When to Wear Silk?

Silk: a fiber adapted to heatwaves

silk is a fiber of animal origin produced by the silkworm, also called mulberry bombyx. It is known for its softness, lightness and its ability to regulate body temperature.

In fact, the loose weaving of the silk threads allows good air circulation close to the skin. silk also absorbs moisture while remaining dry to the touch. It quickly wicks away perspiration, keeping you cool even in hot weather.

This is why silk is the ideal textile to face the heatwave. Contrary to popular belief, wearing silk clothing when it is very hot allows you to stay cool and comfortable.

We recommend silk to withstand high heat which can quickly become stifling. After several years of experience in textiles and hundreds of tests, we are certain that silk regulates temperature better than almost all other materials.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: How is silk made?

How does silk regulate heat?

silk owes its thermal regulation properties to its unique composition. In fact, it is the only fiber to be composed of a natural protein, fibroin.

This protein has a layered molecular structure which allows it to absorb humidity from the ambient air. When it is hot, perspiration is absorbed by these layers. The latent heat of vaporization then cools the skin.

In addition, silk is hypoallergenic and its thread structure of silk facilitates air circulation. It quickly wicks moisture away from the skin.

So, in summer, wearing silk keeps your body cool and dry by absorbing perspiration and allowing its rapid evaporation.

Also read: Why is silk expensive?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing silk in summer

• Advantages
  • Absorbs and wicks away perspiration
  • Remains fresh and dry on contact with the skin
  • Light and breathable
  • Comfortable even in hot weather
• Disadvantages
  • Delicate to wash
  • Higher price
  • May be slippery on some models
  • Less coverage than cotton

In the end, the advantages of silk in summer far outweigh the disadvantages. Provided you choose the right model and maintain it carefully, you will benefit from a textile that is fresh and pleasant to wear during peaks of heat.

Also read: What are the advantages and disadvantages of silk?

On what occasions should you wear silk when it’s hot?

Birthday

For a birthday in summer, silk is the ideal fabric. A pretty little wrap dress in wild silk or a blouse and skirt set in mulberry silk will enhance your party outfit with elegance and lightness. Accessorize your figure with heeled sandals and gold jewelry to celebrate this special day in style!

Pair a little wild silk dress with a pair of trendy sneakers and an oversized denim bag for a casual chic look for a summer birthday. You will be surprised by the result!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Marriage

Weddings in summer require outfits that are both elegant and light. In this case, betting on silk is a wise choice. As for the bride, a magnificent strapless dress in wild silk will enhance the bride. Guests will opt for airy long dresses or pantsuits in silk blend, matched with pumps and sparkling jewelry. Enough to look resplendent for this big day!

Ceremony & Party

Whether for a celebration or a garden party, silk stands out as the textile king of summer! Its fluidity and shimmering colors like white, ivory or gold create aerial silhouettes perfect for outdoor events. A little shirt dress in wild silk or a pleated skirt and flowing top set in mulberry silk will bring a touch of glamor and freshness to your ceremony outfit.

Gala & Cocktail Event

At a gala or cocktail party in summer, pull out all the stops with a magnificent long dress or jumpsuit in silk! This precious and fluid fabric guarantees you a chic, elegant and refreshing look to shine brightly. Twist it all up with rhinestone pumps, a sparkling clutch and a sophisticated updo to make a splash with the other guests!

Also read: What material to wear in summer?

Choosing the right silk fabric for summer

All silks are not equal to face the heatwave. Here are the features to prioritize to stay cool:

• Wild silk: more breathable and absorbent
• Mulberry silk: very light and soft
• Silk mixed with cotton or linen: more resistant
• Devoured silk: openwork patterns allowing air to pass through
• Fluid and loose models: promote ventilation

For maximum freshness, also prefer summer silks in light colors that reflect heat: white, beige, pastel.

The models most suited to hot weather are blouses, dresses and floaty skirts. But you can also opt for lingerie or ultra-light and breathable silk pajamas.

Also read: Why sleep on silk?

Silk outfit ideas to cope with the heat

Here are some silk outfit ideas perfect for staying elegant despite the heatwave:

• A little wrap dress in wild silk, to wear over a cotton tank top and a pair of sandals
• A blouse and long skirt set in mulberry silk mixed with linen
• An oversized blouse in devoured silk, with denim shorts and gladiator sandals
• Pyjamas silk and lace to sleep cool at night
• A fluid jumpsuit in silk mixed with cotton

Accessorize with gold jewelry and a messy bun for a refreshing bohemian chic style!

Care tips for silk clothing in summer

silk requires careful maintenance, especially in summer when perspiration risks damaging it.

• Always wash your clothes by hand or in the washing machine, in cold water
• Use a special detergent silk, without fabric softener
• Avoid wringing or wrinkling the fabric
• Dry flat, in the open air and in the shade
• Iron if necessary with a lukewarm iron, without steam, inserting a cloth

By following these tips, your silk outfits will maintain softness and shine from season to season!

Conclusion

silk is THE fiber to adopt to face the hot weather. Thanks to its exceptional thermoregulatory properties, this noble textile keeps you cool and dry in all circumstances.

By quickly absorbing and wicking away perspiration, silk saves you the torment of sticky, damp clothes when the mercury heats up. Its lightness and fluidity bring you freshness and comfort, even in the middle of heatwave.

Provided you choose your model carefully and maintain it with care, silk is the must-have for a successful summer wardrobe!

Appearance	Advantages	Disadvantages	Care tips
Thermal properties	Thermo-regulation, lightness, absorption and rapid evacuation of perspiration	Delicate to wash, higher price	Hand or machine wash in cold water, dry flat in shade
Choice of fabric	Wild silk, mulberry silk, mixed silk for greater resistance	Less coverage than cotton, can be slippery	Use a special silk detergent, avoid wringing or creasing
Summer use	Comfortable even in hot weather, stays cool and dry	Careful maintenance required	Iron with a lukewarm iron without steam, inserting a cloth
Used	Suitable for various occasions: birthdays, weddings, ceremonies, gala events	Requires appropriate selection depending on the event	Prefer flowing and loose models for better ventilation

FAQ

Does silk keep you warm?

No, silk does not keep you warm, quite the contrary. It's even one of the only fibers that keeps you cool in summer.

Thanks to its capacity for absorption and rapid drying of perspiration, as well as its thread structure allowing air to circulate, silk wicks heat and moisture away from the body.

It does not retain heat and does not give you that unpleasant feeling of wearing sticky, sweaty clothing when it is very hot. silk perfectly regulates body temperature.

Which fabric for heatwave?

The best fabric to withstand the heatwave is undoubtedly silk! This fiber of natural origin combines many advantages:

• Exceptional thermo-regulation
• Rapid absorption and evacuation of perspiration
• Great lightness and fluidity
• Feeling of freshness on contact with the skin
• Structure in wires allowing air to circulate

In addition, there are many types of bristles with unique characteristics to stay cool in all circumstances.