13 Types of Fabric to Use for Summer Clothing
Lightweight and airy fabrics help keep you cool while allowing for a wide range of stylish designs. Common types of fabric ideal for summer are typically natural fibers, which have greater breathability and some natural moisture wicking properties to help your sweat evaporate.
If you’re looking for a good lightweight and breathable option for your next summer garment project, try one of these types of fabric.
1. Challis
Challis is a loose-weave, lightweight fabric that is mostly matte, and it’s known for having an airy, flowing drape, which makes it a favorite for clothing that requires a gentle, natural fall.
- Challis can be used for lightweight and flowy dresses and blouses, lightweight summer pants, or lightweight scarves
2. Charmeuse
Charmeuse is a type of silky, satin fabric. It is known for having a sheen or shine on the front face of the fabric while being matte on the back. Charmeuse is known for having a classy look to it that doesn’t cling to the body, but still maintains a lovely, flowy drape.
- Charmeuse can be used for elegant cocktail dresses, nice blouses, lingerie, pajamas, accessories (such as men’s ties), and some high end bedding.
3. Chiffon
Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric with a fluid drape and a slightly grainy texture. You’ve probably seen this fabric used on bridesmaid dresses as the outer layer of fabric that gives the dress an ethereal, airy look.
- Chiffon can be used as an overlay for skirts and dresses (especially bridal-wear), It can also be used for lingerie, breeze blouses and cardigans, and lightweight accessories.
4. Crepe de chine
Crepe de chine is a type of lightweight crepe that is known for its flowy almost fluid-like drape. Like other types of crepe fabric, crepe de chine has a somewhat rough, pebbled texture on the surface. It’s a type of fabric that can give that swishy motion when twirling in a skirt.
- Crepe de Chine can be used for elegant and airy skirts and dresses, blouses, and scarves
5. Dobby
Dobby fabric is characterized by small geometric patterns that add extra texture in the cloth. These patterns are woven directly into the fabric. The patterns usually include small dots, but can also have checks, stripes, or even animal or floral motifs woven into the fabric.
- Dobby can be used for shirting, handbags, scarfs, upholstery
6. Gauze
Gauze is a sheer and lightweight fabric typically made from cotton. It is characterized by its loose weave, which allows for breathability and makes it ideal for summer clothing. When making apparel, you’re more likely to use a material called double gauze rather than single-layer gauze. for added strength and opacity.
- Gauze can be used for lightweight summer shirts, skirts and dresses, as well as lightweight curtains and medical dressings.
7. Georgette
Georgette is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a grainy feel. It is known for being surprisingly strong and tear-resistant and is easily dyed into any color or pattern. Georgette fabric is an excellent choice for draping and creating full, flowy garments.
- Georgette can be used for flowy dresses, shirts and skirts. You can also use it for lightweight curtains, scarves, and bridal-wear
8. Jersey
Jersey is a category of knit fabrics that is known for being fairly lightweight while also having a flowy drape. It also tends to be quite stretchy, especially across the width. Jersey is one of the most common types of fabric that is used in casual garments, and it’s probably the most comfortable (in my own humble opinion).
- Jersey can be used for almost any type of sewing project from flowing skirts to T-shirts.
9. Lawn
Lawn fabric is a lightweight and fine cotton fabric, known for having a softer and less structured drape than other types of cotton fabric (but still more structured than many of the other materials on this list). It will also often feature fun prints or embroidery.
- Lawn is often used for used for breezy summer blouses, dresses and skirts, or delicate home decor, such as curtains and tablecloths.
10. Linen
Linen is a fiber that can be used to make many different types of fabric, however lightweight linens generally have a soft drape with a rugged, natural texture. Linen is a durable and extremely breathable material, making it great for summer clothing that needs to stand up to some wear and tear.
- Lightweight linen can be used for lightweight skirts, dresses, blouses, summer shorts, and pants, as well as breathable summer suits. Linen is also used for bedding, tablecloths, and curtains.
11. Lightweight rayon
If the rayon you’re purchasing is just called rayon (with no other explanation for the type of fabric), it’s usually referring to a fabric that is similar to a lightweight cotton, but with a much flowier drape that makes it quite flattering in a lot of different styles. Overall, the fabric is a bit delicate and it can rip and tear more easily than a typical cotton fabric. However, it’s not nearly as delicate as high-end fibers, like silk.
- Lightweight rayon can be used for airy skirts, dresses, or lightweight shirts that have a flowy feel to them.
12. Seersucker
Seersucker is a type of fabric with a bubbly or puckered texture. The material is known for its breathability, cooling properties, and comfort, making it a popular material in hot climates. It is also a fairly durable fabric that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Seersucker can be used for summer clothing, including suits, dresses, shirts, shorts, and skirts, it can also be used for curtains and tablecloths
13. Voile
Voile is a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric that has a somewhat crisp drape and fine texture that allows for breathability. This fabric is most often made using cotton, giving it a soft texture. Voile also manages to have an breezy, comfortable drape that makes it great for summer dresses and blouses.
- Voile fabric is most often used for lightweight curtains or for breezy summer dresses and skirts.
