Sewing for the summer: Choosing the right fabrics! Description, cons, pluses…. What to wear in the heat: Natural fabrics, the right colors and things Fabric that is not hot

Hot weather is relaxing. On a beautiful summer day we fill up good mood and enjoy the comfort. This feeling should be supported by comfortable summer clothes. No outerwear, just shorts, T-shirts. Only in the evenings a light jacket and chinos.

How can a man dress in the summer without sacrificing comfort? How to look stylish and presentable in the summer? Which materials are more suitable for summer clothes, and which are not. Let's look for answers together.


When it comes to classic clothes in hot weather, a dilemma arises. Most of the styles of clothing and dress codes come to us from the old world (Kingdom of Great Britain), where it is usually cold and rainy. It is obvious that summer clothes there developed poorly, if at all.

Therefore, it is obvious that a woolen suit or fashionable jersey in the heat, when the thermometer is +30 Celsius, does not have to be remembered. What should a stylish gentleman wear in the summer?

On the open spaces of the Russian Internet, there are many articles on this topic, but most of them are addressed to girls. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the situation and draw up a complete guide for men.

The topic is quite extensive, so I will divide it into 2 or even 3 parts. In the first part, we will look at general principles which should be adhered to in summer and types of fabrics that are more or less suitable for summer. we will look at wardrobe items that can be worn in the summer without discomfort. In the third part, we will look at shoes and accessories for men in demand in the summer.

The main characteristics of summer men's clothing

Looking good for a man is important, however, when it comes to the hot season, the priority is still in functionality. What to look for when buying and choosing summer clothes:

Lightweight fabrics

What really matters in summer is the thickness and weight of the fabric. The thinner and lighter the fabric, the more comfortable the feel and the better the air circulation.

Take clothes in your hands and try to estimate their weight. If the item seems pretty easy to you, try putting it on and walking around the store. If you do not sweat and feel discomfort - feel free to buy.

The lighter the fabric, the better it is for summer.

Breathable fabric

The fabric can be light, but the weave of the threads in it can be very dense and air will not circulate through it. And this, of course, will lead to excessive overheating and sweating (not a very pleasant word, but what to do ...).

Not so long ago, we talked about. There I gave advice on how to determine the "breathable" fabric or not. In short: take the thing, bring it to your mouth and try to breathe through it. If you can breathe, then the fabric is fine.

The easier it is to breathe through the fabric, the more preferable the fabric is for summer.

Sun protection

Are you thinking about sun protection? Direct sunlight falling on your skin will warm up your entire body. Not to mention skin burns, if the sun is especially active and you are careless.

Fortunately, there is a way out of this situation, it is enough to wear a light shirt with long sleeves, long pants and headpiece in the form. You can to protect your eyes from sunlight. But all this is obvious.

The color of all these things is much more important. Use light-colored clothing to reflect direct sunlight. Simple physics works - black accumulates and absorbs more light than it reflects. In this regard, wear mostly white or light-colored clothes.

In the sun, wear clothing that completely covers your exposed areas. Also, only use light colors.

Pursuit of style

The main problem with summer clothes is that they are a product of necessity, not style. Perhaps someone will argue and say that shorts look better than chinos or khakis. But I have a different opinion.

If I see a man in shorts and a T-shirt, I will think that this is a person of not very high status and is working as a “handyman” somewhere. Will he be stylishly dressed? Not sure. It all depends on his sense of style and taste, additional accessories, selected prints, colors and more…. It's another matter when you put on a shirt, chinos, etc. Human perception is completely different.

Of course, you can tell me that the man in the stretched T-shirt and shorts is a millionaire on vacation. Maybe so, but you can't tell from his clothes.

Therefore, in summer clothes, you always have to chase style in order to look a little better than a guy from a neighboring yard. Creating a stylish summer look is a secondary, but not unimportant task.

Suitable fabrics for summer wear

So, we examined above 4 main characteristics of summer clothes. What's next?

There are more and less suitable fabrics for sewing summer clothes. Let's start with the materials used to make summer fabrics.

Linen

Linen is the best natural material that can be used for sewing clothes. It is lightweight, breathable and allows you to create a unique weave pattern. However, it has a drawback - linen wrinkles easily. On the other hand, this is also its charm.


Modern textile production sews jackets, trousers, suits, shirts and T-shirts from linen fabric. Linen is used to make bags, shoes, hats and other accessories. Linen is often dyed in muted pastel colors to emphasize the lightness of the material.

Advantages of linen fabric:

  1. Very lightweight and breathable fabric.
  2. Interesting weave of fabric threads, which cannot be confused with anything.
  3. Evaporates moisture quickly without retaining it.

