Summer is here at last. Although it hasn’t quite arrived with the same fanfare as in previous years, there’s still a lot to look forward to. Warm weather, cold drinks, vacations to exotic locales, and a whole lot more.
Whether you’re chilling on the beach, relaxing on your balcony, or simply bumming around at home, comfort is everything. With that in mind, it’s important that you not only choose the right clothing but also the right material for that clothing. T-shirts are definitely a great option, but not all t-shirts are created equal.
In the past, they were generally all made from the same material, standard cotton. However, in today’s world of blended, natural, and synthetic fabrics, it’s not the only option available to you. Far from it, in fact.
We’ll go over the three best T-shirt fabrics for enjoying the summer sun, and you can make your own decision in terms of which to wear.
Cotton
A lot of people still habitually turn to cotton as their fabric of choice, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Known for being durable while still retaining its softness, cotton is affordable and works nicely for many different styles and cuts. That said, it’s not without its downsides, as certain types of cotton can be subject to shrinkage and severe wrinkling.
Aside from standard cotton and the huge array of blended cotton hybrids, there are also multiple other types of cotton, as well:
- Combed cotton has its fibers specially-treated before being spun into a finished product. While this results in a higher price point than basic cotton cloth, combed cotton is also exceptionally soft.
- Organic cotton is grown using far fewer chemicals than standard cotton. Although producing it costs a bit more, it’s more sustainable and carries with it a reduced environmental impact.
- Supima cotton is incredibly durable thanks to its extra-long fiber. Grown in the United States, it’s one of the most sought-after types of cotton in the world, known for its strength and color retention.
- Slub cotton is light, airy, and won’t cling to your body. Designed to look twisted and slightly knotty, it doesn’t require ironing.
Linen
A textured fabric woven from the flax plant, linen is lightweight and breathable with excellent moisture wicking. It’s also been known to get more durable when it’s damp, making it a great choice if you’re planning to go for an impromptu swimming adventure. The trade-off is that linen is incredibly wrinkle-prone, meaning that you’ll need to iron your T-shirt frequently if you want to look your best.
Synthetic Fabrics
A sturdy synthetic fabric derived from a blend of coal, water, and petroleum, polyester dries incredibly fast and doesn’t collect mold or mildew. It’s easy to both clean and maintain, and will retain its shape even through repeated washing. It also doesn’t stretch or shrink and doesn’t require ironing.
Alternatively, If you’re a lover of silk but the price gives you pause, rayon is an excellent substitute. Constructed out of synthetic fibers generated by processing natural fabrics, it’s silky, lightweight, and highly-absorbent. However, it requires more maintenance than polyester and tends to be quite weak, stretching, shrinking, or fraying over time.
Finally, Lycra, also known as spandex, is tight-fitting and known for its elasticity and durability. It’s frequently used in athletic wear. Just make sure you aren’t feeling insecure about yourself, as spandex shirts tend to be skin-tight.
In Closing
At the end of the day, there’s no singular best fabric for summer T-shirts. Every material has its benefits and drawbacks, meaning it’s ultimately a matter of preference. Choose whichever material you’re most comfortable with, and focus on enjoying the season!