Cotton
Cotton is an easy go-to, and probably the most obvious choice for people. This natural fiber allows air to circulate and move freely through the fabric, making it a breathable option for summer. Cotton is also easy to clean and wash, which is an important factor for many when choosing blankets, bedding, or even towels. Plus, as a natural fiber, it is hypoallergenic and highly unlikely to cause any allergic reaction. This is great for people sensitive to heat and seeing skin reactions in the summer.
Cotton throw blankets are great to have on hand, ready in a basket next to the couch or bed! They can easily be layered onto your bed for those chilly nights with open windows, or if your significant other loves to blast the AC (I am totally the guilty party there!). Also, if you are like me, you love curling up on the couch with a blanket no matter the temperature outside. Cotton blankets are great to drape over you and not get hot and sweaty while lounging!
Many Turkish towels are made of 100% cotton, and are extremely absorbent and breathable! They are great for your bathroom, at the pool, or even during your workout. If you are unfamiliar with all the benefits of Turkish towels, check out my recent blog where I lay out the pros and cons of switching to Turkish towels.
Linen
Linen is another excellent option when choosing fabrics for summer. It is highly breathable and absorbent, making it a go-to option. When it comes to bedding, blankets, or even pillows, this absorbent fiber is great as it will absorb moisture (think perspiration) and dry quickly, keeping you cool and dry as you sleep or relax. Its absorbent properties also make it a great option for kitchen towels and napkins.
A few other advantages to using linen are that it is one of the strongest of all natural fibers, and has been found to get stronger with washes. This means your linen pieces will last longer, and easily become your summer staples you go back to year after year.
Lastly, linen has a lower environmental impact than cotton. It is made from the stalks of flax plants, which are resilient species that can grow in poor soil, requiring very little, if any, fertilizer to thrive. The linen production process has also been found to use significantly less water than cotton, giving it a lower water footprint. Last but not least, almost all of the flax plants can be used, especially with the demand for flax seeds and oil increasing in the health food industry, so there is very little to no wastage of the plant. Plus, being a natural fiber, it is biodegradable!
Bamboo
Bamboo is a great option for bedding, especially sheets! I personally grabbed a set of bamboo sheets recently, and have been sleeping so much better since. Bamboo fibers are naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps to keep the skin cool and dry. It is also ultra-soft and has a silky feel to them that is so luxurious feeling against the skin.
Bamboo is also hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and sustainable, and odor-repellant making them a great choice if you are looking for new bedding and sheets.
When shopping for textiles for your home, keep these fabrics in mind to keep you cool all summer long! We are always sharing more over on Instagram, so follow along at @wilde.home.decor for more tips and tricks to help you get WILDE with your home!
