How to Stay Cool in Denim This Summer
Cut-off shorts are not the only way to wear denim and stay cool this summer.
Lightweight fabrics, loose weaves and fiber blends are among the ways the denim supply chain is helping jeans become a year-round staple for consumers even in the warmest climates. And with U.S. summer 2019 temperatures forecast to be above average by The Weather Company, demand for summer-friendly denim is high.
“Some of our focus group research with women has shown that they love to wear jeans, but when summer comes, they feel traditional jeans are just too warm,” said Jean Hegedus, ready-to-wear director for The Lycra Company. In a study of 2,500 women across five countries, Lycra reported that nearly 30 percent said having a jean that was breathable and helped keep them cool was important, but less than 4 percent said their current jeans did so.
This spring, Everlane introduced its $68 Summer Jean for women, a relaxed fit boyfriend style. The 100 percent cotton non-stretch jean is the brand’s lightest yet using 10 oz. denim. The fabric is also loosely woven with less yarn per inch, which the brand says creates “an airy softness that usually comes with decades of wear.”
“Denim doesn’t have to be heavy, in fact lighter weight denims are ideal for the summer months,” said Kristie Rhodes, Cotton Inc. woven fabric development manager, adding that lightweight denim typically ranges from 4 to 8 oz. in weight. “Cotton is naturally soft and absorbs moisture, making it more comfortable against the skin during the hottest days.”
Cotton’s natural breathability and cooling properties are the premise for Cotton Inc. latest consumer marketing efforts, including The Cotton Shop on Revolve.com. There, Cotton Inc. touts 100 percent cotton items like BB Dakota jean shorts, Agolde’s strapless shortall and hot pink Trucker jackets from Dr. Denim that will hold up during summer outings like music festivals.
“One of the great benefits of wearing cotton denim versus some other fiber types is that cotton does not hold onto odors and will be fresh after home laundering,” Rhodes said.