When the temperature climbs and humidity sets in, the last thing you want is to feel sticky, overheated, or trapped in a fabric that doesn’t breathe. You want something lightweight and breezy for those sunny summer brunches, something comfy and breathable for picnics in the park, something that doesn’t make you sweat more than your nerves on a sizzling date night in the city.
The right summer clothing can make all the difference — but if you also care about your environmental footprint, you’ll want to choose fabrics that keep you cool and are sustainably produced.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between style, comfort, and eco‑friendliness. There is plenty of room in the middle of that venn diagram, and these fabrics are right at the center. So if you’re looking for breathable summer fabrics that just so happen to be kind to the environment, you’re in luck!
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a hot‑weather classic for good reason — it’s soft, breathable, and versatile. Its natural fibers allow air to circulate, helping to keep you cool even on sweltering days. It’s also great at absorbing moisture, making it a go-to choice for T‑shirts, sundresses, and casual summer separates.
Unlike conventional cotton, which is notorious for heavy pesticide use and high water consumption, organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and with significantly less water. It’s better for soil health, safer for farm workers, and reduces chemical runoff into waterways.
☀️ Our organic cotton picks this season:
- Daily Twill Midweight Pant (pact) - 97% organic cotton
- Eyelet Lace Smocked Midi Dress (Quince) - 100% organic cotton
- Organic Cotton Boxer (Nads) - 100% organic cotton
- Organic Cotton Triangle Bralette + Undies (Net Positive) - 96% organic cotton
2. Linen (Organic or Flax Linen)
If there were a fabric made for summer, it might be linen. It’s incredibly breathable, naturally moisture‑wicking, and quick‑drying — a lifesaver in humid climates. Linen’s slightly textured weave lifts the fabric away from your skin, allowing for airflow. Bonus: it gets softer with each wash.
Linen is made from the flax plant, which grows quickly and with minimal water, fertilizers, or pesticides. Even conventional flax is low‑impact compared to many crops, but choosing organic linen adds another layer of eco‑friendliness. Linen is also fully biodegradable.
☀️ Our linen picks this season:
- Linen Relaxed Long Sleeve Pocket Shirt (Quince) - 100% European linen
- Button Front Tie Dress (Quince) - 100% European linen
- Linen Pleated Trouser (Everlane) - 100% Flax linen
3. Hemp
Hemp is a powerhouse in the hot‑weather category — it’s breathable, lightweight, and naturally resistant to UV rays, making it a smart choice for outdoor wear. Like linen, hemp softens over time without losing strength, so your favorite summer shirt will only get better with age.
Hemp grows fast, requires very little water, and thrives without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It also improves soil health, making it a regenerative crop. Almost every part of the plant can be used, which means less agricultural waste.
☀️ Our hemp picks this season:
- Ming Vest (Dash Hemp) - 100% organic hemp
- Singlet (Jungmaven) - 27% Hemp / 61% organic cotton / 12% spandex jersey
- Cascadia Cord Shirt (Toad & Co) - 55% hemp / 45% organic cotton
- Keyhole Bra + High-Rise Brief (Net Positive) - 53% hemp / 43% organic cotton / 4% dupont spandex
4. Tencel™ Lyocell
Tencel Lyocell has a silky‑smooth feel and excellent breathability. It wicks moisture away from the body and resists wrinkles — perfect if you’re traveling or want something that moves effortlessly from day to night. Its drape is flattering, and it feels cool to the touch, even on hot days.
Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp (often eucalyptus), Tencel is produced in a closed‑loop process that recycles over 99% of the water and solvents used. It’s biodegradable, and the raw materials come from responsibly managed forests.
☀️ Our lyocell picks this season:
- Short Sleeve Shirt (Orvis) - Hemp/ Tencel / spandex blend
- Driftwood Dress (Ten Tree) - 45% REPREVE® Recycled Polyester, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 25% Organic Cotton
- Chaka Wide Leg Pant (Toad & Co) - 8% Organic Cotton, 48% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 4% Elastane
5. Bamboo (Mechanically Processed or Certified Sustainable)
Bamboo fabric is naturally breathable, lightweight, and moisture‑wicking. It’s also antibacterial, which means it stays fresher longer in hot weather. You’ll often find it in loungewear, athletic wear, and undergarments because it’s soft against the skin and offers a bit of stretch. Not to mention cozy, summer-friendly blankets and bedding.
Bamboo grows quickly without the need for pesticides and regenerates from its own roots, making it highly renewable. The catch? Not all bamboo fabric is processed sustainably. Look for mechanically processed bamboo or brands with credible sustainability certifications to avoid chemically intensive production methods.
☀️ Our bamboo picks this season:
- Goodnight Sleep Shorts + Cami (Boody) - 95% organic bamboo viscose
- Men’s Sleep Short (Boody) - 95% organic bamboo viscose
- Knitted Throw (Simply Organic Bamboo) - 100% organic bamboo viscose
6. Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk)
Silk might not be your first thought for summer, but its natural temperature‑regulating properties keep you cool in heat and warm in cooler temps. Peace silk in particular is lightweight and breathable, with a beautiful sheen that elevates summer outfits like blouses, dresses, and scarves.
Traditional silk production kills the silkworms during harvesting, but peace silk allows the moths to emerge naturally before the cocoons are used. Many peace silk producers also work within fair‑trade frameworks and avoid harsh chemicals during processing.
☀️ Our peace silk picks this season:
- Boho Dress (AYA Sacred Wear) - 100% peace silk
- Pleated Wrap Shirt (Another Tomorrow) - 100% peace silk
- Romper Dress (AYA Sacred Wear) - 100% peace silk
7. Organic Seersucker Cotton
Seersucker’s signature puckered texture isn’t just for style — it helps lift the fabric off your skin, increasing airflow and keeping you cool. It’s a classic warm‑weather choice for dresses, skirts, shirts, and even lightweight suits.
Choosing organic seersucker cotton means you’re avoiding the heavy pesticide use and water waste of conventional cotton. Plus, its durability means you’ll get years of wear from each piece, reducing the need for constant replacements.
☀️ Our seersucker picks this season:
- Short Sleeve Seersucker Shirt (Lands End) - 100% organic cotton
- Signature Pima-Cotton Shirt (Garnet Hill) - 100% organic cotton
- Darcy Poplin Smocked Dress (Marine Layer) - 100% organic cotton
Summer fabrics can make the difference between spending the dog days cool and comfy or sticky and sweaty.
Building a summer wardrobe around breathable, lightweight, and sustainable fabrics doesn’t just keep you comfortable — it helps reduce your environmental footprint and supports more responsible textile production. From breezy linen to silky‑soft Tencel, the right fabrics can keep you looking and feeling fresh all summer long, without sacrificing your values.
