The Best Fabrics for Summer Men’s Fashion in Chicago
The summer months come filled with sunshine, backyard barbecues, and copious amounts of time spent out in the warm weather — enjoyment that comes hand-in-hand with looking your best. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer hoping to take advantage of the Lake Michigan scenery or just a city dweller wanting to keep up appearances while running errands around town, it’s essential to know what fabrics work best for Chicago summers. Keep reading to find out which materials are must-haves this season!
Linen
Men’s linen shirts are a lightweight, breathable fabric option and a popular summer choice for Chicago heat. Linen circulates air around the body, making it perfect for warm weather. The fibers of linen are hollow, which means they’re excellent at absorbing moisture and drying quickly. This makes linen cool and comfortable to wear in high temperatures and humidity. In addition to its practical benefits, linen has a unique and attractive look that is perfect for summer fashion. Linen has a natural texture and a relaxed, casual vibe that is perfect for summer outfits. Linen clothing can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Its versatility makes it popular for summer weddings, beach vacations, and casual outings.
Cotton
Cotton is another lightweight and breathable option and one of the most versatile fabrics for summer fashion. It’s also durable and easy to care for, making it a practical choice for everyday wear. Cotton is a natural, lightweight, breathable fiber, making it ideal for hot and humid weather. It’s also versatile, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear. Cotton comes in varieties including plain cotton, organic cotton, and Supima cotton, which has longer and finer fibers than regular cotton, making it softer and more luxurious. Cotton can be woven into various textures and patterns, such as twill, poplin, and dobby, allowing for a range of men’s clothing options, such as men's t-shirts, shorts, and pants. Cotton is also easy to care for, as it can normally be machine washed and dried without issue. It also holds up well over time, making it a practical and affordable choice for men’s summer fashion.
Chambray
Men’s chambray shirts are made from a lightweight fabric that looks similar to denim but is much softer and more breathable. It’s a versatile fabric choice for summer men’s fashion in Chicago that offers a unique, casual look that’s perfect for warmer temperatures. Chambray is made with a plain-woven base, usually from cotton or a cotton blend, and has a signature white weft and colored warp. This gives it a textured, mottled look that is ideal for summer shirts, pants, and lightweight jackets. Chambray can also be found in various colors, from pale blue to black. One of the major advantages of chambray is its breathability. Its open-weave construction allows air to circulate freely, which helps to keep the body cool in hot weather. Chambray is also easy to care for, as it can usually be machine washed and dried without issue.
Seersucker
Seersucker is a unique puckered fabric perfect for summer fashion in Chicago. Seersucker is made with a slack-tension weave that causes some areas of the fabric to bunch together, creating a raised, puckered texture. This texture allows air to circulate freely, keeping the body cool and comfortable in hot weather. One of the main benefits of Seersucker is that it’s lightweight and breathable, which makes it a terrific choice for men’s pants and men's jackets. It’s also easy to care for, as it can usually be machine washed and doesn’t require ironing, as the puckered texture hides wrinkles. Seersucker is versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It’s a popular choice for summer weddings and other formal events but can also be worn for casual outings.
Tropical Wool
While wool might not be the first fabric that comes to mind for summer fashion, tropical wool is an excellent option for summer suits and dress pants. Tropical wool is made from thinner fibers and a looser weave, making it more breathable and adaptable to heat. It also has a smooth, lightweight texture, so it’s more comfortable to wear, even on the hottest days. Plus, it’s highly durable and wrinkle-resistant, making it a practical choice for travel and everyday wear. Tropical wool is excellent for more formal attire. Unlike heavier wool fabrics, such as tweed or flannel, it’s designed for warm weather. Because of its smooth and thin texture, tropical wool drapes well and lends itself to men’s suits and dress pants. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns which allows for a range of outfit choices.
There you have it! All the fabric options for summer men’s fashion in Chicago. Whether you’re looking for light, breathable cotton tees or menswear that can stand up to the elements, Lands’ End has plenty of choices. And when you consider the various prints and colors available, it’s easy to create a unique summer outfit that complements your personality perfectly. Now that you know the best fabrics for your summer wardrobe in Chicago, you’ll look and feel totally fab this upcoming summer season!