The heatwave of summer 2025 is well underway! Although we love the warmer weather, the sunshine, and the lunch alfresco, there is nothing worse than selecting what clothes to wear each day.
Why? Because certain fabrics really cling to the body, making you feel majorly uncomfortable in the sweltering heat. So not chic.
We decided to speak to some industry insiders whose clothing brands only source materials that keep you cool when it heats up.
Cotton
Independent UK brand Spirit and Grace is known for their stunning handmade pieces. "I like to source 100 per cent cotton for my summer dresses as it’s not only a natural fibre but one of the most breathable fabrics to wear in a heatwave," designer Emily Holmes Naden reveals to HELLO!.
She added: "Cotton is lightweight, soft on the skin, and allows the air to circulate, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable on super hot days."
Kajsa McLaren, Co-Founder of Smock London agrees, telling HELLO!: "The glorious breathability of cotton, coupled with the enormous variety of textures and weights, makes cotton our hands-down favourite fabric for our summer styles."
"Hand-smocked garments are pleated first, then each pleat is hand-stitched to create the pattern. Cotton has the perfect amount of stiffness to hold the pleating, while its natural fibres mean the swooshing fabric breathes beautifully when worn. From lightweight cotton lawns to a textured Broderie Anglaise, there is nothing quite like the feeling of cool cotton billowing around in the wind, keeping you cool yet utterly graceful in a summer hand-smocked frock."
Bamboo
AYM Studio is a female-founded ethical brand that makes eye-catching yet flattering pieces from the softest fabrics, including bamboo. Founder Alie Mackintosh told HELLO!: "We make a number of pieces in our mixed fibre bamboo and cotton material, which is such a great fabric to wear on hotter days.
"It’s incredibly soft and breathable against the skin, so it keeps you feeling fresher for longer. We’ve just launched our new Cleo dress in this fabric - it's an elegant piece that moves with you and flatters from every angle."
Linen
Linen is one of the most reached-for fabrics when the temperature rises, and it's easy to see why.
From trousers to shirts and dresses, linen has a huge surge from shoppers when the weather turns. Fashion label Freya Lillie, a top sustainable British brand with a cult celebrity following, has an entire range made from incredible quality linen. "100 per cent linen is so much cooler on the body, not to mention more comfortable in the heat because it’s like magic," founder Michelle told HELLO!.
The CEO, whose slow fashion designs are super popular with followers, added: "Linen removes moisture from the skin as soon as it appears and is super breathable, which just lets the air circulate that little bit better."
Tencel
Sleeping in a heatwave is one of the most difficult tasks, and stretchy PJs just don't cut it.
Stripe & Stare are renowned for their incredible underwear and sleepwear, and Tencel is a dominating material the brand uses. "We use Lenzing Tencel throughout our range, which is sustainably sourced wood pulp. Tencel is naturally super soft and hydrophilic, meaning it loves water and absorbs moisture efficiently," says Katie Lopes, Co-Founder of S&S. "Tencel keeps you dryer and fresher even during the hottest nights. The right PJs can make or break your night’s sleep."
