We often hear about cotton being one of the best materials for hot weather. While it’s true that cotton is highly breathable and can keep you cool, it’s not always the best option for combating high temperatures. 

Below is a quick guide on when to wear cotton and which situations it is not suitable for. 

Is Cotton Breathable?

Yes, without a doubt cotton is breathable. It allows air to easily pass through the fabric, quickly carrying away heat from the body. 

Of course, the breathability of cotton varies depending on the quality and type of cotton. For example fabrics made from short staple cotton are less breathable compared to those made from long staple cotton. 

Thick cotton clothing will also breathe less and make you hotter, even if it’s made from the best cotton fibers. 

Something else to watch out for is cotton clothing that has been blended with synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. It will be less breathable compared to 100% cotton clothing. 

Is Cotton Sweat-wicking?

No, cotton is not a sweat-wicking material. Rather, cotton absorbs sweat. Moisture wicking and moisture absorbing are two very different things. 

Materials like polyester, wool and bamboo channel sweat from your skin to the outer surface, where it quickly evaporates. This is great on a hot day when you sweat a lot, especially when you are active. 

Cotton, in contrast, absorbs sweat and holds on to it. It dries slowly, even on a hot day. This is not automatically a bad thing. In dry heat, the slow evaporation of cotton clothing keeps you cooler. 

But if it is hot and humid, cotton stays damp and interferes with your body’s ability to cool down.  

When To Wear Cotton Clothing

Here’s when it’s best to wear cotton. 

• When it is moderately hot. Cotton’s breathability will keep you comfortably cool without soaking up too much sweat. 
• In dry heat. Cotton is great when it is dry and hot. It soaks up sweat and then releases it slowly, which keeps you cooler for longer. 
• When you don't expect to sweat a lot. For instance, if you’ll be spending most of the day in the office. Cotton can absorb a bit of sweat without getting damp or sticky. It keeps your skin dry and prevents sweat patches. 

When To Avoid Cotton Clothing

Here’s when to avoid or limit cotton clothing. 

• When it is hot and humid. Moist heat doesn't go well with cotton. Because of the high humidity, sweat doesn't evaporate as quickly. Add to that cotton’s tendency to hold onto moisture and you’ll find your clothes damp, clammy and sticky. This can leave you feeling even hotter since there’s minimal evaporation taking place. 
• If you expect to sweat a lot such as when going on a run or hiking. Even if it is hot and dry, cotton can get too damp to the point that you feel uncomfortable. And when it gets a bit windy, you might suddenly feel too cold. Wool and synthetics like polyester are the best fabrics for dealing with sweat. They wick away sweat and stay dry, which keeps you cool and comfortable.  
• When going on outdoor adventures, especially if you will be staying overnight. During the day, when it’s hot, you might not mind a damp cotton tee too much. But if temperatures drop in the evening, damp cotton clothing can make you too cold and even at risk of hypothermia. For outdoor adventures, stick to wool or synthetics. 

How to Pick The Right Cotton Clothing for Hot Weather

As we mentioned, not all cotton is the same. So don't assume any cotton clothing will be suitable for hot weather. 

For one, only get high quality cotton clothes made with long staple cotton and consisting of 100% cotton. That said, if you want to benefit from the breathability of cotton and the moisture-wicking of polyester, you can try poly-cotton clothing. 

Secondly, wear lightweight and loose-fitting cotton clothes to maximize air movement over your skin. This can also help cotton dry quicker in humid weather. 

Some cotton tops and t-shirts have a mesh design to further improve air flow. The improved ventilation allows sweat to evaporate faster from your skin, which in turn keeps you cool.