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.

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.

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.

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.