Fabrics and Their Seasons
Fabrics for clothes come in all sorts of materials, textures, colors, patterns, and weight. But how often do we consider the fabric of our clothing before purchasing an item? Here is a helpful list of the most popular fabrics, their respective seasons, and how to wear them for the next time you buy a new piece for your wardrobe!
Popular Types of Fabric
Wool
· Usually consider a fabric for warmer weather, but can be used for all seasons
· Useful for summer suiting, especially due to its breathability and loose fit
· Versatile for different types of wardrobe pieces
· Wool can be used for everything from suiting to tweed jackets to warm sweaters, it all depends on the weight and thread count
Linen
· Light, airy, and breathable
· Usually considered material for warmer weather
· Wrinkles easily, so linen blends like linen-wool or linen-silk are helpful to alleviate this issue
· Linen can offer a more casual look
Silk
· Silk is often frequently used for more formal wear, such as cocktail dresses, blouses, or accessories
· Less breathable
· Similar to linen, it can come in blends
· Often shiny, and more delicate to take care of
· Can be all-season depending on the type of piece it is
Cashmere
· Luxury fiber that is a soft type of wool made from a particular type of goat’s hair
· Typically seen in sweaters or scarves
· Lighter type of fabric
· Usually used during colder months
Cotton
· One of the most versatile fabrics – can be thin for a t-shirt or thick for a flannel coat
· Can be used for all seasons
· Breathable
· Offers diversity in the types of pieces that can be made with it
Synthetic Fibers
· Popular synthetic fibers include polyester, rayon, bamboo, and lycra
· Made through a chemical synthesis process
· Offers a variety of blends and types of clothing
· Cheaper and lower quality material than most other fabrics
· Most frequently seen in athleisure clothing, swimwear, lingerie, and spandex due the elastic and stretchy qualities of the fabric
· Less breathable
· The drape and lay of synthetic fibers is different than a real fibers – generally, rayon and lycra lay better than polyester
Best Fabrics for Different Occasions
Professional
· Wool (including tweed)
· Linen (more casual) and linen blends
· Cashmere
· Cotton (like twills)
· Some silk (formalwear, female blouses, or accessories)
Business Casual
· Wool
· Linen and linen blends
· Cotton (most types)
· Denim (depending on the environment)
· Leather (depending on the environment)
· Synthetic fabrics
Casual
· Cotton
· Linen and linen blends
· Denim
· Leather
· Synthetic fabrics
Fabrics for Each Season
Fabrics are measured in weight per square yard. The smaller the number, the lighter the fabric. In general, the heavier and thicker a fabric is, the more appropriate it will be for colder months like fall and winter. Conversely, the lighter and thinner a fabric is, the more appropriate it is for warmer months like spring and summer. When choosing a fabric for each season, consider its weight, insulation, and breathability.
Spring
· Cotton
· Denim
· Wool
· Silk
· Cotton and cotton blends
· Some cashmere (consider brighter colors)
· Synthetic blends
· Some leather
Summer
· Linen
· Cotton and cotton blends
· Some silk
· Denim
· Synthetic blends
· Wool
Fall
· Cotton
· Denim
· Wool
· Some silks
· Cotton blends
· Some cashmere (for colder months)
· Synthetic blends
· Leather
Winter
· Cotton
· Denim
· Wool
· Some silks
· Cotton blends
· Cashmere
· Synthetic blends
· Leather
General Things to Remember for Fabrics
Pattern and texture in fabrics is incredibly important to remember for seasonal pieces and how each plays into an outfit. Plain cable knit sweaters or checkered flannel are great for fall and winter, but loose-fitting canvas or tropical and floral prints are better for spring and summer. As you shop stores by season, you’ll notice these trends. However, be aware of this when shopping in clearance or thrifting since these options are not season-specific. The best way to determine if the fabric is season-appropriate and quality material is for is to feel it in your hands.
Did you Know?
The stigma against wearing white after Labor Day dates back to the 1800’s when wearing white meant you could afford to vacation when Summer ended. It was a classist stereotype that those in the lower, working class level of society shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day because they weren’t really “worthy” of doing so, in that they couldn’t afford to vacation and therefore had to stick to their blue collar clothing.
Stylishly yours,
Leah Nalepa and Anthony Bolognese
