The summer is the perfect time to show off your skills and create beautiful designs, like cut out dresses and bubble skirts. But, the last thing you want to do this summer is pass out from the heat. The key to avoiding this? Using the right fabrics, of course! Whether you’re touring the festival circuit, relaxing at a family cook out, or spending  a day at the beach with bae, these fashionable fabrics will keep you cool, calm, and complimented.

1.) Cotton

Cotton, in general, is an excellent summer fabric. As a cellulose fiber based material (meaning it comes from a plant) it is hydrophilic, that is, it’s absorbent. So, when you’re running around in the heat, cotton is what will absorb perspiration quickly and keep you comfortable. Cotton also has a high rate of thermal conductivity, so it transfers your body heat away from you.

There are many varieties, and most are generally breathable. Eyelet cotton has small holes in it, making it an excellent choice for flowy shirts and crop tops. Check out this beautiful White Floral Embroidered Cotton Eyelet! Perfect for this Cinco de Mayo Inspired Crop Top

Sateen, the cotton equivalent to satin, is a stiffer cotton that is still breathable and is excellent for a button up blouse, or a flared skirt. The right side has a sheen to it, making it a beautiful fabric to show off in a shirt, but the soft feel of the right side also works as a liner to jackets and blazers. The Patriot Blue Bird Printed Cotton Sateen is perfect for a Memorial Day or July 4th barbecue, maybe in these Bright Summer Eyelet Shorts, paired with the eyelet above!

Another excellent cotton is madras. Light weight with a distinct pattern, it’s an excellent choice for summer picnics in the park or at the beach. Check out this lovely Red, Blue, and Yellow Cotton Madras, perfect for swinging summer skirts and dresses.

2.) Voile

Are you someone who fears the summer sun, and hides under trees and SPF 75? A voile top is perfect for you! French for veil, voile proves its namesake as a lightweight and breathable fabric. Voile is soft, smooth, and semi-sheer to sheer, so it’s perfect for a light, long sleeve blouse to keep you cool and protected from the sun.

Try out this Italian Orange Floral Cotton Voile in a light button-up blouse, or in this cool Lined Paper Bag Skirt with Pockets, or mix voile with cotton in this adorable Apron Dress!

3.) Chiffon

Chiffon is often made of silk, and is also sheer and breathable. You can use this stunning fabric as a sheer body suit, a blouse, or even a layered skirt. Chiffon is good for giving your skin some coverage from the sun while still allowing you to appreciate the lazy summer breeze. Make some beach ready Lace Up Sandals, or jump or joy in this Floral Jumpsuit!

4.) Neoprene

This funky fabric is made from the same material as wet suits. Wet suits have a foam insert that keeps in the heat, but neoprene is simply the water wicking surface material. These are also great for body suits. This Light Lilac Leafy Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene/Scuba Knit is perfect for our Neoprene Skater Skirt and Crop Top!