How To Choose The Best Fabrics For Summer
🎶“It’s getting hot in here….”🎶
The weather may be struggling to make up its mind, but the temperature is definitely suggesting its summer under all those clouds. From stifling sunshine to muggy humidity, the warmth is here to stay, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll be feeling it more than most. While we don’t suggest taking a page from Nelly’s book unless you’re in the privacy of your own home, there are some clothing choices that will make the heat more bearable (and a few culprits that might surprise you).
Here’s your guide to dressing for the temp, with the best fabrics for summer.
Choosing the right fabrics will help you keep cooler and more comfortable when pregnant and breastfeeding.
The Best Summer Fabrics
- Cotton
Where would we be without cotton? Light, breathable and gentle on the skin, it’s the ultimate choice for summer. This soft fibre is totally natural and is a sustainable, renewable and biodegradable resource. However, cotton is a huge industry, and the majority of it isn’t organic, meaning that there is a scary amount of fertiliser,pesticide and chemicals used in its production. Always choose 100% organic cotton, which is best for your body and the planet.
Shop our range of lightweight, super-soft, bump-hugging or loose-fitting maternity and breastfeeding tees and tanks here.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo clothing has only really become part of the mainstream in recent years, but it’s a phenomenal fabric that is perfect for the warmer weather. Lightweight, breathable and with moisture-wicking properties, bamboo will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter, so you’ll find both strappy dresses and thermal underwear made from this versatile fabric. With one of the fastest-growing rates of any plant, it’s also incredibly sustainable to produce (but again, make sure to look for 100% organic sources).
Bamboo will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter making our Lipstick & New Life Same You maternity tees perfect on their own or layered under a jumper or jacket.
3. Linen
If you’re anything like us, you probably have a love/hate relationship with linen. One of the breeziest, lightweight natural fabrics available, it’s an absolute dream in summer. BUT it’s also a nightmare to care for. Linen wrinkles if you so much as look at it the wrong way, but for those first few moments when it’s freshly ironed - heaven. Try a pair of linen shorts with one of our 100% cotton tanks for the ultimate in comfort.
Special Mention: Silk
Silk is another beautiful and SUPER lighweight fabric which is perfect for summer. That being said, there isn’t much in the way of maternity and breastfeeding-wear in silk, likely because of its higher cost and more specific cleaning needs.
The Worst Summer Fabrics
- Nylon
Nylon is making a come-back in some fashion circles this year, but summer is not the time to jump on the bandwagon. While Prada may be releasing nylon dresses like there’s no tomorrow, we really wouldn’t recommend it for the season. As a synthetic fabric, nylon isn’t breathable, doesn’t wick moisture and actually repels water. This holds sweat against the skin and doesn’t allow heat to escape. That’s a firm “pass” from us.
2. Acrylic
Again, acrylic is another synthetic fabric that isn’t breathable and retains heat. As it’s pretty robust and does wick moisture away from the skin, you’ll often find acrylic in summer tops and dresses, but don’t be fooled! The fabric is abrasive, traps in the heat and makes for a very, very uncomfortable wear. And don’t even get us started on the manufacturing process!
3. Polyester
Last but not least, polyester is another in our line-up of synthetic fabrics that are terrible for summer. On the surface, polyester seems great; it’s resistant to wrinkles, durable and retains its shape well, but like the other fabrics on our list, it’s not what you want to wrap yourself in during a heatwave. Not only is polyester resistant to moisture, making you feel hot and sticky, but it also produces static electricity. We’ll pass on this one, thanks.
And there we have it, the dos and don’ts of summer fabrics. We hope this has been helpful and keeps you comfortable during what’s set to be a very sweaty season.
Still a little hot under the collar? Check out 5 Ways To Keep Cool When Pregnant Or Breastfeeding.
Originally from New Zealand, Sarah is a mother to two boys and has lived in the UK for the past ten years. She is a home educator, freelance writer, Netflix-binger and has a penchant for strong black coffee.