Sweaty armpit marks and sweltering situations can make us run to the closest air conditioner nearby, but the right clothing and fabrics will help you survive summer's hot curse. Whether you live in a humid climate or simply sweat no matter where you are, feeling hot and sticky in your clothing is always dreadful. Luckily, you can avoid that uncomfortable feeling entirely by wearing moisture-wicking fabrics, all while staying cool and dry regardless of how steamy your surroundings are.
Unfortunately, not all fabrics and summer clothes are made to withstand excess moisture, but after scouring the market and talking to fashion stylists and experts, we were able to find the best clothing picks that do.
From breathable materials and innovative technology that traps your sweat, these items are designed to handle wetness and perspiration no matter what.
Best fabrics for moisture-wicking clothing | Expert picks | Editor fave | How we chose | Meet the experts
What fabrics are best for moisture-wicking?
Certain environmental and weather conditions require the use of different textiles to keep the body warm and dry. According to a study conducted by the Synthetic & Art Silk Mills Research Association, some fabrics known to help fight heat, condensation and uncomfortable sweat are silk, nylon, Dri-release, merino wool, polyester and polypropylene.
These fabrics are known to pull away moisture from the body while regulating body temperature and evaporating the moisture. However, some of these fabrics don't have quick-drying properties such as silk and require special extra fibers for better moisture absorbency.
"Moisture-wicking fabrics are made from either synthetic, man-made fibers or natural fibers sourced from nature," explains Charline Zeroual, a French personal stylist based in Los Angeles. "Moisture-wicking fabrics have tiny spaces between their fibers that allow moisture to be drawn through," she shares.
Bamboo is another natural moisture-wicking fiber that Zeroual recommends for summer. It's "known for being breathable, odor-resistant and stretchy while retaining shape," she explains.
Expert-recommended moisture-wicking clothing
Athletic and versatile: The Gym People Longline Sports Bra
- Figure-flattering
- Comfortable
- Pads may come out easily
Colorways: 29 | Sizes: XS-3X | Materials: Polyamide, spandex
"This sports bra is a combination of polyamide and spandex making it a great choice to wick away sweat during a workout," explains Naina Singla, a fashion stylist and style expert "I have this myself and love wearing it with a matching pair of high waisted leggings when working out and running errands. It comes in lots of colors and is a best seller on Amazon with a rating of 4.4 and over 40,000 reviews," she shares.
Preppy for pickleball: BYLT Premium Basics Performance Polo
- Good quality
- True to size
- Lightweight
- Also available in tank top
Colorways: Three | Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Personal stylist and CEO of Style by Christina, Christina Stein, loves this sporty top from BYLT Premium Basics. "This polo is made of a polyester and spandex blend. Easy to wear in the summer and this polo is a great staple to have!" she says. If you're hitting the golf course or gearing up to play pickleball, this is the perfect wardrobe staple for you.
Stylish and flowy: Halara Breezeful™ Backless Maxi Dress
- Figure-flattering
- Nice pockets
- May run big
Colorways: Eight | Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane
Stein also recommends this flirty maxi dress from Halara. "Another great brand with clothing aimed at comfort and breathability. This silhouette looks good on everyone and it goes up to an XL," she explain.
Country club vibes: Alo Grand Slam Tennis Skirt
- Comfortable
- Good fabric
- May run slightly small
Colorways: Five | Sizes: XXS-L | Materials: Polyester, elastane
"A little white tennis skirt with sharp pleats is the perfect summer skirt on court and off," suggests Singla. "Pair it up with a matching cropped tank and a lightweight knit over your shoulders for a super cute look that feels put together and functional but is also so stylish," she says.
"Made of polyester and elastane it will keep you cool and will keep the sweat away," explains Singla.
Perfect for a summer hike: Outerknown Sun Shirt
- Comfortable
- Helps you say cool
- May run large
Colorways: Three | Sizes: XS-XXL | Materials: Recycled polyester
Zeroual says this sun shirt is perfect for long days in the sun. "I particularly like it because it is UPF 50+ sun protection, quick dry, moisture-wicking and has silver-free anti-odor properties," explains Zeroual.
Flirty and fashionable: Zella Effortless Cutout Back Hybrid Dress
- Comfortable
- Great for summer
- Built-in bra
- Only comes in two colors
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, spandex
"This dress is super cute for all your summer activities and it’s a polyester spandex blend-making it the perfect moisture wicking dress," suggests Singla. "It features pockets and a built in bra and best of all it’s lightweight, but not see through," she says.
This adorable dress also slips on over your head and includes side-seam pockets for storage.
For home or the office: J. Crew Remi Short in Stretch Linen Blend
- Nice fabric
- Comfortable
- Not see-through
- May run big
Colorways: Six | Sizes: 00-24 | Materials: Sorona polyester, linen
Olivia Eslami, the owner of OEC Consulting, a Miami-based international consulting company, recommends these lightweight shorts from J. Crew. Not only are they comfortable, but they also aren't see-through and will look great with a linen vest or top.
Your go-to summer top: Kiya Tomlin Twisted Tee-Jersey
- Soft fabric
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Shows off shoulder
Colorways: 10 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Materials: bamboo, cotton, spandex jersey
"This is a favorite among my clients," says Stein. "It’s made of bamboo cotton and spandex, and it’s so comfortable to wear in the heat! Not to mention is soft and stylish," she explains.
This trendy top comes in 10 hues and can be worn tucked in or out.
For the wanderluster: Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress
- Full coverage
- Stylish
- Keeps you cool
- May run big
Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane
"This eco-friendly travel dress effortlessly takes you from sightseeing to fine dining with an elegant design," says Zeroual. "Throw on some sneakers or sandals for a relaxed look during the day, then pair with wedges to create an elevated evening outfit," she recommends.
Trendy and cool: DISSH Alessia White Linen Vest
- Lightweight
- Trendy
- Expensive
Colorways: Two | Sizes: 2-12 | Materials: Linen, cotton
Eslami is a big fan of this lightweight, linen vest from DISSH. "Some of my top suggestions of moisture wicking fabrics are linen and terry, especially during the summer months where both the temperatures and humidity run high," she recommends. "Keeping colors in a lighter palate also ensures a more breathable option, since lighter colors will reflect (not absorb) the suns rays," she explains.
Editor-loved moisture-wicking clothing
Great for everyday wear: Patagonia Baggies™ Shorts
- Variety of colors and patterns
- Multiple lengths available
- Pricey for one pair
Colorways: 12 | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester tricot mesh
"I LIVE in these shorts in the summertime," says associate editor Sierra Hoeger. "It helps that they come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, so then I can wear them multiple days in a row without having a “Lizzie McGuire, you are an outfit repeater!” moment," she jokes.
"They’re available in two different lengths- I prefer the longer, 5” seams so then they don’t ride up when I sit or when I’m walking around. And they truly are moisture-wicking. I first wore them when kayaking back home and they got a little wet, only to dry off within minutes thanks to the nylon fabric they’re made out of," explains Hoeger.
How we chose the best moisture-wicking clothing
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best moisture-wicking clothing by enlisting the recommendations of four fashion and style experts. We included an affordable, editor-tested favorite as well.
Meet the experts
- Charline Zeroual is a French personal stylist based in Los Angeles, dedicated to helping women look and feel their best.
- Naina Singla is a fashion stylist and style expert.
- Christina Stein is a personal stylist and CEO of Style by Christina.
- Olivia Eslami is the owner of OEC Consulting, a Miami-based international consulting company that helps businesses to grow and achieve their goals.