Disadvantages of linen fabric:

  1. Expensive fabric, and often used by expensive brands.
  2. It creases easily and is extremely difficult to iron (even if you know, after 30 minutes the linen shirt will still be wrinkled).
  3. It wears out quickly and is difficult to care for, delicate fabric.

Wool

Usually we forget about woolen things in the summer and remember only in late autumn. Woolen suits, woolen knitwear, woolen blazers and everything else are customary to wear in the cold season.


However, there are woolen items made from very fine and light woolen thread. Summer suits are made of wool with a value of 140-170 units. Let me remind you that 140 units means how many kilometers of thread can be made from 1 kilogram of wool.

In addition to fabrics for classic suits, make a flannel. Flannel shirts are sewn from it, which are comfortable to wear on cool summer evenings.

Advantages of woolen fabric:

  1. The most beautiful and neat fabrics are made from wool.
  2. Wool fabric lends itself better to care and ironing than linen.
  3. Wool breathes and dries better than cotton.

Disadvantages of wool fabric:

  1. Heavier than linen and cotton.
  2. Expensive material.
  3. Not all woolen fabrics are suitable for summer.

Cotton

Most of the items in our wardrobe are from. It is lightweight, breathable. It is much cheaper than wool and linen. However, there are cotton items for both winter and summer seasons. The whole difference is in the weave and the thickness of the threads.


  • Twill- thick cotton twill weave. Most of the jeans are made of twill with a characteristic herringbone pattern. If the thread is very thin, then the clothes are quite suitable for the summer. But if the thread is thick, then wear such clothes exclusively in the cold season.
  • Poplin- variety cotton fabric with small indentations. Due to the different tension of the threads of the upper and lower layers, a small air space is formed between them. Poplin dries quickly and blows out easily. Summer shirts, polos, as well as trousers and jackets are sewn from poplin fabric. Summer suits made of poplin fabric are also on sale.
  • Searsaker or wrinkled chintz, is a corrugated fabric with different tension of the lower and upper threads. Unlike poplin, it has a more pronounced relief and has a softer texture. Seersucker fabric is the lightest and most breathable fabric from which things are made (we do not take chintz into account). Shirts, trousers, and also summer suits are sewn from seersaker fabric.
  • Madras- lightweight cotton twill weave. It has a characteristic pattern in the form of cells of different colors. The texture is softer than poplin and seersucker. Shirts, shorts or sports jackets are sewn from madras. The fabric is well suited for the summer heat, as it is easily blown by the wind.

These were the most common types of cotton fabric used for summer clothing.

In order not to torment the seller, what kind of fabric was used in the tailoring of the shirt, just run a couple of tests. First, try breathing through the fabric. Second, look at the fabric in the light. The easier it is to breathe and the ray shines through, the more preferable a cotton thing for summer.

Advantages of cotton fabric:

  1. Low cost and easy availability.
  2. Many lightweight and breathable types of fabrics.
  3. The most unpretentious material.

Disadvantages of cotton fabric:

  1. It retains moisture more than wool and linen.
  2. Not a very noble fabric.
  3. May lose shape and color after several washes.

Silk

The most best combination strength and low weight lies in silk. Silk is great for evening gowns or men's tuxedos. To match the summer heat, silk items need to be loose and fairly thin.


Silk is used to make men's shirts, jackets, vests, trousers and tuxedos.

Silk fabric advantages:

  1. Smooth structure, very pleasant to the touch.
  2. The thinnest and lightest fabrics are made from silk.
  3. The colors retain their shine for a long time.

Disadvantages of silk:

  1. Expensive fabric, if we talk about natural silk.
  2. The fabric wrinkles quickly and is difficult to clean.
  3. Retains moisture.

Synthetic materials

With synthetic materials, not everything is so simple. The fact is that modern technologies make it possible to produce materials with different desired properties. For example, thermal underwear, specially made for athletes, allows you to keep warm, evaporate moisture and withstand high loads, preventing increased wear and tear.


At the same time, there are materials such as polyester or viscose, which, apart from the price and reduced wear of fabrics, do not have outstanding properties. Synthetics are breathable, can cause allergies and are not considered preferable for good clothing.

Advantages of synthetic fabrics:

  1. Low cost.
  2. Special synthetic materials evaporate moisture well.
  3. The fabric is very lightweight.

Disadvantages of synthetics:

  1. Viscose or polyester is poorly breathable and does not evaporate moisture.
  2. Synthetics can cause irritation or allergies.
  3. Synthetics are added to save money in the production of clothing.

Any woman dreams of looking attractive, regardless of age and weather, but this desire is especially vividly manifested in the summer, when you can part with a heavy and hiding figure. outerwear and appear in front of others in all its glory. In addition, the hot season is the holiday season, and every girl wants to become the goddess of some beach resort, causing admiration, including for her luxurious outfits. However, in order to feel comfortable, you need to correctly choose not only the style of the toilet, but also the material for its manufacture, so many want to know what fabrics for summer dress are the most suitable.

