The Best Fabrics for Summer Dresses
The secret to effortless summer dressing is the fabric you choose. When the temperatures climb, you want your wardrobe to work with the heat, not against it. The right fabric is the difference between feeling effortlessly cool or counting down the minutes until you can change!
At Flo & Frankie, we love dresses that look good and keep you cool—because summer style should never feel like a struggle. And let’s be real, no one wants to sweat through their ‘fit before brunch. Here’s your cheat sheet for fabrics that keep you cool while looking hot.
1. Linen Dresses: The OG of Summer Cool
One of the oldest textiles in the world, linen dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was prized for its durability and breathability. Spun from flax, this fabric has stood the test of time—keeping wearers cool in scorching heat for over 4,000 years.
And nothing says I have my life together quite like a linen dress. Classic, effortless, and always on-trend, linen is the go-to fabric for summer. It’s lightweight, naturally breathable, and has that relaxed, lived-in feel that just gets better over time.
It’s the fabric equivalent of an out of office reply—whether you’re wearing it to a sun-soaked brunch or throwing it over your swimsuit on holiday.
✔️ Absorbs moisture & keeps you cool
✔️ Ages beautifully (the more you wear it, the softer it gets)
✔️ Feels like summer in Europe, even if you're just running errands
Style it: A crisp white linen midi with slides and gold jewellery = tick, tick, tick.
2. Cotton Dresses: Easy & Breezy
Cultivated as early as 5,000 BC in regions like India and South America, cotton revolutionised clothing with its softness and versatility. From handwoven ancient garments to modern-day essentials, it remains a go-to for effortless comfort.
Cotton is that one fabric you can count on—soft, lightweight, and endlessly wearable. It keeps things cool when the heat is high and just feels GOOD. Whether it’s a structured poplin dress or a floaty cotton maxi, this fabric is built for summer.
The wear-anywhere, do-anything fabric—ready for picnics, beach days, and last-minute adventures.
✔️ Breathable & soft on the skin
✔️ Easy to wash, wear & repeat
✔️ Works for every summer plan (and every suitcase)
Style it: A flirty cotton mini + sneakers + a tote bag = casual cool done right.
3. Satin Dresses: The After-Dark MVP
Satin traces its origins back to medieval China, where it was first woven from silk and quickly became a symbol of luxury. By the 14th century, it made its way to Europe, adorning royalty and the elite with its signature glossy finish and fluid drape—an opulent touch that still defines the fabric today.
Satin might not be the first fabric that comes to mind for summer, but trust us—it deserves a spot in your lineup. Lightweight, smooth, and effortlessly luxe, it catches the light in all the right ways while keeping you cool and comfortable.
A satin slip dress is a game-changer for summer weddings, rooftop drinks, and date nights where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
✔️ Luxe feel with zero effort
✔️ Moves like a dream & drapes in all the right ways
✔️ Perfect for re-wearing (because it never goes out of style)
Style it: A satin midi with minimal heels and a sleek bun = instant cool girl energy.
Why Fabric Matters For Summer
Summer dressing should be as easy as your weekend plans. Heavy, clingy fabrics? Nope! Breathable, natural materials that let you move, feel, and look good? Absolutely.
The right fabrics make all the difference in your wardrobe. No more “I have nothing to wear” moments—just effortlessly cool outfits that make summer styling a breeze.
