The Best Breathable Fabrics for When It's Crazy Humid

I’ve always overheated easily. I blush at the blink of a hat, the back of my neck turns piping hot, and sweat appears in just about every possible crevice of my body (sorry, gross). So when I moved from breezy California to erratic NYC, I knew I was in for a real treat. But coming off the heels of my first anniversary with this city, I’m wiser and more prepared to deal with whatever temperature, gust of wind, or humidity percentage comes my way.

So what’s my secret to avoiding these embarrassing bouts of extreme heat? It’s all about the breathable fabrics. That’s right—your silk shirt has no place for summer’s scorching months. Instead, reach for items made from cotton, linen, and chambray to keep yourself as cool as possible. Scroll down to find out why these work, and shop my picks to stock up.

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(Image credit: Sincerely Jules)

Think of chambray as the lightweight sister to your sturdier denim. It breathes gloriously, pairs well with just about everything, and adds an instant summery touch to your outfit.

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(Image credit: Harper & Harley)

Linen is woven from a vegetable fiber and absorbs and releases your sweat rapidly, making it perhaps our favorite breathable fabric for summer. It also has a wrinkly quality to it that not only makes it easier to throw on and go sans steamer, but also adds to the casual summer vibe we all love.

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(Image credit: Fashion Me Now)

Easy to care for, breathable from day to night, and perhaps the most well known among all the fabrics. We love you, cotton. Stay you.

Now you're all set to stay cool this summer.

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)