As you know, the first fabric was created 7-8 millennia ago. This event became a real revolution, which made it possible to abandon the wearing of skins. Scientific and technological progress made the production of fabrics cheaper, and the appearance of synthetic materials made it possible to develop completely new types of textiles. Today the market offers the most different fabrics... They differ in their properties, so their right choice can make clothes more comfortable for a particular season.

What is the best fabric for a summer dress?

Talking about the choice of textiles for sewing women's clothing for the hot season, first of all, it should be emphasized that two approaches are possible. In the first case, the choice is made based on the comfort and hygiene of the fabric, and in the second - on its appearance. Indeed, in some cases, for example, when choosing a toilet for evening out in the light, ladies prefer to endure some inconvenience, but look stunning. On a completely different principle, you should buy fabric for clothes intended for walking or visiting. public places in the daytime. In particular, it should be, if possible, from. This does not exclude the addition of a certain percentage of synthetic fibers. In particular, summer fabrics for dresses can be made of cotton with the addition of lycra (5%), which allows the clothes to retain their attractive appearance for a long time and fit the figure well.

Natural fabrics

Today it is hard to believe, but our mothers and grandmothers were delighted if they managed to buy, or rather “get it” by hook or by crook, for example, a nylon shirt. Times have changed, and most modern girls prefer summer dresses made from natural fabrics. Most often they are made from cotton, linen and silk. At the moment, there is a huge variety of options for such textiles. In particular, burlap and fine linen are made of linen, and chintz, satin, percale, poplin, flannel, satin-jacquard and about a dozen, as they say, for every taste and wallet, are made from cotton.

Thus, girls who are fans of everything natural have a huge selection of options. It makes sense to get to know the most popular of them better.

Batiste

When deciding what fabric to sew a summer dress from, pay attention to the invention of French weavers. It got its name from the name of its creator - Jean Baptiste Chamri. New fabric immediately became very popular with both men and women. Today, a variety of cambric sundresses and blouses are in fashion. They can be very simple cut or decorated with rich embroidery and lace. The advantage of cambric dresses is their lightness, hygroscopicity and pleasantness to the touch. In addition, regardless of the style, they rejuvenate their mistresses, as they are usually painted in light colors.

Chintz

Modern women of fashion, choosing summer fabrics for a dress, often undeservedly bypass ordinary chintz. But today you can buy such textiles in very beautiful colors and prints. Moreover, considering that this material is lightweight, durable and allows the body to breathe freely, it becomes clear that your wardrobe simply needs a couple of chintz sundresses or blouses.

Satin

If you are interested in fabrics for a summer dress for special occasions, then pay attention to satin. It is made from 100% cotton and at the same time looks incredibly rich, competing even with natural silk. Satin and is able to withstand many washes. Satin dresses attract with beautiful shine and are incredibly pleasant to the touch.

Atlas

For many centuries, the rich and famous prefer to choose satin as a fabric for a summer dress for a solemn occasion. It is made from 100% silk or with synthetic additives.

This fabric is ideal for sewing a chic wedding dress, including for a celebration planned for the summer. They will also look irresistible for bridesmaids or on prom, of course, if the parents agree to shell out a lump sum, since this is far from a cheap option.

Chiffon

When asked what fabrics should be for a summer dress, most girls answer: beautiful, light and airy. Chiffon corresponds to all these epithets. It is ideal for sewing resort outfits, since in such a toilet it is simply impossible to remain unnoticed while walking in the evening along the embankment of the southern city.

It was originally made from natural silk. However, there are options on the market today with various artificial additives. They are much cheaper and available to everyone, so that every girl can enrich her wardrobe with a beautiful translucent dress. In addition, chiffon is beautifully dyed and easily draped, which allows you to create original and feminine models of sundresses, skirts and tunics.

Silk

If you are faced with the choice of which fabric to sew a summer dress for a special occasion, then pay attention to textiles, the secret of making which has been kept for many centuries with seven seals. We are talking about silk, which was originally invented in China and was appreciated by European fashionistas above all other fabrics. Today it continues to be considered an adornment of any girl's wardrobe. Such toilets are not only exceptionally beautiful, but also make it easier to endure even the most exhausting heat. Of course, provided that we are talking about a 100% natural product.

Lurex

Summer fabrics for dresses can be very different. In particular, some girls often prefer lurex. True, it is considered too pretentious, but there are no comrades in taste and color, and with the correct selection of the model, a very good evening dress can turn out.

