Letters from the Old World

Letters from the Old World

The Most Underrated Summer Fabric

And why you need it...

Evan Amato's avatar
Evan Amato
May 22, 2026
∙ Paid

Cotton and linen are most people’s go-to fabrics in hot weather. But did you know there’s a third fabric that is far superior to both?

The textile in question is essentially God’s answer to Lululemon: it’s a breathable, durable, dry, wrinkle-resistant, and even odor-resistant fabric, but with none of the polyester, nylon, or elastane. No petrochemicals to see here!

Because of its aforementioned qualities, this fabric is used both for comfort and elegance in the summer months. When used in suiting, it holds its form incredibly well, while still remaining incredibly breathable. It’s what my suit in the photo below is made of, and the reason why I’m able to wear a double-breasted jacket in the summer without getting too hot:

Overlooking Italy’s Lake Garda. Photos by Raphael Barberi.

So, what is this magical summer fabric? It’s actually one you already know, but probably never realized it could be worn in the heat. The secret to doing so lies not so much in the type of fabric itself, but in how it’s spun.

Today, we discover this ne plus ultra of summer textiles and what makes it superior to other fabrics. If you want to look and stay cool in the summer months, you can’t afford to ignore this one…

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