What Fabrics Are Best for Spring?
Staying cool during the warm days of spring while also staying warm during the still chilly mornings and breezy spring evenings can be challenging. However, with the right fabrics, you can maximize your comfort during any spring weather. To help you stay comfortable this spring, we have compiled a list of the absolute best fabrics to choose from as the days get longer and the temperature starts to climb.
Linen
The number one choice for most people when they think of long, languid days of warm weather is linen. And that's for a good reason. Linen fabrics are made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is absorbent, quick-drying, breathable, and durable. Unlike a material such as cotton, linen will absorb sweat and then dry it fast so it doesn't stay damp or stick to your body, which makes your women’s linen shirt the best option for hot, sweaty weather. Linen is also an environmentally-friendly fabric and is biodegradable, unlike so many synthetic sweat-wicking fabrics.
Chambray
Chambray is a lightweight cotton material, making it a lovely alternative to its denser and heavier fabric cousin, denim. It is soft and breezy, and makes a great addition to your spring wardrobe. Unlike linen, this material is not necessarily quick-drying or sweat-wicking, so we recommend wearing this fabric while it is still slightly cooler out, or if you will not be spending most of your day outside.
Rayon
Rayon is a fabric usually made from wood pulp, though it can also be made from other natural and synthetic materials. It was first developed as a cheaper alternative to silk. It is very lightweight and has a silky-smooth texture. We love rayon for the soft texture and the way it can be worn in nearly any environment. Pair your drapey, billowy rayon blouse with a form-fitting pencil skirt for a comfortable, breezy spring look.
Modal
While technically a type of rayon, modal deserves its own mention in the list of best fabrics for spring. Modal is a newer, softer, and more absorbent version of rayon. This fabric is a fantastic affordable alternative to silk. It can be worn to the gym, out for a hike, or to the office. Its versatile, fashionable, breathable, and sweat-wicking qualities make modal a staple spring fabric.
Silk
Nothing beats the real thing. Real all-natural silk can be worn any time of the year, but its silky, lightweight nature makes it an obvious choice for spring weather. Silk is great for the warmer months of spring and summer due to its absorbent nature. It is naturally moisture-wicking and is also a staple for winter wear for this reason. Silk makes a great base layer in the winter. The material is a great option for work-from-home attire as well. Add a simple button-up silk shirt or silk blouse to your collection of comfy casual women's clothing for work. It's professional enough for an on-camera Zoom meeting but comfy enough to spend all day in. Silk is also a phenomenal fabric option for women’s sleepwear. This fabric is dreamy and soft, but won’t overheat you in the middle of the night.
Hemp
Hemp is another wonderful natural fiber that is a great choice for spring weather. While hemp can look and feel like cotton, it is more breathable, more lightweight, and can be softer on the skin than cotton. Also, this fabric will continue to get softer with wear and washes. Hemp is super absorbent and naturally antimicrobial, making it a great option for any sweaty outdoor activities.
Bamboo
Speaking of all-natural materials that are naturally antimicrobial, bamboo is yet another remarkable fabric that pairs beautifully with any spring wardrobe. Clothing made from bamboo fabric is perfect for any season. This eco-friendly fabric will keep you warmer in cool weather and cooler in warm weather. It is hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to bacteria and mold. Bamboo fabrics also offer some natural UV protection, making them a great option for outdoor, fun-in-the-sun activities.
Seersucker
Seersucker, also sometimes called railroad stripe, is a thin, crinkled fabric made from cotton fibers. It is most commonly striped, or checker patterned. Frequently seen used in children’s clothing, it is also a great option for adults in the warmer months. The fabric has a soft, corrugated texture. This feature is what makes this fabric a staple choice for warm weather, as it holds the fabric away from the skin, which can help facilitate heat dissipation and air circulation. This fabric is also versatile. A cute seersucker shirt can be worn with your favorite comfy jeans to a baseball game, or it can be worn under a blazer to the office.
This list is, of course, not exhaustive, and there are many more appropriate fabrics out there for your spring wardrobe, but this is a great place to start. These fabrics will keep you staying cool and fashionable all the way into the coming summer months.