Jersey

Many girls at any time of the year strive to emphasize the dignity of their figure and do not give up tight-fitting outfits. In this case, a cotton or rayon fabric with a high elastane and synthetic content is an excellent choice. It received the general name "knitwear" and for several decades has been one of the absolute hits for sewing summer outfits. Dresses made of such fabric keep their shape well, are light and elegant. In addition, they do not require an exact fit and will not become tight, even if the lady adds 1-1.5 kg in weight.

Now you know which fabric is the most preferable for summer blouses and dresses, and you can choose the most the best way.

Reading time: 7 minutes

Summer is a long-awaited time of the year, full of joy, warmth and bright colors. And every woman's summer wardrobe should be the same - light, positive and colorful. The dress is the most suitable outfit for this time of year: it does not hinder movement, it always looks feminine, with the help of a properly selected style it is easy to adjust the figure, making the flaws completely invisible. What kind the same fabrics are suitable for sewing summer dresses?

The choice of style and color of the outfit depends on the individual characteristics of the figure, taste preferences and the occasion for which it is purchased. It can be a light sundress with thin straps, appropriate on the beach or a summer residence, or it can be elegant. city ​​dress in which you go to work. But in any case, one of the main parameters when choosing is the fabric. After all, even the most beautiful clothes made of the wrong fabric can cause a lot of discomfort and spoil the mood. So in a dress what material is not hot in summer?

In summer, in sunny weather, the air temperature is high, and if it is a large metropolis, then hot air also comes from asphalt and transport, so the main criterion in choosing is its hygienic properties.

Natural

Natural fabrics have this great advantage- they quickly absorb and evaporate moisture and allow the body to breathe. However, they also have their drawbacks: they can be much more expensive than synthetic ones, and are also inferior to them in practicality.

Cotton

An inexpensive material that is widely used both for sewing beach sundresses and for office wear. It has a different texture, density and thickness and is divided into types:,,. It is pleasant to the body, does not cause allergies and is hygroscopic. Cotton dresses turn out to be light and comfortable, it is not hot in them. They can be plain dyed and patterned.

The disadvantage of 100% cotton outfits can be considered that they wrinkle easily, fade, can shrink during washing, and also wear out rather quickly.

Silk

Natural silk fabrics are appreciated for their excellent appearance and unique properties:

  • silk is hypoallergenic;
  • pleasant to the body;
  • does not accumulate static electricity;
  • absorbs moisture;
  • dries quickly.

It is also warm in winter and cool in hot weather. Silk summer dresses fit the figure nicely, flow and look elegant.

It should be borne in mind that silk products almost do not stretch, since it is not elastic at all, and will wrinkle very much. Also the disadvantage is its high cost.

Chiffon

Linen

One of the most ancient materials for making clothes is linen yarn. The process of obtaining it is rather laborious, therefore the price for natural flax is high.

Flax has a lot of positive properties:

  • hygroscopic;
  • soft and pleasant to the body;
  • does not cause allergies;
  • retains warmth in winter and will cool the body in summer.

The biggest disadvantage of linen fabrics is that they shrink, wrinkle a lot and are difficult to smooth out. Therefore, if you want to choose a linen dress, it should be borne in mind that after a few hours, or even earlier, it may lose its visual appeal.

Crumpled clothes can give the impression of untidiness, so it is better to wear linen for walks, and not for work or official meetings.

Synthetic

Often, when choosing fabric or ready-made clothes, focusing on the appearance and texture of the fabric, instead of natural silk or cotton, we buy synthetics. However, even the name can sometimes be misleading. The “silk dress” tag may indicate the composition “100% polyester”, because it is from it that artificial silk is produced, and ready product just called silk. Synthetic fabrics are much cheaper than natural ones, as their production costs are much lower. But they have a number of disadvantages.

One of the most common types of synthetics is polyester. It is a durable and resistant to deformation and creasing of the fabric made of polymer material. In the heat, in a summer sundress made of 100% polyester, the skin will sweat a lot, as it does not breathe, does not absorb moisture and does not evaporate it. It will also become highly electrified.

The advantage of such a fabric is its durability, low cost and attractive appearance - they produce fabrics that are very similar to silk.

Mixed

And yet, synthetics can be very useful in the production of fabrics when from 5 to 20% polyester is added to natural fibers or. Almost all fabrics are now blended. Fully natural linen, cotton and silk are produced less frequently. And when a small percentage of synthetic fibers (polyester, elastane) are added to them, they acquire new qualities. This is the best variant fabrics for summer dress that become more durable, stretch better and look more attractive, moreover not strongly crumple.

Artificial

Viscose is an artificial fabric that is made from natural raw materials (wood pulp), but with the help of chemical processing. By its properties, it resembles cotton - hygroscopic, soft, breathable.

