Summer at Walt Disney World is a fun time to visit. But summer in Florida also means you’ll have to deal with rain, humidity and hot steamy weather. So what are the best clothing fabrics to wear in hot, humid weather? We share the top five fabrics for summer.
The Best Clothing Fabrics to Wear in a Hot, Sweaty and Steamy Orlando Summer
Aside from the usual tips about sunscreen, keeping hydrated and cooling off in the AC, what you wear can also be a make-or-break decision for your comfort in the parks and beyond.
Here is our guide to the best fabrics to wear in the summer at Walt Disney World, and also the ones you should avoid to stay cool and fresh in Florida's steamy summer.
The Five Best Fabrics to Wear in a Hot Humid Weather
When packing for your summer vacation to Walt Disney World, consider packing clothing made from the following materials to ensure your best possible comfort against the sometimes oppressive Florida summer heat.
Top Five Fabrics for Hot, Humid Weather
(in no particular order)
1. Cotton
Cotton is always mentioned as a summer fabric for good reason. Cotton is a natural fabric that's breathable and lightweight, which allows air to circulate freely around the body. Cotton also does a good job of absorbing moisture, which helps to keep sweat off your skin and prevent irritation. Remember, as we have discussed in past posts, there are different weights of cotton, so consider lightweights cotton t-shirts for optimal comfort.
Why Cotton is Great for Heat and Humidity:
- Breathable and promotes air circulation
- Soft and comfortable against the skin
- Absorbs moisture, reducing sweat buildup
2. Linen
Linen is another excellent choice for keeping cool in hot and humid climates. Made from flax fibers, linen is highly breathable and has natural moisture-wicking properties. Linen is also notable for its loose weave, which allows for better air flow that can help you stay cool.
Why Linen is Great for Heat and Humidity:
- Extremely breathable and lightweight
- Excellent moisture-wicking capabilities
- Dries quickly, preventing sweat from sticking around
3. Bamboo
While relatively new and not yet widely available as a clothing fabric, bamboo fabric is rapidly gaining popularity. If you find a bamboo clothing item that you like, it’s worth a try for Florida’s steamy summer weather. Bamboo is incredibly soft, breathable and has natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, all of which combine to make bamboo fabric an ideal choice for humid conditions.
Why Bamboo Fabric is Great for Heat and Humidity:
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Naturally antibacterial, reducing odor
- Soft and comfortable
4. Rayon
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made from natural fibers. It’s known for being lightweight and breathable, which makes it a good option for hot weather. It drapes well and can be found in many summer clothing items. However, rayon is as absorbent or moisture wicking as other options on the list, so rayon clothing would be a good pick if you want to bring a dress or nice outfit for an evening dinner or event.
Why Rayon is Good for Heat:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Soft and smooth texture
- Good moisture absorption
5. Chambray
Chambray is often mistaken for denim, but it's much lighter and more breathable, making it a great choice for that denim look in the heat of summer. As a cotton-based fabric, chambray is perfect for summer because it combines the sturdiness of denim with the lightness of cotton, so you get the best of both worlds with comfort and style.
Why Chambray is Great for Summer:
- Lightweight compared to denim
- Breathable and comfortable
- Stylish yet practical for hot weather
Four Fabrics to Avoid Wearing to Walt Disney World in the Summer Heat
It’s not just about which fabrics are the best to wear in a hot and steamy Florida summer, it also helps to know which clothing fabrics you should avoid packing for your Disney vacation.
During the fall, winter and early spring, these four fabrics will do just fine. But in the sweatiest stickiest heat of a Florida summer, you may want to leave these items at home (unless you plan to wear them indoors in the air conditioning).
1. Polyester
Polyester has a well-earned notorious reputation for being non-breathable. Polyester clothing traps heat and moisture, making it a bad choice for hot, humid weather. It is durable fabric that’s often used in activewear, but don’t let that fool you. Polyester is one clothing fabric that is best avoided during steamy Florida summers. Pay special attention to this with your kids’ clothes as well.
Why to Avoid Wearing Polyester in the Florida Summer:
- Non-breathable, traps heat
- Can cause excessive sweating
- Can get very uncomfortable in humid conditions
2. Nylon
Similar to polyester, nylon is not a very breathable fabric. Nylon clothing can trap moisture and heat against your skin, leading to discomfort and even the potential for skin irritation and rashes (which you definitely want to avoid at Disney World). While nylon is often used in activewear, it is not suited to humid climates—unless it is blended with breathable fabrics. Even then, if you see nylon on the label, we recommend avoiding this for a summer vacation in Orlando.
Why to Avoid Nylon Clothing in Humid Weather:
- Traps heat and moisture
- Not breathable
- Can cause discomfort and irritation
3. Acrylic
Acrylic is another synthetic fabric that is typically used in cooler weather due to its insulating properties. Wearing acrylic in hot, humid weather can lead to overheating, excessive sweating and even making you a little more odorous along the way. So skip acrylic clothing when packing for a Disney summer vacation.
Why to Avoid Acrylic Clothing in an Orlando Summer:
- Insulates heat, not breathable
- Can cause excessive sweating
- Uncomfortable in hot conditions
4. Silk
Silk is a tricky one that some people believe is good for hot humid weather. It’s not. While silk is lightweight and does feel luxuriously light, once the humidity kicks in, it’s not going to be a pleasant fabric to wear. Yes, silk can absorb moisture, but it doesn’t dry quickly. This means you’ll be left feeling sticky, uncomfortable and generally irritated in the high heat and humidity of summer at Walt Disney World.
Why to Avoid Wearing Silk in Heat and Humidity:
- Absorbs moisture but dries slowly
- Can feel sticky and uncomfortable
- Delicate and requires special care
General Clothing Tips for Staying Cool at Walt Disney World
In addition to choosing the best clothing fabrics for hot, humid Florida weather, be sure to remember these general clothing tips for staying cool during a Disney World summer vacation.
Choose Light Colors:
Dark colors attract and absorb more heat from the sun, while light colors reflect it. So skip the black and navy blue tops and go with whites, yellows or similar.
Wear Loose-fitting Clothes:
Tight clothes tend to trap heat and restrict airflow. That’s not what you want on a hot, humid sticky day. Go for looser fitting shirts to promote better air circulation.
Layer wisely:
Whether to layer at all is the first ...
