As the summer heat sets in, a textile expert takes stock of the best fabrics for dealing with a heatwave.
- According to a textile expert, it is recommended to wear linen to suffer less from the heat in summer.
- Cotton is another option.
- Regular polyester is terrible at absorbing moisture, but its Dri-FIT take on it may be interesting for athletes.
When the thermometer easily exceeds 30 degrees, the desire becomes great to undress and live in swimsuits, or even naked for some. But life in society does not really agree with this idea.
So Sundaresan Jayaraman, a textile expert at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, took a look at the best fabrics to wear in summer.
Warmth: linen absorbs perspiration better
To combat the heat and humidity of summer, Sundaresan Jayaraman recommends betting on linen. Why? The fibrous structure of linen allows it to quickly absorb perspiration and therefore facilitate its evacuation from the body. Thus, this textile can retain a significant amount of moisture without giving the impression of being wet to the person wearing it. In addition, the flexural rigidity of linen prevents it “to cling to the body”. This feature promotes better air circulation and reduces the feeling of heat.
However, the expert acknowledges one flaw in the fabric: it is prone to wrinkling. Indeed, Sundaresan Jayaraman explains that linen’s natural stiffness, which contributes to its cooling benefits, also leads to its tendency to wrinkle. “For a flawless appearance, linen garments should be ironed often before wearing”he adds in a press release from his establishment.
Cotton has the advantage of creasing less
Are there any other options for iron-allergic people looking for a summer outfit that is suitable for the heat? The answer is yes. The expert suggests cotton. The structure of its ribbon-like fibers also helps retain water. However, with a lower bending stiffness than linen, cotton is comfortable for shorter periods in the heat and for lower humidity levels.
“For those who prioritize appearance, cotton offers a softer drape and smoother appearance, but with slightly less cooling effectiveness.”concludes the expert.
Moreover, while ordinary polyester is terrible in terms of moisture absorption and should be avoided in periods of high heat, the expert adds that innovations have made it possible to improve the performance of this material. “Dri-FIT polyester is not clammy and is very comfortable for being physically active during the summer months.” It is also often used in sportswear.