Dresses made of thin 100% viscose are lightweight, fit to the figure, do not hinder movement. But it should be borne in mind that if there are flaws in the figure, a thin viscose cloth will only emphasize them. Also, a clean one crumples a lot, stretches and quickly loses its shape, and when it gets wet it becomes completely fragile. Therefore, it is also customary to add synthetic fibers to viscose or mix it with cotton.

Other parameters

In the choice of a summer dress, in addition to the composition of the fabric, also great importance has its density and colors, which are chosen depending on the style, features of the figure and the purpose of the outfit.

Density and texture

  • So, beautiful thin translucent summer fabrics choose for voluminous dresses with draperies that look beautiful on a thin figure and will be appropriate at parties, romantic dates or just any special occasion.


Summer is associated with the sun and the sea. But this is not only a pleasant pastime on the beach and in the pond, but also unbearable heat, which becomes a real test for the body. To alleviate your condition on sultry days, you need to drink more clean water, eat fruits and vegetables, and also wear the right clothes, that is, those things in which you are comfortable. These are light airy dresses, sundresses, skirts, shorts, T-shirts and T-shirts, sewn from natural fabrics ..

What materials should be avoided in the heat

Summer heat dictates its own rules. Under the influence of the sun, high temperatures and movement, the body actively produces sweat. It must definitely evaporate. Therefore, synthetics are not the best option. Despite the fact that things made of artificial materials are bright enough, beautiful and not wrinkled, they are hazardous to health. The fact is that synthetic fabrics cover the skin, preventing air and moisture from letting in, especially when it comes to dresses, T-shirts and T-shirts that fit tightly to the body. The so-called greenhouse effect is created. The person feels discomfort.

In the heat of summer, synthetic underwear should not be worn. Lack of access to moisture and air to the perineum leads to the multiplication of bacteria, and as a result - to inflammatory processes that require immediate treatment.

Doctors also note that bright dyes applied to synthetic clothing, when exposed to high temperature and humidity, often cause allergic reactions and rashes. Therefore, no matter how fashionable the synthetic thing is, choose instead better product sewn from natural fabric.

Why natural fabrics are suitable for summer

Any summer clothing, be it a dress, skirt or shorts, should be made from natural fabrics. Why this particular material? The fact is that it allows air and moisture to pass through, thus preventing the occurrence of the greenhouse effect, allergic reactions, rashes and inflammation. In addition, clothing made from natural materials saves you from the heat and gives you a pleasant coolness throughout the whole summer day. It is much more comfortable in it than in synthetics. In addition to this, there are some things that can provide tremendous benefits to the skin. This is due to the fact that most fabrics are made from plant materials, which contain useful vitamins and minerals.

The best natural materials for a hot summer

When choosing a summer wardrobe, pay attention to things made from light natural fabrics. Cotton, linen, silk, chiffon products, as well as clothes made of thin denim, have proven themselves perfectly. Now let's take a closer look at each material.

1. Cotton
This is the most common natural fabric. Bed linen, towels, and also summer clothes are made from it: dresses, T-shirts, sundresses, shirts, trousers and so on. The advantage of this material is that it is very soft to the touch and pleasant to the body. Even when it is very hot outside, it does not stick to the skin: moisture is quickly absorbed and evaporated, and the product itself dries up in a matter of minutes.

Cotton allows the skin to breathe and also keeps it cool, preventing discomfort.

But cotton also has its drawbacks. After washing, it may shrink, causing the garment to become slightly small in size. Therefore, when sending the product to washing machine, set it to no more than 40 degrees. Flatten your cotton clothes well before drying them. Ironing such a thing is recommended wet.

Cotton wrinkles quickly enough. Therefore, if this is very annoying to you, take a closer look at those models where it is combined with polyester. Just pay attention to the fact that the percentage of cotton is higher than synthetics.
Another disadvantage of cotton is quick wear. In the sun, it becomes thinner and fading. Bright items can fade and lose their brightness after several washes.

2. Flax
This fabric is great for helping to survive in the summer heat. After all, it keeps cool for a long time. Like cotton, this material has high moisture and breathability. It is also pleasant to the touch. And linen products are also quite durable. Under the influence of active sunlight, they do not thin out and do not fade. Therefore, in addition to dresses, shirts and skirts, bags are also sewn from linen.

And another interesting feature of linen fabric is that it lowers body temperature, regulates air exchange, and also relieves inflammation on the skin. And all because the plant itself, from which the material is made, is rich in useful acids, iron, silicon and copper. These beneficial substances remain in the fibers in small amounts even after processing.

The disadvantage of linen products is that they are practically not elastic and wrinkle a lot. Therefore, if you do not have the opportunity to constantly iron a thing, choose a better mixed fabric. A great option is a mix of linen and cotton. Also, linen may shrink after washing, so it must be washed at a low temperature and dried in a special clothes dryer. The disadvantage of flax is the difficulty of ironing. Therefore, to simplify this process, it is recommended to iron the product at high temperature and with steam.

