The Top Five Best Fabrics to Wear at Walt Disney World in Summer Heat
Plus Four Clothing Fabrics to Avoid Wearing When it’s Hot and Humid
Summer is one of our favorite times for a Walt Disney World vacation. But summer in Florida means you’ll have to deal with some oppressive weather patterns, including rain, humidity and hot steamy weather. So what are the best clothing fabrics to wear in hot, humid Orlando weather? We share the top five fabrics for summer at Walt Disney World.
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The Best Clothing Fabrics to Pack and Wear for a Steamy Summer Disney Vacation in Orlando
Aside from the usual common sense tips about wearing sunscreen, keeping hydrated and cooling off in the AC, what your clothing is made of can also have a big impact on your comfort in Disney World parks and beyond.
Here is our guide to the best fabrics to wear in the summer at Walt Disney World, and also the clothing fabrics you should avoid if you want to be the most comfortable in Florida's steamy summer weather.
The Five Best Fabrics to Wear in Hot Humid Weather
When packing for your summer vacation to Walt Disney World, consider packing clothing that is made from the following materials to ensure your best possible comfort against the relentless Florida summer heat.
Top Five Clothing Fabrics for Hot, Humid Weather
Here are the five best clothing fabrics to wear in 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 your 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 is summer 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 when the heat is on.
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 in every store as a clothing fabric, bamboo fabric is quickly gaining popularity, especially in warmer climates. If you find a bamboo clothing item that you like, it’s worth considering for Florida’s steamy summer weather. Bamboo is very soft, breathable and has natural moisture-wicking and antibacterial properties, all of which combine to make bamboo fabric an ideal choice for humid conditions. There are also bamboo/cotton blends, which can be a good choice as well.
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 on your body and can be found in many summer clothing items. However, rayon is not quite as absorbent or moisture wicking as other options on the list, so rayon clothing would be a good choice 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 if you want 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. So go ahead and get that jeans shorts look with chambray on a hot summer day.
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 and somewhat notorious reputation for being non-breathable. Polyester clothing traps heat and moisture, making it a bad choice for hot, humid weather. It is a 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 Walt Disney World). While nylon is often used in activewear, it is not suited to hot 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 (and no one wants that). 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 and comfortable during a Walt 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 question, but if you like to layer due to the bone-chilling air conditioning of Disney buses and some shops, consider very light layers. These can help to manage the transition between the oppressive outdoor heat and chilling indoor air conditioning.
By choosing the right fabrics, you can keep your cool, be more comfortable and ensure a stylish overall wardrobe even in the midst of Florida's sizzling summer heat. Keep these tips in mind as you plan or purchase for your Walt Disney World or Florida summer vacation wardrobe. You'll be ready to face the humidity with confidence and ease.
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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic