Summer is here, and that means it’s time to update your wardrobe with some cool and comfortable t-shirts. But not all t-shirts are created equal. Some fabrics and styles can make you feel hot and sweaty, while others can keep you cool and dry. In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best t-shirts for keeping cool in 2024, based on their material, design, and features. Whether you need a t-shirt for working out, lounging, or going out, we have you covered.
What to Look for in a Cooling T-Shirt
Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s talk about what makes a t-shirt cooling. There are three main factors to consider: fabric, fit, and function.
Fabric
The fabric of your t-shirt is the most important factor in determining how cool it will keep you. You want to look for fabrics that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight. Breathable fabrics allow air to circulate through them, preventing heat from building up. Moisture-wicking fabrics draw sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Lightweight fabrics are less dense and heavy, making them easier to wear in hot weather.
Some of the best fabrics for cooling t-shirts are:
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber that is soft, breathable, and durable. It can absorb moisture, but it can also take a long time to dry, which can make you feel clammy. To avoid this, look for cotton blends that have some synthetic fibers, such as polyester or spandex, to improve the moisture-wicking and stretch properties of the fabric. For example, the Carhartt Force Cotton Summer Work Short-Sleeve Tee is made from 65% cotton and 35% polyester, making it a great option for working outdoors or in hot environments.
- Linen: Linen is another natural fiber that is known for its cooling and airy qualities. It is made from the flax plant, which has a high moisture absorption and evaporation rate, making it ideal for hot and humid climates. Linen is also very durable and resistant to wrinkles, but it can also be stiff and rough on the skin. To make it more comfortable, look for linen blends that have some softer fibers, such as cotton or silk. For example, the J.Crew Linen Cottage Top is made from 55% linen and 45% cotton, making it a stylish and breezy choice for summer.
- Silk: Silk is a luxurious and smooth fabric that is derived from the cocoons of silkworms. It is breathable, lightweight, and has a natural cooling effect on the skin. It can also regulate your body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, silk can also be expensive, delicate, and prone to stains and wrinkles. To make it more practical, look for silk blends that have some synthetic fibers, such as nylon or spandex, to improve the durability and elasticity of the fabric. For example, the Quince Silk Cami is made from 95% silk and 5% spandex, making it a versatile and affordable option for layering or wearing alone.
- Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is widely used in sportswear and activewear. It is breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, making it ideal for sweating and cooling. It can also be blended with other fibers, such as cotton or spandex, to enhance the comfort and performance of the fabric. However, polyester can also be prone to pilling, fading, and odor retention. To avoid this, look for polyester blends that have some natural fibers, such as bamboo or hemp, to improve the softness and freshness of the fabric. For example, the Dickies Short Sleeve Performance Cooling Tee is made from 50% polyester and 50% bamboo, making it a durable and eco-friendly option for everyday wear.
Fit
The fit of your t-shirt is another factor that can affect how cool it will keep you. You want to look for a fit that is comfortable, flattering, and appropriate for your activity. Generally, there are three types of fit to choose from: slim, regular, and relaxed.
- Slim fit: Slim fit t-shirts are designed to hug your body and accentuate your shape. They are great for showing off your muscles and creating a sleek and modern look. However, they can also be restrictive and uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. To avoid this, look for slim fit t-shirts that have some stretch and ventilation, such as mesh panels or perforations. For example, the Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling® Men’s Work T-Shirt is a slim fit t-shirt that features a patented cooling technology that activates when you sweat, keeping you up to 7 degrees cooler1.
- Regular fit: Regular fit t-shirts are designed to follow your body’s natural contours and provide a balanced and classic look. They are great for casual and formal occasions, as well as for most body types and activities. However, they can also be boring and plain, especially if they are too loose or too tight. To avoid this, look for regular fit t-shirts that have some style and personality, such as prints, patterns, or colors. For example, the MR P. Striped Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt is a regular fit t-shirt that features a timeless navy and white stripe pattern, making it a smart and versatile option for any season.
- Relaxed fit: Relaxed fit t-shirts are designed to give you plenty of room and comfort, without being too baggy or sloppy. They are great for lounging and relaxing, as well as for hiding any imperfections or extra weight. However, they can also be unflattering and unprofessional, especially if they are too long or too wide. To avoid this, look for relaxed fit t-shirts that have some shape and structure, such as seams, hems, or collars. For example, the Lilly Pulitzer Briette Top is a relaxed fit t-shirt that features a feminine ruffle detail and a curved hem, making it a cute and cozy option for summer.