3. Chiffon
This lightweight, airy fabric is perfect for the summer heat. It allows air and moisture to pass through, making staying under the scorching sun more comfortable without overheating the body. If earlier chiffon products were a luxury and were found exclusively among noble ladies, today they are available in many stores. Flying dresses, blouses and skirts are made from light chiffon.

But this material also has another side of the coin - it is very capricious. Therefore, machine wash is not for him. Chiffon garments should only be hand washed at 30 degrees using a mild powder. It is advisable to dry them in the shade and on the table. It is necessary to iron a chiffon thing from the inside out at a temperature of about 120 degrees.

4. Silk
Natural silk is considered the most expensive fabric. And he looks rich. Therefore, dresses, blouses and skirts made of this material are perfect for special occasions. In addition to its noble appearance, silk is soft and smooth. Wearing clothes made of it is a pleasure.

Chinese silk is the best. It was in ancient China that people were the first to discover that a silk thread can be obtained from a silkworm cocoon and made into a soft and beautiful fabric.

Despite this, silk fabrics often fade in the sun, fade after washing and leave moisture stains. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of it in a special way: wash only by hand at a low temperature and using a powder for delicate washing, dry without twisting and wringing, ironing from the wrong side without steam.

5. Denim
Denim products are very relevant today. Thin jeans jackets, vests and jeans are not only comfortable to wear, but also perfectly warm on a summer evening. Rough denim vests with chiffon sundresses and skirts. The advantage of denim is its durability and excellent wear. And in terms of care, it is not as capricious as other natural fabrics. You can wash such products after 4-5 times of wearing, or even less often. It is advisable to do this in a soft mode using a soft washing powder and at a temperature of 30 degrees. Dry jeans in a horizontal position and iron them at a low temperature.
Even ordinary products made of natural materials will make you look stylish in the summer heat. At the same time, you will feel comfort and self-confidence.

I am often asked the question: "What fabrics are the best to sew summer clothes?"
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the advantages and disadvantages of fabrics together.

The attitude to tissues, even in our memory, has gone through several cardinal changes. For example, in the era of the technical revolution, there was a craze for synthetic materials, when a white nylon shirt turned out to be a dandy's dream.
After that, the pendulum swung sharply in the other direction, and we rushed to look for exclusively natural fabrics, resolutely ignoring even microscopic artificial impurities.

But today the situation has become more harmonious. It turned out that you can successfully combine natural and artificial fibers, take the best from them. It is this principle that must be adhered to when choosing a summer 2012 wardrobe.

It is one of the most ancient types of fabrics yet remains surprisingly modern. It came to us from the East, and its name literally translated from Arabic means "smooth".

The effect of a smooth, shiny satin surface is achieved due to the intricate weaving of threads.

Initially it was only a very expensive silk satin, which became a part of the image of the highest caste.

By the way, there were a huge number of types of atlas. For example, Mentenon with luxurious flowers on a dark or light background or a pompadour with golden garlands of flowers on a dark background.

Later, the base of the satin was made of cotton instead of silk. This made the fabric cheaper. A in the second half of the twentieth century, polyester, acetate and other artificial fabrics were used. It is these fabrics that are used for the most relevant models of this summer.

Polyester satin is durable and doesn't wrinkle too much. Acetate satin is best used for form-fitting garments because it tends to stretch along the seam lines.

Atlas is a classic for all occasions. However, one must understand that this is a very difficult material both in processing and in care.

It should be just as careful to dry, since ugly stains may remain on the satin surface (this is especially true for the most expensive types of natural silk.

The most practical and comfortable is satin based on polyester, as well as knitted fabric with a satin effect.

approximate cost

A natural silk satin - 600-700 rubles per meter, a polyester-based satin - 200-250 rubles, a knitted fabric with a satin effect - 200-220 rubles.


The most widespread, affordable and familiar material for the summer. It is made from natural textile fibers. There are a huge number of types of fabrics made from this fiber - calico, flannel, calico, teak, twill, matting, chintz, satin, cambric, chiffon, marquise other.

A fairly durable canvas (except for cambric), cheap, well-painted. Possesses good hygiene properties. Retains color after many washes. Differs in high hygroscopicity, which is especially important for hot summers.

Most cotton fabrics are prone to shrinkage (when washing in hot water, drying). In addition, some types of cotton fabrics fade, and therefore require careful selection of washing powders and careful observance of the temperature regime. Drying cotton items can be very difficult to iron.

approximate cost

The most affordable fabrics - from 100 to 350 rubles per meter.


