Your Guide to Fabrics for Summer!


Summer is here, and while we're all psyched for the perpetually warm weather ahead after a tough winter, pretty soon it's inevitable that the heat, humidity, and summer sun will leave us feeling, well, less than fresh.
Chrissy Volk, wardrobe consultant for Adahlia Volk, has put together a cheat sheet for navigating through the best, most breathable fabrics for the season. Whoever looks at clothing "ingredient" listings on the tag—well, this season, think of this as your guide to "cool."
DENIM
COTTON + STRETCH = CUTE BUTT: Cotton jeans are the lightest for summer, because they are airy and breathable. However, jeans with a small content of stretch are the most flattering. They will move with your body and its movements.
BEST DENIM BLENDS: Chrissy suggests denim with a high cotton content and small synthetic content. A jean with either a 98% cotton/2% lycra or 96 % cotton/4% lycra fabric is a good combination. Joe’s Jeans, Seven For all Mankind, Citizen, and Gap are all great for this combo!
TEES AND TANKS
SOFTEST TEES: Cotton tees and tanks are favored in the summer time because they are so breathable. Look for pima and supima cotton—they are the softest cottons.
FABRIC BLENDS AND THE "WEAR" OF YOUR FAVE SHIRTS: Combination fabric blends are often used so that garments will retain shape and remain durable over a period of time. Cotton blended with polyester, for instance, will retain its shape well and will also resist shrinkage.
SURPRISE FABRIC TO LOOK FOR: Look for rayon! It drapes well and keeps its shape, even when wet.
SLIMMING TEES AND TANKS: If you are looking for a tank that holds its shape day after day, Chrissy personally love James Perse, Target, or BP—a Nordstroms brand. They are a Cotton/Spandex blend, so you can throw them on day after day, and they will hold their shape very well. The blend you should look for is 94% cotton/ 6% spandex for a more tight fitting, yet slimming, tee or tank.
DRESSES
CAN'T GO WRONG AIRY DRESSES: 100% cotton is the way to go for light and airy dresses!
DRESSIER "DRESS"ING: For dressier occasions, ditch the polyester blends and look for 100% silk which is more breathable and cool! Another option could be a chiffon (which is made from either silk or nylon), which is also breathable and light. Look for a lining in an acetate or nylon blend.
BODY CON OPTIONS: If you do love a tighter fit, opt for a poly-blend with spandex; it allows for more flexibility in the fabric and pulls moisture away from the skin, making cooler than just polyester alone.
Adahlia Volk is the brainchild of Chrissy Volk. Chrissy brings years of fashion knowledge and a love of making people feel good to Adahlia Volk, Style and Image Consultancy ( http://adahliavolk.com/). Chrissy is highly experienced and has years of experience within the fashion industry.