We’ve been enjoying some absolutely sizzling summer days, and a few of you have been buckling in the heat. Unsurprising given we don’t get chance to acclimatise, given that here in the Shire mother nature likes to shift from rain to 30c overnight!

Here’s our eclectica guide to the coolest fabrics to choose to keep you feeling chic & comfortable.

COTTON

A natural cellulose fibre that allows the air to circulate through it. It’s soft and absorbs and releases moisture, such as perspiration, rapidly. Perennially popular as it’s machine washable, printable, and reasonably strong. Remember it can shrink and fade in bright sunshine, so it’s worth paying attention to washing instructions. It’s also versatile & suitable for all kinds of clothing. It can also be really pretty like these broderie anglaise cotton skirts & shirts by Boom Shankar. Beautifully made with floral eyelets (cut out ovals in a floral design) each individually embroidered. A lot of our Boom Shankar summer season stock is 100% cotton – those Australians know how to keep cool.

LINEN

A laborious process is involved in fashioning cloth from the flax plant but worth it. Linen is absorbent and great for all kinds of garments and perfect for any kind of hot climate. Worn for thousands of years its super breathability is pretty unbeatable. The natural crinkles are all part of the laid back, casual look. If you hate ironing – spray your garment with water mist & smooth out creases by hand. We love a lightweight linen jacket for summer and wide leg linen trousers should be in everyone’s wardrobe.

SUMMER BLENDS – including modal, polyester, rayon & lycra

Lightweight and breathable and extensively used in athletic wear, blended summer fabrics have the advantage of stretch & comfort and are often more crease resistant than cotton. Great for humid climates and non ironers! As blends retain their shape Tees are a popular garment made from cotton & polyester, like our great selection of Desigual ones.

SILK

One of the world’s most luxurious natural fibres, silk feels cools to the touch and its absorbency makes it highly suitable for hot weather wear. Whilst it is delicate, sensitive to light and weakened when wet, it is practical in tropical climates as the fabric protects against insect bites such as mosquitoes and horseflies, which would pierce other fabrics. Silk pyjamas are gorgeous if you suffer from night sweats and there’s nothing quite like a silk shirt or kaftan to waft around in when it’s roasting! Treat yourself to one of our Fair Trade printed Indian Silk scarves if kaftans & kimonos are out of your price range…


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