One of the most comfortable options for a hot summer. It is, rather, a product of European weaving art.

Despite the fact that in translation from French "chiffon" literally means "rag", for a long time this type of fabric was also an accessory of high society and was used to create evening dresses.

There are many types of chiffon now. Silk chiffon is considered a classic, which is the most expensive and luxurious.
Naturally, he goes to evening dresses or dresses for special occasions (for example, wedding).

Chiffon is a thin and at the same time quite dense material. It is ideal for dresses and blouses. He beautifully dyed and draped. And if the satin looks a little pompous and prim, chiffon is very feminine.

Cotton chiffon - a great option for the lungs summer sundresses(say hippie style) and also for baby underwear. Insofar as polyester or nylon chiffon softly draped, layered dresses or skirts are often sewn from it.

Chiffon is comfortable in every sense. If it is cotton-based, it allows the body to breathe easily, sews well, washable and ironed.

Chiffon on a silk basis when sewing "crumbles" in about the same way as satin. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to take it, but to transfer the matter to professionals.

The best option is mixed, in which the fabric is about a third of cotton fibers and two-thirds of the same polyester.

approximate cost

Cotton-based chiffon is very affordable - you can pick up options from 150 to 250 rubles. The price of silk-based chiffon varies from 300 to 400 rubles per meter.


It is one of the most expensive and luxurious natural materials. Japanese is considered the best. Up to five hundred species are produced in this country natural silk (for comparison: in modern Europe - less than ten species).

Natural silk is also supplied to Russia from Turkey and China, but its quality should be treated very carefully.

High-quality natural silk has a very high density weave threads, that is, their number per square centimeter reaches 130-280. The higher this indicator, the stronger and more durable things are.

Moreover, they practically do not wrinkle. And besides, such a fabric does not heat up in heat and absorbs moisture well.

Please note that natural silk sheds heavily when washed (especially in hot water). Generally, it is better to give things made of natural silk to dry cleaning.

In addition, ugly stains remain from wet stains on such things (these can be sweat stains or stains during ironing, if the thing is dry and we spray it with water).

approximate cost

Even the most simple types there are a lot of natural silk. But if you really choose this option, then you should look for better quality fabrics. Average the cost of a meter will be from 180 to 380 rubles.


This is a feature of the current season, although the first manifestation of interest in this material could also be seen in the winter collection. And details or garments from sewing often appear in the ethnic collection of different designers.

These can be different types of fabrics - cotton, linen, knitted jersey. The main thing that unites them is openwork inserts.

They can be on any item of women's wardrobe - a skirt, blouse, dress, top. Recently, swimwear and trousers have even been made in this style.

The classic version of sewing is cutwork embroidery. She was adored by our grandmothers, who exchanged particularly exquisite embroidery designs and turned even the simplest cotton dresses into elegant outfits.

If you prefer fabrics with a ready-made openwork pattern, then this option is for you. These fabrics are usually lightweight, breathable, and therefore great for summer.

The best option is sewing from blended or synthetic fabrics, as well as stretch fabrics. It looks great, wears well and will last a long time in your wardrobe.

It should be understood that when sewing from such fabrics, it is quite difficult to combine patterns and make strong seams. And all the more difficult it is all in the wash.

The care of sewing dresses or blouses depends on the underlying fibers. For example, sewing based on natural linen is hard to wash and even worse ironing.

The most comfortable feeling is from cotton sewing, however, clothes made of it will not last more than one season, the fabric turns gray or yellow.

approximate cost

Sewing based on natural flax - 250-290 rubles per meter, sewing from mixed or synthetic fabrics, as well as from stretch fabrics will cost you from 300 to 400 rubles per meter.


It belongs to the type of textile fibers that are obtained from the stems and leaves of plants, and therefore is one of the most ancient types of fabrics. The production of linen is quite laborious even with modern technologies so it is more expensive than, say, cotton.

Linen is dense enough to be used to create both thin blouses and summer jackets. Moreover, this the canvas is very strong, it is worn for a long time.

Linen perfectly absorbs moisture and evaporates it quickly (unlike cotton), and therefore it is not hot in it, and this is a great option for summer. Linen clothes tolerate boiling and bleaching well, however, when washing, you must strictly observe the temperature regime.

Linen wrinkles quickly, and most importantly, it is very poorly ironed. In addition, when sewing, the edges of it crumble a lot. When buying, it is imperative to make sure that linen items are not sewn to the very edge, otherwise after the very first wash all the seams will "creep away".

approximate cost

Quality linen costs money. Its cost starts from 250 rubles per square meter. Linen with sewing or embroidery can cost up to 450 rubles per meter.


Lurex fabrics


Many do not like them, considering them too pretentious and tasteless. However, with the return of the trends of the 70s and 80s, fabrics with lurex invariably return to fashion.

