The Secret to Staying Cool in Warm Weather

Dressing for hot weather becomes more about smart decisions than merely seasonal flair as the days lengthen and the sun shines strongly. Staying cool in scorching weather starts with your clothing; it's not only about drinking iced lattes or looking for shade. Choosing the right fabrics and cuts can make all the difference between a sweaty, uncomfortable day and a breezy, confident one. Combining sustainable fashion with cool, breathable fabrics not only benefits you but also benefits the environment.

Let's break down how to look effortlessly fashionable and sustainably smart while staying cool.

Knowing Breathability: Why Fabric Is More Important Than You Think

In the realm of warm-weather attire, we frequently hear the word breathable tossed about, but what does it mean?

Breathable textiles, simply described, let air flow through them easily, therefore encouraging movement around your skin and enabling more effective evaporation of moisture (sweat). When the temperature rises, this is the secret to remaining cool.

So, what materials are breathable t-shirts made of? Natural fibres, like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and linen. These materials are not only lightweight but also offer great moisture-wicking qualities, meaning they absorb sweat from your body and help your skin dry faster. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics tend to hold moisture and heat, which can make you uncomfortable and sticky.

The Best Breathable T-Shirts for Hot Weather 

It's all about finding the ideal mix of comfort and conscience if you want to refresh your summer wardrobe with something that can withstand the heat while maintaining your style and sustainability game.

T-shirts made from 100% organic cotton or a cotton-hemp mix tend to be best for breathable tees in the summertime. These materials are not only soft on your skin and the environment, but also have great breathability and durability.

Our summer-ready t-shirts at Plainandsimple are carefully crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, cultivated without toxic pesticides and processed with less water. Durable, airy, and made to keep you fresh even on the stickiest of days, you have a choice between our lightweight, premium weight and heavyweight tees, offering a varying degree of thickness to suit your needs.

Fabrics to Stay Away From in Hot Weather

Not all textiles are made equal, especially for summer wear - some fabrics feel like a personal sauna the moment you step into the sun.

So, what materials should be avoided?

• Polyester: This synthetic fibre is moisture-resistant, which means it doesn't absorb perspiration well. It usually makes you feel clammy and traps heat.

• Nylon: Though strong and water-resistant, it’s not breathable and could make you feel hotter.

• Acrylic: Often used as a wool alternative, it’s thick and insulating - not what you want in a hot environment.

• Rayon: Unless it's bamboo-derived, certain varieties of rayon are chemically processed and don't breathe well; bamboo-based rayon is a more breathable exception.

Rather than these, look for natural, plant-based fibres that allow for ventilation and sweat absorption. They are more gentle on your skin and the environment.

Fabrics That Are Sustainable And Love You Back

Let us examine more closely some excellent summer fabrics for heat resistance and to help you stay true to your eco-conscious values:

Organic cotton

A classic with a purpose. Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and biodegradable. For those who appreciate comfort, breathability, and sustainable sourcing, organic cotton t-shirts are a must-have.

Linen

Originally from flax plants, linen is very light, dries fast, and gets softer with every wash. Its only drawback? It creases quickly. But in the laid-back summer fashion scene, a few wrinkles just say, "I'm chill."

Hemp

Strong, breathable, and naturally UV resistant, hemp fabric is a carbon-negative crop as it consumes more CO2 than it releases. In more ways than one, a hemp-blend t-shirt is a cool choice.

Lyocell or Viscose Bamboo

Bamboo textiles are delightfully soft, breathable, and antibacterial when handled properly. We can appreciate bamboo for its velvety finish and great temperature control.

Hot Weather Style Advice: Cut, Colour & Comfort

Beyond the material, how your clothing is styled and designed counts as well:

• Select loose-fitting cuts: They lower skin friction and encourage ventilation.

• Go light in colour: Whites, pastels, and soft neutrals reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, unlike darker tones. 

• Skip the lining. Lined clothes hold heat; where you can, choose unlined or single-layer options.

At Plainandsimple, we design our tees with all this in mind. Our t-shirts feature a range of silhouettes that cater for different body types and shapes, along with three fabric weights to choose from. Our versatile designs are made to keep you fresh and fashion-forward, whether your destination is a rooftop party or a beach picnic.

Eco-Conscious Fashion Is Long-Term Cool

While fast design could lure you in with cheap summer items, the environmental damage is far from cool. From excessive water use to synthetic fibres clogging oceans, unethical and unsustainable clothing can take a toll on the planet.

One of the most efficient methods to remain both physically and environmentally cool is to choose ethically created, breathable fashion. Look for companies (like us!) that give ethical labour practices, renewable materials, and low-impact dyes top priority. 

Final Thoughts

Staying cool in warm weather is not only about finding shade or drinking cold beverages. It's about dressing smart - choosing breathable, sustainable materials that complement your body and the environment rather than opposing them.

Therefore, the next time you ask, "What are breathable t-shirts made of?" or "What is the best t-shirt for hot weather?", consider organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and linen. Also, stay away from synthetic textiles that hold moisture and heat.

The right t-shirt will help you not only survive summer but also flourish in it.

Ready to refresh your summer wardrobe with more sustainable pieces? Check out our 100% organic cotton range of ethically produced, breathable must-haves.