Taiwan's summer is both humid and hot, and wearing a shirt to work quickly leads to sweating, which is very uncomfortable. In such weather, it’s essential to know which shirt fabrics are suitable for summer to minimize the stuffy and sticky feeling. Today, we will discuss the differences between various fabrics and introduce the characteristics of materials that are ideal for summer.
Shirts are a common item in fashion styling. They can be worn in a variety of settings, whether it’s someone casually throwing one on in the street, a smart casual office worker, or individuals attending formal occasions.
Shirts play a vital role in all these scenarios. When choosing a shirt, it’s important to consider not only the style but also the fabric, as this will affect the fit and comfort of the garment. In this article, we will introduce these aspects one by one.
The impact of shirt material on wear：
The fabric of a shirt has a direct impact on how it feels against the skin, especially in the summer. Non-breathable materials can lead to a sticky and uncomfortable experience, making it hard to stay at ease throughout the day. This discomfort can result in embarrassing situations like soaked shirts and even trigger heat rash.
Next, we will introduce some common shirt fabrics available on the market and also suggest suitable shirt materials for summer.
What are the common shirt fabrics?
1.Linen
Linen is a completely natural fiber with excellent breathability, providing a cool sensation. It quickly absorbs sweat and evaporates it, so even when sweating, you won’t feel sticky. Additionally, it resists fading and shrinking. Shirts made from this material tend to wrinkle more easily and have a coarser texture, making them synonymous with a relaxed and casual style—an essential fabric for summer.
2.Cotton
Cotton has good breathability, second only to linen. It feels soft to the touch but has a certain sturdiness, giving garments a more structured appearance. Cotton fibers have excellent moisture absorption, making them effective at wicking sweat in the summer. However, if the fit is too tight, it can lead to sweat stains and a feeling of discomfort.
3.Wool
Wool has a soft and fluffy texture, offering an irreplaceable quality and warmth. It doesn’t easily wrinkle, and any minor creases can disappear quickly. Its moisture absorption is twice that of pure cotton, allowing it to provide warmth while keeping the skin dry, resulting in a great wearing experience. However, it is generally less suitable for hot summer weather.
4.Polyester
Polyester has a high elasticity recovery, is wrinkle-resistant and durable, and is easy to care for, wash, and dry. However, it lacks moisture absorption and wicking properties, making it less breathable. When sweating, it can feel hot and uncomfortable, making it a nightmare for summer weather.
5.Rayon
Rayon is made from processed natural fibers and is often referred to as an affordable alternative to silk. It combines the softness of cotton with the smoothness of silk, resulting in a lightweight and drapey texture. Like linen, it has excellent moisture absorption and wicking properties, allowing sweat to evaporate quickly for a cool effect.
Characteristics of Shirt Fabrics Suitable for Summer
During the hot summer days, shirt fabrics should prioritize coolness and breathability to eliminate stuffiness and humidity. Fabrics with high breathability can quickly restore the body's dryness. You can assess the fabric's quality by its thread count; the higher the thread count, the finer the yarn, resulting in lighter and thinner fabric that aids in heat dissipation and temperature regulation.
It's important to note that shirts do not need to be washed after every wear. Washing them every 2 to 3 days is sufficient, even if worn daily. In summer, it's advisable to wear a moisture-wicking cotton tank top underneath the shirt to prevent sweat stains from directly contacting the fabric. If you experience shrinking or fading when washing your shirts, it is likely due to improper cleaning methods.
Below are specific cleaning methods for different fabrics to help extend the lifespan of your shirts.
Washing Methods for Different Shirt Fabrics
1.Pure Cotton:
Pure cotton shirts offer strong heat and alkali resistance, making them easy to care for without special detergent requirements. However, since cotton fibers have lower elasticity, it’s recommended to use a laundry bag and select a gentle cycle when washing in the machine. This helps maintain the shirt's shape and longevity while ensuring comfort during those hot summer days.
2.Linen
Linen shirts have a loose fiber structure, making them susceptible to shrinking or fading when washed in hot water. It's best to wash them in cold water below 40°C. Use a neutral detergent to minimize chemical damage. Linen wrinkles easily, so after washing, lay it flat to dry and avoid using the washing machine's spin cycle, which can leave creases.
3.Wool
The best cleaning method for wool shirts is dry cleaning or hand washing. Each wool shirt typically has specific care instructions on the label due to varying wool content. For hand washing, soak gently rather than rubbing, allowing dirt to lift without distorting the fabric. Use a detergent specifically for wool to maintain softness and fluffiness.
4.Rayon (Artificial Silk)
Using alkaline detergents can harm rayon shirts. It’s advisable to use a mild detergent or baby wash, soaking for 15-20 minutes. For light stains, gently rub and rinse quickly to prevent fading. Rayon is also prone to snagging, so always wash it in a laundry bag and dry it in a shaded area.
By understanding these fabric care tips, you can choose shirts that not only look good but also last longer. Remember, quality shirts paired with the right fit enhance your overall style. If you're unsure about fit, consider consulting with a professional tailor for custom options!