Key Takeaways
silk is a natural fiber that regulates heat and perspiration well. It can therefore be worn in summer, provided you choose the right fabric. Opt for wild silk or silk light mulberry. Combine your outfit with accessories suitable for high heat such as sandals.
The French brand The Oversized Hoodie® 🇫🇷 is famous for its textile expertise, particularly its collection of high-end, 100% natural mulberry silk products certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100.
Free from toxic and chemical substances, and ecological, the collections silk pillowcase, silk night mask and silk sheets stand out for their incomparable softness and excellent value for money, providing an unrivaled feeling of comfort.
Silk: a fiber adapted to heat waves
silk is a fiber of animal origin produced by the silkworm, also called mulberry bombyx. It is known for its softness, its lightness and its ability to regulate body temperature.
Indeed, the loose weaving of 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 clothes 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 allows the skin to cool.
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.
Last summer, a customer contacted us because she was looking for a light and cool silk pillowcase to deal with the heat during the night.
We recommended a magnificent champagne-colored mulberry silk pillowcase. A few days later, she sent us photos of the pillowcase installed in the room, which allowed her to stay cool and comfortable despite the heatwave. She was delighted!
This experience reinforced our idea that silk is essential to face the big heats with style.
Also read: Why silk is 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 to wear silk when it is 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 sublimate 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 formal 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
Not all silks are the same for facing 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 choose summer silks in light colors which 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 pajamas in silk that are ultra light and breathable.
Also read: Why sleep on silk ?
Silk outfit ideas to cope with the heat
Here are some outfit ideas in silk 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 linen blend
- An oversized blouse in silk devoured, 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 where 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 remain soft and radiant from season to season!
Conclusion
silk is THE fiber to adopt to face the high heat. Thanks to its exceptional thermoregulatory properties, this noble textile keeps you cool and dry in all circumstances.
By quickly absorbing and evacuating 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 event | Prefer fluid 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 ability to absorb and quickly dry 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
- wire structure allowing air to circulate
In addition, there are many types of bristles with unique characteristics to stay cool in all circumstances.
