When the first heat waves arrive, the same small gestures reappear all over Europe.
Shutting the shutters before leaving for work. Instinctively seeking the shady side of the street. Shifting walks to the morning or late afternoon. In apartments, windows stay open a little longer at dawn to let in cool air before the heat sets in.
And then there are the clothes.
Some stay at the back of the wardrobe for several weeks. Others suddenly become the most comfortable to wear.
A loose shirt brought out every summer. A light dress that accompanies the hottest days. A thin scarf kept in a bag "just in case." A cap that has become essential for walks in the full sun.
We don't always think about the materials that make up these clothes. Yet, they directly influence our comfort.
When temperatures rise, the difference between a comfortable fabric and an uncomfortable one often becomes much more noticeable. Some textiles seem to naturally cope with the heat. Others quickly give a feeling of dampness, heaviness, or stuffiness.
In our previous article on heat waves, we saw that the body already has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature when the thermometer climbs.
The materials surrounding the body can then facilitate this work... or complicate it.
But contrary to some common misconceptions, there isn't one perfect material for all situations.
So, how do you navigate this when summer sets in?
When the heat sets in, comfort becomes a matter of detail
On a temperate day, we rarely notice the materials we wear.
But when it's been 32°C for several days, certain details suddenly become much more important.
A fabric that sticks to the skin after a few minutes of walking. A shirt that remains pleasant despite the heat. A garment that seems to retain moisture while another feels lighter throughout the day.
These differences are not just personal impressions.
Materials constantly interact with heat, air, and the moisture produced by our bodies. Their ability to allow air circulation or absorb some perspiration directly influences the perceived comfort.
This is particularly true in summer when the body is already trying to dissipate excess heat to maintain its balance.
Why do some materials feel more pleasant in summer?
When we are hot, the body activates several natural cooling mechanisms.
Sweating is one of them.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not perspiration itself that cools the body, but its evaporation. When this evaporation occurs easily, the feeling of comfort is generally better.
Materials that promote air circulation and limit moisture accumulation are therefore often perceived as more pleasant during hot periods.
But the composition of a fabric is not the only element to consider.
Its thickness, weave, density, or even color can significantly alter the perceived sensation.
This is why two garments made from cotton can sometimes provide very different sensations.
Cotton: a classic that has accompanied summers for generations
Among the most used materials in summer, cotton holds a special place.
Found in everyday clothing, home linens, and accessories, it continues to be appreciated for its softness and versatility.
Cotton absorbs moisture relatively well and generally remains pleasant against the skin. When light and not dense, it also promotes good air circulation during hot periods.
However, not all cotton fabrics are alike.
Thick denim or fleece will obviously not offer the same sensations as a light canvas or cotton gauze. As with most textile fibers, comfort depends as much on the material as on its weave and use.
The latter has also become particularly popular in recent years. Its airy weave naturally creates small spaces that allow more air to circulate and provide a feeling of lightness often sought after in summer. We detail more broadly the characteristics of cotton, linen, and other fibers in our material guide.
Cotton also has a fascinating history that extends far beyond simple clothing. If you're interested, we delve into its journey in our article: From cotton field to cap: how this fiber becomes an everyday accessory
Linen, a material associated with European summers
In many regions of Europe, linen is almost part of the summer landscape.
It's found in shirts worn on warm evenings, curtains gently swaying in an open window, or even holiday home linens.
This popularity isn't solely about aesthetics.
Linen generally allows good air circulation and provides a feeling of freshness, which explains its centuries-old success in warm regions.
Its slightly irregular appearance, natural creases, and particular feel also contribute to its charm.
Again, it's not a miracle material. But when used in light fabrics, linen remains one of the great classics for summer.
What about synthetic materials?
When discussing summer heat, natural materials often dominate the conversation.
However, synthetic materials sometimes deserve a more nuanced judgment.
For a long time, many synthetic garments were indeed associated with a feeling of stuffiness or poor moisture wicking. This reputation still persists today.
But not all synthetic fabrics are alike.
Some modern technical fibers have been designed precisely to promote moisture wicking and rapid drying. This is notably why they are present in many garments intended for sports or outdoor activities.
As often, the quality of the fabric, its thickness, and its use matter more than the simple label indicating its composition.
A well-designed technical synthetic fabric can sometimes prove more comfortable than very thick cotton on a particularly hot day.
The goal is therefore not to designate a winning material, but to understand the qualities and limitations of each.
Hair, scalp, and heat: often forgotten comfort
As temperatures rise, we naturally pay more attention to our clothes.
However, hair and scalp also contribute to our sense of comfort.
This is particularly noticeable on hot days spent in the city, on a terrace, during a walk, or on public transport.
Hair can retain more moisture. The scalp can sometimes become more sensitive. The back of the neck stays warm longer. Hair tied up all day can create an additional sensation of heat or tension.
These minor discomforts are generally harmless, but they contribute to the overall feeling of fatigue that some people experience during hot periods.
This is also why many people adapt their accessories in summer.
A light cap can create a pleasant shaded area for the face and scalp. A thin headband helps keep hair back while clearing the forehead and limiting some friction related to perspiration.
For very hot days, many people thus prefer light, breathable accessories that complement movement rather than creating a feeling of heaviness.
We have also dedicated an entire article to the often underestimated importance of this protection.
How to choose an accessory when it's very hot?
As with clothing, there isn't one single accessory suitable for all situations.
A stroll through a historic city in the middle of the afternoon doesn't present the same challenges as a hike, a bike ride, or a day spent by the water.
In some cases, creating a shaded area will be the priority. In others, it's more about air circulation or keeping hair in place that will contribute to comfort.
The materials used then play an important role.
Light, flexible, and breathable fabrics are often preferred when temperatures rise. They generally allow better accompaniment of daily movements while limiting certain sensations of overheating.
Beyond the material itself, comfort also depends on the shape, weight, and use of the accessory.
An accessory that one forgets once worn is often the one that best fulfills its role. For those who appreciate simple and light accessories during the summer, our Aubin cap well illustrates this search for everyday comfort.
Summer is often a matter of balance
We sometimes spend a lot of time looking for the perfect material.
Yet, comfort during hot weather rarely depends on a single element.
It results instead from a set of small adjustments that, put together, truly change daily life.
Seeking more shade. Adapting one's pace. Opening windows early in the morning. Choosing lighter fabrics. Wearing an accessory adapted to one's environment.
Materials contribute to this balance.
Light cotton, cotton gauze, or linen continue to be appreciated because they naturally accompany these summer gestures found in many regions of Europe.
But deep down, the best material is often the one you forget about.
The one that doesn't stick to your skin when the air gets heavy.
The one that lets a light breeze circulate during a late afternoon stroll.
The one that simply allows you to enjoy summer more without constantly thinking about the heat.
Sources and References
The information presented in this article is based on works dedicated to the properties of textile fibers, thermal comfort, and human thermoregulation mechanisms.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Heat and Health
- European Environment Agency (EEA) – Climate change and heat exposure in Europe
- Textile Exchange – Natural Fibres and Textile Materials
- International Journal of Biometeorology – studies on thermal comfort and clothing
- Guyton & Hall – Textbook of Medical Physiology
- European Clothing Action Plan – Textile materials and sustainability