True, they look a little different every time, and in their manufacture all new - more modern and sophisticated - technologies are used.

It is clear that the current fashionable summer, passing "under the sign" of the 80s, one cannot do without such shiny fabrics. Especially considering that things in a similar style are good for vacation reckless fun.

It should be noted right away that this is not brocade. This is exactly summer fabrics with various bases (from chiffon to transparent gauze), into which a metal thread is woven.

Fabrics with lurex look very impressive. They are usually made on the basis of lightweight fabrics, therefore, they allow the skin to breathe.

Due to this structure, such things often require lining (since the seams are quite uncomfortable) and require special care when wearing and washing.

Naturally, such things should be washed only by hand, with carefully selected detergents, due to which the coating of the metallized thread will not fade.

Lurex fabrics should not be squeezed out, you just need to let the water drain.

approximate cost

They are not cheap if you are thinking of a good level of quality. Again, the cost will depend on what fibers are the basis of the base fabric. So, chiffon with lurex will cost less than knitted fabric.

However, if you are determined to make your outfit look expensive and elegant this summer, then you should set yourself up for 400-450 rubles per meter.


New synthetics


Once upon a time, artificial fabrics were such a bright and expensive novelty that they made women of fashion simply lose their heads. The dress from crimplen was the height of all dreams come true.

But we quickly changed in our love for synthetic fabrics, almost anathematizing them. And until now, many are wary of artificial materials, meticulously studying labels on clothes.

Meanwhile, today almost no 100% natural fabrics are produced. Most fabrics are blended.

This summer, designers have used the entire arsenal of synthetic and blended fabrics. it viscose and acetate, as well as polyamide, polyester, polyacrylonitrile fibers. Popular this season and synthetic threads with a metallic sheen.

By and large, artificial fabrics in any specialized store make up the lion's share of the assortment and, in terms of their consumer properties, can compete with any natural fabrics.

The addition of artificial threads does not at all impair the consumer properties, the comfort of such clothes and adds new properties to it.

So, polyester georgette completely replaces natural crepe georgette, drape well and suits airy light dresses. A polyester organza Ideal for trendy sheer puff sleeves.

They hygroscopic, washable well, do not lose color, allow the body to breathe no worse than cotton or linen, drape effectively. It is simply advisable to select fabrics from well-known manufacturers who guarantee quality.

May cause irritation to the skin, so be careful when choosing synthetic fabrics.

approximate cost

A blouse made of polyester (rayon, chiffon, satin, satin, and so on) will cost you 140-230 rubles per meter, and, say, nylon corduroy - already 300-400 rubles.


It is a fiber that has many attractive qualities due to the fact that it combines the positive properties of natural and artificial fabrics.

Viscose cloth is produced by chemical treatment from cellulose. In fact, this is cellulose, only without any impurities. Viscose fabrics can look like cotton, linen, woolen, silk.

Dresses, blouses, tops made of viscose fabric are great for the summer heat, as they allow the skin to breathe, and absorb moisture even better than cotton. In addition, viscose fabric soft, thin, drape well and retains color.

Viscose is not as strong as natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Therefore, it requires special care.

It should be washed by hand or in the machine in a gentle wash mode at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. You should be even more careful when spinning such things, otherwise they will simply "creep away" after one or two washings.

approximate cost

Viscose cloth is quite affordable - 180-280 rubles per meter. However, sometimes substandard synthetic fabrics are sold under the guise of it.



it must-have of the current fashion season. Wrinkled fabrics (called crinkle or crash ) also came to us from the era of the 80s. The first "test of the pen" took place in the winter collections, but the summer fashion gave more room for the realization of fantasies.

When you look at modern crinkled fabrics, you realize that the originals of the 80s, which are now copied by modern designers, are actually much poorer and weaker than the current options.

During this time, technologies have advanced so much that they allow you to create real miracles with fabrics. And this summer the designers of many leading fashion houses took advantage of this with pleasure.

Moreover, they presented a rather interesting variety of crumpled fabrics - thin and dense, monochromatic and with prints, with small creases and large accented "wrinkles".

They are perfectly washed and retain their texture after many washes.

The peculiarity of caring for things made of wrinkled fabrics is not to allow folds and creases to disperse. Respectively, it is strongly not recommended to iron them.

And some technically advanced young ladies recommend to dry things in the microwave to preserve the pristine structure of the fabric after washing.

approximate cost

In fact, this is not a kind of fabric, but a kind technological processing any fabric. And therefore the price will depend on the base fabric.

So, wrinkled linen will cost you 300-350 rubles, and wrinkled chiffon - 200-250 rubles. Naturally, more expensive fabrics will cost even more after additional processing.

I think it will be interesting for you.

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