Cooling compared

Short answer: Linen cools best in direct sun, bamboo viscose feels coolest against the skin, and polyester cools least, because moisture stays trapped between skin and fabric. Which one feels best depends on the weather and how much you move.

Two kinds of cooling

One kind of cooling is air circulation. Linen is best at this, because the fabric is open and stands slightly away from the body. The other is moisture transport, where bamboo viscose does well by moving sweat away from the skin. The two work in different conditions, see long sleeve styles.

The first touch

A smooth, dense fabric draws heat away from the skin the moment you put it on. That is the cool feeling many people describe with bamboo viscose. It does not last all day, but it makes getting dressed on a warm morning pleasant. Many know the feeling from bamboo joggers for women.

Over a whole day

After a while, moisture transport decides how you feel. If the skin stays dry, you feel cooler all day, even when you sit still in an office or on a train. A fabric that stays wet feels sticky and warm instead. See how it works in practice in the range for women.

Linen in direct sun

Linen has an open weave and a slightly stiff drape. The fabric only touches the skin in a few places, and air can flow freely through it. In direct sun with plenty of heat and wind, that is a real advantage. On the other hand, linen creases easily and feels rougher than a soft knit.

Why polyester feels warm

Polyester absorbs almost no moisture. Sweat therefore stays between skin and fabric until it evaporates. In a light breeze or during hard training that can happen quickly, but in still heat polyester often feels clammy. That is why many people choose other materials for everyday wear in summer when they are not training.

Long sleeves in the heat

It may sound odd, but a thin long sleeve layer can feel cooler than bare arms in strong sun. The fabric shades the skin, and if it also moves moisture, the skin does not become hot and sticky. This is especially true when you are outside all day, on a walk or a long trip.

Colour and thickness

A thin fabric lets heat escape more easily than a thick one, whatever the material. Light colours reflect more sunlight than dark ones and feel cooler in direct sun. In the shade and indoors, colour matters less. So choose the thinnest quality you are happy with when it is hot, and save thick tops for the evening.

How to stay cool

Choose a thin fabric that moves moisture and leave a little air around the body. Change into a dry layer if you have sweated a lot, because a wet layer holds the heat in. And remember that clothing is only part of it: shade, water and breaks matter just as much on a hot day.

Frequently asked questions

Does fabric actively cool

No. Fabric removes heat and moisture from the skin, but it does not produce cold. The cool feeling comes from the skin staying dry and heat being carried away.

What is coolest in the shade

Bamboo viscose, because moisture transport matters most when the sun is not shining on you. In the shade there is less heat and wind to deal with, so dry skin makes the difference.

Does a loose fit help

Yes, a little. Air between fabric and skin makes a noticeable difference in the heat, because moisture and warmth escape more easily when the fabric is not close all the way round.