Is Polyester Good To Wear In Hot Weather?

While fibers like cotton and linen are often good for hot weather, polyester has become more popular due to its durability and moisture-wicking properties. Add to that, if your polyester clothes are mineral-infused and have other advanced technology, polyester can keep you cooler for longer.

Let's take a closer look at how polyester functions in hot weather.

How Polyester Normally Functions In Hot Weather 

Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and ability to resist wrinkles. It can handle frequent washing and still keep its shape, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.

In hot weather, polyester's performance depends on its weave, finish, and any blends with other materials. It can wick away moisture efficiently, and when designed with a breathable weave, it helps keep you cool and comfortable.

• Durable: Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and ability to resist wrinkles. It can handle frequent washing and still keep its shape, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.
• Moisture-Wicking: Polyester fibers can pull sweat away from the skin and transport it to the fabric's surface. This way, your sweat can evaporate quickly. It can keep the body dry and prevent the discomfort of sweat-soaked clothing. You can spot polyester clothes in sports and activewear sectors for this reason.
• Breathable: Unfortunately, polyester is not as breathable as natural fibers like cotton or linen. The tight weave of polyester can trap heat against the body. It can lead to increased perspiration and discomfort in extremely hot conditions. To counter this, manufacturers often blend polyester with other breathable fabrics like cotton or use it in lightweight, loose-weave designs.
• Lightweight: Polyester is incredibly lightweight, which can contribute to comfort in warm climates. Its light construction makes it a good choice for cooling clothing that may need frequent laundering, helping to maintain comfort during the heat.

How Does Advanced Polyester Cooling Work?

Polyester cooling fabric can provide comfort and functionality in hot weather through several key features including ventilation, moisture-wicking, UV protection, and even our advanced mineral-infused technology. 

Here’s a closer look at how these features keep you cool.

1. Ventilation

Polyester cooling clothes often have advanced designs that enhance airflow. Mesh panels, perforations, and strategic venting are standard practices. They allow air to flow around the body. 

These features help to dissipate body heat and provide a cooling effect. Moreover, some polyester fabrics are woven in a way that maximizes breathability. They ensure the wearer stays cool even in the hottest conditions.

2. Moisture-Wicking

Polyester fibers are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This property allows them to draw sweat away from the skin and onto the fabric’s surface for further evaporation. Moisture-wicking can keep you dry and also regulate body temperature. It can speed up the evaporation process.

Most manufacturers enhance the efficiency of moisture-wicking with special fabric treatments. Many polyester cooling materials are treated with hydrophilic (water-attracting) finishes. 

It can further improve their ability to manage moisture. The treatments ensure that sweat spreads evenly across the fabric’s surface. It can speed up evaporation and enhance the cooling effect.

3. Sun & UV Protection

Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm the skin. It can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Polyester cooling clothes often provide extra protection against these harmful rays. 

The fabric’s tight weave can block a significant percentage of UV radiation. Some polyester clothes are specifically designed with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. It indicates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. A UPF rating of 50, for example, means that only 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate the fabric.

Adding UV-resistant coatings or additives to the fabric can also improve this protection. These treatments ensure the clothes provide consistent UV protection, even after repeated washing.

4. Mineral-Infused Technology

Our polyester cooling clothes are enhanced with mineral-infused technology, which adds an extra layer of cooling. The minerals help to draw heat away from your body, providing an additional cooling effect that helps keep you comfortable even in the hottest conditions. This innovative feature helps you to stay cool and dry.

Other Fabrics To Wear in Hot Weather

When it comes to staying cool in hot weather, you can explore more options. Fabrics to wear in hot weather include:

Cotton is a natural fiber known for its breathability and softness. It allows air to circulate, which helps keep you cool. Cotton is also highly absorbent. It can soak up sweat and allow it to evaporate, providing a cooling effect. Lightweight cotton garments are perfect for hot weather and can be a staple in summer wardrobes.

Linen is another natural fabric that is ideal for hot climates. Made from the fibers of the flax plant, linen is highly breathable and has excellent moisture-wicking properties. It allows heat to escape from the body, keeping you cool. Linen also tends to dry quickly, which helps manage sweat. The slightly stiff texture of linen keeps it from clinging to the skin, allowing more air to flow around your body.

Bamboo fabric comes from the bamboo plant and is becoming increasingly popular for its cooling properties. It is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps to regulate body temperature. Bamboo fabric also has a soft, silky feel and is hypoallergenic, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Moreover, bamboo has natural antibacterial properties, which can help reduce odors.

Tencel (Lyocell) is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp, usually from eucalyptus trees. It breathes well and is great at wicking away moisture. Tencel is also incredibly soft and has a smooth texture that feels cool against the skin. Its environmental benefits and performance make it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Avoid These 4 Fabrics in Hot Weather

Not all fabrics are suitable for hot weather. Some materials can trap heat and moisture, making you feel uncomfortable and sweaty. Here are a few fabrics to avoid during the warmer months:

1. Traditional Polyester: Modern polyester fabrics breathe and wick away moisture, but old-style polyester is famous for trapping heat. It can lead to increased sweating and discomfort. It's best to avoid regular polyester clothing in extremely humid temperatures.
2. Nylon: Nylon is another synthetic fabric that is not ideal for hot weather. It has low breathability and can trap heat against your skin. While nylon activewear is known for its durability and flexibility, its heat-retention properties make it less suitable for everyday wear in hot climates.
3. Silk: Silk is a luxurious and soft fabric that doesn't perform well in humid, hot weather. It can cling to your skin and doesn't effectively wick moisture, leaving you feeling sticky and uncomfortable. Silk is also delicate and prone to damage by sweat or deodorants, making it less practical for hot and humid conditions.
4. Wool: Wool is a great insulator, excellent for keeping you warm in cold weather. However, its insulating properties make it unsuitable for hot weather. Wool can cause overheating and excessive sweating, so it's best reserved for cooler temperatures. Even lightweight wool blends can be too warm for summer use.

Get the Best Polyester Fabric and Stay Cool All Summer

People usually prefer fibers like cotton and linen because they are breathable. But, polyester has become popular for its durability and great moisture-wicking.

Understanding how polyester functions in hot weather helps you experiment with ways to wear this cooling fabric.

Our advanced cooling shirts, designed with breathable features like mesh panels and strategic venting, ensure optimal airflow and heat dissipation. This fabric is perfect for active lifestyles in warm climates.