Cotton, linen, and Tencel are the three fabrics most recommended for purchase after considering overall comfort, breathability, and durability, suitable for daily wear, summertime, and various occasions.
First choice for skin-friendly breathability--Pure Cotton
Pure cotton is the most widely accepted fabric, with top-notch moisture absorption and breathability among natural fibres. It can absorb about 27 times its own weight in water, feels soft and comfortable on the skin, and is unlikely to cause allergies. It is especially suitable for T-shirts, underwear, and loungewear, particularly for those with sensitive skin or with children at home. However, pure cotton has a minor drawback: it dries slowly after absorbing sweat. During hot summer days, it may feel slightly sticky and it wrinkles easily. Frequent washing may cause slight shrinkage, so it is advisable to check whether it has undergone "pre-shrinking treatment" for better durability.
King of cooling and ventilation--Linen
If pure cotton is not cool enough, linen is the essential choice for high temperatures. Its heat conduction speed is five times that of cotton, quickly drawing heat away from the skin, giving a noticeable cooling sensation. Linen also has natural antibacterial properties and excellent breathability, and it does not easily develop odours even when worn for long periods, making it ideal for hot and humid weather. Common types include linen, ramie and hemp. Linen is relatively soft and suitable for daily wear; ramie is crisp and suitable for outerwear; hemp has good UV resistance and is suitable for outdoor use. The only drawback is that it wrinkles easily, but many people regard this wrinkled texture as part of its natural style. If wrinkles are not a concern or if a cotton-linen blend is chosen, maintenance becomes much easier.
Durable with a high-quality feel--Tencel
For clothing with a draping quality and a luxurious appearance, Tencel (Lyocell) is a cost-effective choice. Its texture is between modal and cotton, soft yet slightly firm, and it resists deformation. Tencel has excellent moisture absorption and breathability, dries faster than modal, and loses little strength when wet, making it more durable. It is commonly used in mid- to high-end casual wear. It combines the comfort of natural fibres with the stability of synthetic fibres. Machine washing on a gentle cycle is sufficient, making it suitable for summer dresses and close-fitting underwear. For higher-end quality, silk and triacetate fabrics are also good advanced options, offering more shine and coolness, though they are more challenging to maintain and costlier.
