Online shopping: What fabrics to wear to a summer wedding

A what-to-wear fabrics guide for bridesmaids and guests at a summer wedding.

 

Temperatures are hot, and likely the wedding will take place outside and the last thing you want is to feel uncomfortable in the dress you invested in a lot in.

Pros and cons of summer wedding dress fabrics

 

 

Cotton

Cotton is a fantastic natural fiber that lets air flow through the fabric, keeping you cool and dry. Quality lightweight cotton also absorbs moisture, helping you stay comfortable. Plus, it comes in a variety of styles and colors. The only downside is that cotton tends to crease easily.

Pros:

• Soft
• Feels nice to the touch
• Sturdy
• Moisture-absorbing
• Breathable
• Great for summer

Cons:

• Creases easily

 

Jersey Cotton

Jersey is an anti-fade, anti-shrink fabric. The colors retain their depth after long-term use, which means your jersey skirt or top won’t start looking and feeling too old too soon.  The fabric is flexible and stretchable without distorting out of shape. It drapes your body tastefully, skimming your curves, not clinging to them.  The fabric is breathable, promising top comfort even in humid conditions. If you tend to sweat a lot, there is nothing better than a jersey to keep you cool and non-sticky.  Easily machine washable, allowing you to care for your favorite pieces easily.

 

 

Lyocell

We have many names for the things we love. Lyocell and Tencel are chemically identical textiles, but Tencel is a trademarked brand. Lyocell is a semi-synthetic variant of viscose that is produced from cellulose fibers. It is often used as a substitute for cotton or silk because they share similar qualities. Despite not being a traditional natural fabric, it is still breathable and feels pleasant to wear during summer.

 

Polyamide

Nylon and other polyamide materials are breathable and have moisture-wicking properties that keep you dry, comfortable and cool. Polyamide fabric also blocks UV radiation, protecting you from sunburns. Furthermore, the soft texture feels pleasant against the skin, even during a long training session.

Polyamide fabric tends to hold dyes well, which means dark or vibrantly colored garments won’t readily fade or bleed in the wash. Likewise, polyamide fabric is strong and can maintain its form. You can launder your polyamide fabric exercise clothes frequently without wearing them out and toss them in your suitcase without wrinkling them.

 

 

Linen

Linen is a natural fabric that’s great at keeping you cool by letting heat escape and absorbing moisture. It dries quickly and is pretty flexible, so it won’t cling to your body. Just a heads up, though, it’s prone to wrinkling, so you might want to consider linen blends if you’re not a fan of wrinkles. To take care of wrinkles, you can spray water on your garment and smooth the wrinkles away with your hand.

Pros:

• Airy
• Well-ventilated and -insulated
• Dries quickly
• Great for summer

Cons:

• Creases easily

Merino Wool

Not only does wool help keep you cool in summer, but Merino wool in hot humid weather doesn’t wilt or wrinkle like cotton and linen. Wool and polyester blends are ideal for outdoor summer weddings, because they combine the softness and natural odor-resistance of wool with the durability of polyester.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an all-natural, hypoallergenic fabric, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin. It also has antibacterial qualities, which means it’s unlikely to retain odors even after many hours of wear. In addition to blocking 97.5% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, bamboo will keep your skin dry in the heat since it’s exceptionally good at absorbing moisture.

Silk

Silk is a wonderful lightweight fabric that’s great for warm weather due to the way it’s made from silkworms and their cocoons. It’s really good at adapting to your body temperature. Just keep in mind that silk doesn’t soak up moisture as well as cotton or linen, so if it’s super humid, you might end up with sweat marks on your silk outfit. That’s why silk is perfect for relaxing indoors, rather than for twirling around at outdoor parties.

Pros:

• Drapes smoothly
• Beautiful sheen
• Lightweight
• Anti-static
• Temperature-regulating
• Good to sleep on (or in) if your skin is sensitive
• Great for summer, for those who don’t sweat easily

Cons:

• Silk must be washed carefully

Cotton Silk

Silk cotton is one of the most magnificent blends as it combines the virtues of two fibers that have considerably different characteristics: the smooth, weaving texture of silk caresses the skin like no other fabric, while the cotton makes it easier to preserve the t-shirt in the long run.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Absorbent
• Soft
• Depending on the ratio of silk to cotton, it can be very elastic
• Great for summer

Cons:

• Not as smooth as silk
• Carefully read the instructions before washing

Viscose

Viscose is made from renewable plants and is a great lightweight material that drapes well and has a lustrous finish, making pieces appear more luxurious. A viscose blend will help to combat the creasing issue. This versatile fabric is breathable and absorbent. Great for hot weather.

