Its hydrogen bonds react with water when you sweat, and when you wash it, resulting in a not-so-smooth finish.

It Won’t Perform Well Under Pressure

Cotton is the proverbial Goldilocks of fair-weather fabrics – it needs conditions that are just right.

Over-dry cotton and you’ll see it shrink to a mere shadow of its former self. Leave it slightly wet – it’s notoriously bad for not drying – and it’ll accumulate mildew and damage from damp. Not cool.

Key Piece: The Neutral Cotton T-Shirt

Current Styles

Linen

Everybody knows linen, but do they really know linen? Like the fact that it’s not just suitable for your dad barbecuing or Simon Cowell summering on a yacht, but it has a place in your summer wardrobe too?

Like cotton, linen is a natural fibre and equally adept at keeping you cool in hot weather. In short, it’s way too useful for you to ignore.

(Related: Everything you need to know about linen)

The Pros

It Doesn’t Get Much Cooler

Linen is old. Like really, really old – at least 4,000 years, give or take. Which means its heat-beating credentials are pretty much unimpeachable. (Why else would we still be producing it?)

Its main benefit is its low thread count – considerably lower (at 80-150) than cotton (typically 200+), which means fewer fibres and more of that essential breathability you’ll need when temperatures rise.

It’s the closest you’ll get to unadulterated comfort during the summer. Short of getting butt naked.

It’s Tough

Linen has long been the victim of a PR hatchet job, often deemed too impractical and delicate for day-to-day wear. Not true.

Linen might be lightweight, but its fine feel isn’t matched by a lightweight lifespan. In fact, it’s actually the world’s strongest natural fibre, so if you’re looking for a summer fabric with staying power, meet your new best friend.