Style Meets Sustainability: The Summer Fabrics to Wear for Comfort and Sun Protection
Welcome, sunshine! While summer doesn’t officially begin for another week, in many parts of the country, BBQs and poolside parties have already ushered in the season. You can safely pack away the jackets and boots, and bring out the shorts, tees, and flip-flops.
When building your summer wardrobe, a few sustainable fabrics stand out for breathability, performance, and UV protection. We’ve pulled together a list of materials that fashion brands are increasingly choosing because they’re better for the planet and help shape a more eco-conscious closet. The not-so-great days of polyester-heavy blends and harmful dyes remind us where the industry has gone wrong, with plenty of labor and supply chain issues still to resolve. Still, happier, more thoughtful days are ahead.
Breathability
For summer weather, linen and organic cotton lead the way in breathable, natural fabrics, offering excellent airflow and heat dissipation. Of the two, linen is often considered the gold standard for summer. Its natural flax fiber has a looser weave and can absorb a high percentage of moisture before feeling damp. Organic cotton, grown without synthetic pesticides, is a win for both you and the planet. Compared with linen, it has a softer feel and is easier to care for.
Performance
While organic bamboo is technically semi-synthetic, it is one of the most versatile fabrics used in fashion. Its blend of durability, stretch, and odor resistance makes it an ideal choice for activewear. After all, who doesn’t go from an outdoor run to a quick stop at the grocery store or café? With the right pieces, you can move through it all comfortably and confidently.
Also gaining popularity with sustainable fashion brands is recycled polyester made from plastic waste and bottles. Instead of ending up in landfills, these materials are transformed into durable fabric. It holds its shape and color well, which makes it especially useful for swimwear.
UV Protection
For those of us whose favorite season is summer, it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. Protecting your skin from head to toe against the sun’s ultraviolet rays is essential. In addition to lathering on sunscreen, suit up in clothing and shoes made from hemp. According to USA Labs, hemp also possesses antimicrobial properties, making it mold- and mildew-resistant.
Style Meets Comfort
Linen
Style – Loose-fitting shirts, trousers, dresses, and resort wear
Comfort – Breathable, though prone to wrinkles
Organic Cotton
Style – Everyday casual wear, t-shirts, dresses, and underwear
Comfort – Absorbs moisture, but dries slowly
Organic Bamboo
Style – Lightweight summer sleepwear, activewear, and flowy dresses
Comfort – Soft, breathable, and odor-resistant
Hemp
Style – All types of clothes – casual daywear, work attire, activewear
Comfort – Natural cooling effect, built-in UV protection
Recycled Polyester
Style – Swimwear and activewear
Comfort – Quick-dry
Modal
Style – Sleepwear
Comfort – Smooth texture, maintains dryness
For our friends in arid climates, where dry air speeds up evaporation but sun exposure is more intense, stock up on organic cotton and hemp pieces. These fabrics will help keep you cool while offering excellent UV protection.
For our friends in humid climates, choose lightweight fabrics that breathe well and dry quickly. Your go-to options are linen and organic bamboo (or lyocell).
Style Inspiration
Work
Play
Night Out
The beauty of a thoughtful summer wardrobe is that it doesn’t ask you to choose between style, comfort, and sustainability. With the right fabrics, you can stay cool, feel confident, and dress in a way that’s a little kinder to the planet. This season, let your closet work smarter by reaching for pieces that breathe well, move with you, and support a more mindful future in fashion.