Pros:

• Soft
• Comfortable to wear
• Luxurious look
• Wrinkle-resistant
• Keeps its shape
• Colorfast
• Great for summer

Cons:

• Shrinks easily

 

Chiffon

One of the most romantic and flowy fabrics for wedding guests and bridesmaids to wear in the summer is Chiffon. One of the lighter fabrics, chiffon is often used as an overlay, in layers, or as an accent detail due to its sheer and transparent style. Made from woven silk or rayon, the matte material has a floaty and ethereal vibe. No one is perfect, nor is fabric. Chiffon is delicate and does snag and tear very easily.

 

Rayon

It’s an ideal fabric for climates with dry heat (Arizona weddings). It absorbs sweat, dries quickly and isn’t prone to clinging, which keeps the air flowing. This material often uses a thinner thread, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something dressier to wear to a special event like an outdoor wedding. Note that while rayon is lightweight, keep in mind that it won’t wick moisture away from your skin very well.

Crepe

An elegant fabric for summer weddings. The care for silk crepe is intensive and here are some tips to keep it looking fresh longer:

• Hand-wash or gentle cycle: Crepe is delicate, so skip the harsh washing machine cycles and opt for hand washing or a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Skip the tumble dryer: High heat can damage crepe, so air-dry your garments instead.
• Steam it out: Steaming is a great way to remove wrinkles from crepe without risking heat damage.
• Store with care: Hang your crepe garments on padded hangers to prevent them from losing their shape.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Breathable

Cons:

• Cannot be machine-washed.

 

Charmeuse Silk

Pure silk charmeuse is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mites, and other irritants. The appearance is shiny and soft on one side and dull on the inside. This makes silk an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin, including babies and anyone suffering from allergies, eczema, psoriasis, or other irritation.  It will keep you cool in the summer by wicking away moisture and warm in the winter by creating pockets of insulation. This makes charmeuse silk a versatile fabric that can keep you comfortable for both summer and winter weddings. This fabric is known to cling to every curve so if you’re looking for a looser fit or a fabric to hide any insecurities, this is not the dress fabric for you.

Satin

Satin is a versatile fabric that can be worn year-round, but many wonders if it’s suitable for summer wear. The answer is yes. Satin can be worn in summer as long as you choose the right type of satin and style. To start with, it’s important to select a lightweight satin fabric that is breathable and comfortable to wear. Natural fibers like silk or cotton satin are excellent choices for summer, as they are soft, lightweight, and breathable. Light-colored satin fabrics are perfect for summer, reflecting heat and keeping you cool. Pastel shades and neutrals are great choice for a summer wedding. Look for satin made from natural fibers like silk, rayon, or cotton. These materials will allow your skin to breathe and keep you cool during the hot summer months.

 

Some fabrics that are not good for summer weddings

 

Spandex 

The closer a fabric sits on your skin, the more it will make you sweat. That’s why fabrics like denim, nylon, spandex, and polyester are not great options to wear at a summer outdoor wedding. Remember that a tight weave traps moisture under your clothes, even if the fabric is lightweight.

 

Polyester

Before you buy, check the fabric description & lining and look for the word polyester. If you see it, it’s not going to be the most comfortable dress for a summer summer wedding. While polyester fabric is great for being stain-resistant and durable, it can be a bit tough for folks who sweat a lot in the summer. Basically, wearing polyester means you’ll be trapped in a vacuum of your own sweat all day.

Pros:

• Drapes smoothly
• Sturdy
• Doesn’t crease
• Colorfast
• Elegant look

Cons:

• Synthetic; it can feel stuffy
• Easily statically charged
• Not good for summer

Mikado

Mikado is a luxurious fabric commonly used in wedding dresses. It is heavy and stiff, made from a blend of silk or polyester, and has a lustrous finish. The fabric is known for its crisp texture, which makes it an excellent choice for structured dresses with clean lines. However, it is not the best choice to stay cool during a hot summer wedding day.

Sources: Elle Magazine Online | Live Linen | Brides | Nordstrom | FC Dry Cleaners | Inphorm