Function
The function of your t-shirt is the last factor that can influence how cool it will keep you. You want to look for a t-shirt that is suitable for your purpose, whether it is for work, play, or anything in between. Some of the features that can enhance the function of your t-shirt are:
- UV protection: UV protection is the ability of your t-shirt to block harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. UV protection is measured by the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the better the protection. For example, a t-shirt with a UPF rating of 50+ can block more than 98% of UV rays. Some of the t-shirts that offer UV protection are the Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt and the Arctic Cool Instant Cooling Pocket Workwear Shirt, both of which have a UPF rating of 50+51.
- Anti-odor: Anti-odor is the ability of your t-shirt to prevent or reduce unpleasant smells from your sweat, bacteria, or other sources. Anti-odor can be achieved by using natural or synthetic fibers that have inherent or treated properties that inhibit the growth or activity of odor-causing microbes. Some of the fibers that have anti-odor properties are bamboo, hemp, merino wool, and silver. Some of the t-shirts that have anti-odor features are the Dickies Short Sleeve Performance Cooling Tee and the [HUGO by Hugo Boss Depusi Pima Cotton T-Shirt], both of which have bamboo and silver fibers, respectively.
- Pockets: Pockets are the ability of your t-shirt to provide you with some storage space for your essentials, such as your phone, keys, or wallet. Pockets can be located on the chest, the sides, or the sleeves of your t-shirt, depending on your preference and convenience. Pockets can be useful for keeping your hands free and your belongings secure, especially when you are on the go or doing some physical activity. Some of the t-shirts that have pockets are the Arctic Cool Instant Cooling Pocket Workwear Shirt and the [Reiss Beech Melange Crew Neck T-Shirt], both of which have chest pockets.
Sure, I can rewrite that section for you. Here is a shorter version of the blog post:
Our Top Picks for the Best Cooling T-Shirts in 2024
Here are some of our top picks for the best cooling t-shirts in 2024, based on their fabric, fit, and function.
Best Overall: Lilly Pulitzer Briette Top
The Lilly Pulitzer Briette Top is made from a blend of linen and cotton, which is soft, airy, and durable. It has a relaxed fit that drapes over your body, and a ruffle detail that adds some flair. It comes in six beautiful colors, and is easy to style for any occasion.
Best for Work: Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling® Men’s Work T-Shirt
The Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling® Men’s Work T-Shirt is made from a blend of polyester and spandex, which is breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy. It has a slim fit that hugs your body, and a cooling technology that activates when you sweat, keeping you up to 7 degrees cooler. It also has a mesh panel, perforations, and a reflective logo for ventilation and visibility.
Best for Play: Quince Silk Cami
The Quince Silk Cami is made from silk and spandex, which is breathable, lightweight, and smooth. It has a regular fit that follows your body’s contours, and a scoop neckline and spaghetti straps that create a feminine look. It comes in seven stunning colors, and is versatile and elegant for layering or wearing alone.
Best for Workout: Dickies Short Sleeve Performance Cooling Tee
The Dickies Short Sleeve Performance Cooling Tee is made from a blend of polyester and bamboo, which is soft, airy, and anti-odor. It has a regular fit that provides a comfortable and classic look, and a chest pocket and a logo patch for style and functionality. It also has a UPF 50+ rating, which means it can block more than 98% of UV rays.
Best for Travel: Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt ($89)
The Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt is made from a blend of nylon and spandex, which is smooth, airy, and stretchy. It has a relaxed fit that gives you plenty of room and comfort, and a snap-front closure and a collar that create a smart and casual look. It also has two chest pockets and a sunglasses slot for storage and convenience. It comes in six vibrant colors, and is perfect for traveling in any destination.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful and inspiring. These are some of the best t-shirts for keeping cool in 2024, based on their fabric, fit, and function. Whether you need a t-shirt for work, play, workout, or travel, we have you covered. Of course, these are not the only options available, so feel free to explore more and find your own favorites.
Remember, the key to keeping cool in 2024 is to choose a t-shirt that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight, as well as comfortable, flattering, and appropriate for your purpose. Happy shopping and stay cool! 😎