend wear during summer months. We love how it flatters with button-downs, shirt dresses, rompers, and shorts, using the perfect blend of structure and subtle movement.

For the quintessential chambray shirt dress, we're fans of Tuckernuck's Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress that's perfect for warm-weather travel or coastal-vibe weekends. For shirts, J.Crew's Chambray shirt in signature fit is our pick for a more on-the-ranch vibe. Scoop it up for a song with a J.Crew Factory promo code.  

Chambray shirts and dresses style beautifully with cotton or modal bralettes for breathable layering. We also love lightweight chambray shorts with a crisp, classic tee or boho shirt. You can trace our love affair with chambray back to our recent rundown of the top denim and chambray shirts for women . (Image credit: @heartsdesiregift)

Seersucker is a chronically overlooked puckered fabric with a natural texture that pulls it away from skin. This summery fabric's amazing air circulation makes it perfect for hot, humid days when a prim look is needed. Our favorite seersucker looks are button-down shirts, dresses, blazers, skirts, and casual suits. Confirm that labels say 100% cotton seersucker or cotton seersucker blend.

Seersucker is a high-society favorite for casual summer events, beach vacations, and outdoor gatherings. If you have a garden party or outdoor wedding invite on the calendar, something like the Tuckernuck Gingham Seersucker Dress is a flattering, breathable option for steering more casual. Don’t forget to checkout with a Tuckernuck promo code. For office days or posh weekends, we're obsessed with the L.L. Bean Seersucker Button-Down Shirt as a summer staple.

Experience the silkiest breathable clothing with modal leisure sets. Made from beech tree pulp, this ultra-soft, eco-friendly fabric is a summer favorite for sleepwear, loungewear, and laid-back days. It’s a cool-to-the-touch alternative to silk pajamas, offering lightweight comfort that won’t cling or trap heat—making it perfect for hot nights and slow mornings alike. 

We also love the feel of modal joggers, tanks, tees, and relaxed dresses for warm-weather outings. For true cooling power, stick with labels 100% modal, micromodal, or blends like modal + cotton or modal + spandex for added stretch. Occasionally, modal is labeled as TENCEL™ modal. 

This season, the Micromodal Ruched Bralette from Quince is a staple under thinner fabrics because it's so soft and stretchable. The monochrome French Terry Modal Jumpsuit is also incredible for moisture-wicking confidence on warm summer nights. 

If you ask us what shirts are the most breathable and easiest to find, jersey knit is the answer. Retailers lean on jersey knit season after season because it's stretchy, breathable, easy to wear, and easy to dress up or down. Is rayon breathable when used in a jersey knit? Yes, rayon blends and cotton are the two most popular lightweight jersey options.

Jersey knit works beautifully in tees, dresses, lounge sets, tanks, and maxis. It's always part of our layering basics when traveling. We love a jersey-knit dress or soft-knit tee over breathable jersey bralettes and briefs when we want to be comfy. 

Go timeless and comfortable when you pick up the Women's Knit Midi Shift Dress with a Target promo code or the goes-with-anything Stretch Jersey A-Line Skirt with a Nordstrom promo code. (Image credit: @tiffanyallison7)

Look for breathable blends like polyester + spandex or nylon + elastane, along with technical fabrics labeled Dri-FIT (Nike), Climalite (adidas), FlashDry (The North Face), or Coolmax. These materials are specifically engineered to wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly, helping regulate body temperature during hot, sweaty workouts. By pulling sweat to the surface and speeding up evaporation, performance fabrics keep you feeling cooler, drier, and way less sticky. Once you’ve lived in these breathable blends, there’s no going back to heavy tanks, leggings, or bike shorts that trap heat and cling to your skin.

If the concept is new to you, start with the iconic and best-selling Athleta Momentum Seamless Tank or Alo Yoga High-Waist Airlift Legging for keyed-in stretch and support for everything from summer walks to sweat-pouring workouts. Enjoy no-sweat shopping with an Athleta promo code or Alo Yoga discount code. (Image credit: @georginamazzeo)

We’re big fans of eco-friendly, plant-based fabrics like hemp, TENCEL™ (also known as lyocell), and bamboo—and for good reason. These sustainable fibers not only feel buttery-soft against sensitive skin, but they’re also naturally breathable, moisture-absorbing, and thermoregulating, making them perfect for hot weather. Bamboo is especially popular for lightweight sleepwear and loungewear, thanks to its silky texture and antibacterial properties. You’ll also spot these fabrics in breezy trousers, camisoles, dresses, and matching sets that work beautifully for everyday wear and summer travel. 

Right now, we’re living in the Quince Vintage Wash TENCEL™ Camp Shirt and the ultra-soft Boody Wireless T-Shirt Bra—two breathable basics we reach for on repeat. (Image credit: @rhiannaledgerton)

While some natural fibers like silk and merino wool aren’t top picks for scorching heat, lightweight versions can be surprisingly summer-friendly—especially for cooler nights, indoor events, or mild climates. Think silk slip dresses, merino tanks, elevated blouses, and thermoregulating undergarments that balance breathability with polish.

For summer wedding guest attire, the Quince Silk Slip Dress is a romantic and featherlight option that feels elegant without weighing you down. For day-to-day wear, the Quince Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a wardrobe staple—soft, breathable, and naturally temperature-regulating, it works beautifully for mild summer days or as a comfy travel layer. And if you're craving effortless versatility, a classic T-shirt dress made from natural or blended fibers covers everything in between.

Bonus tip: lightweight merino wool underwear is a low-key game changer for active summer days. It’s naturally moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and breathable, making it a stealthy MVP for keeping cool and fresh on the go. (Image credit: @mollsmcadam)