Choosing children’s summer clothes: fabrics and fit

When choosing a child's summer clothes, consider fibre, weave, colour and fit together. These help you compare garments without promising that one fabric will keep a child cool in every situation. TGCom24 also discusses summer clothing. Here we focus on garment features and putting together a wardrobe for town and the seaside.

Four things to assess in summer clothing

A fabric is not simply “cool” or “warm” in the abstract. Its construction matters. When choosing clothes for the warmer weeks, consider four points before focusing on the cut or your child's favourite colour:

• Fibre. Cotton, linen and synthetic fibre names alone do not describe how a fabric behaves. Check the individual garment's composition alongside its structure.
• Weave. Look at whether the fabric is open or compact. Muslin, gauze and jersey have different structures, even when they use the same fibre.
• Colour. White, sand and pastels are options for a summer wardrobe. Colour alone does not establish comfort or protection.
• Fit. Look for a cut that allows movement without being tight. Check how the garment sits on the child.

In the children's T-shirt collection, compare the fibre, weave and fit of individual styles. A logo does not establish that a garment will keep a child cool all day.

What to look for in shorts, Bermuda shorts and daywear

For the lower half of a summer wardrobe, look at fabric weight and fit. With shorts and Bermuda shorts and capri trousers, check that the cut allows movement at the legs and waist. For a polo shirt, too, compare the weight and structure of each style's fabric.

The spring/summer collection is a starting point for exploring seasonal clothes. Check composition, weave and fit in the details of each style.

A baby's summer wardrobe

Muslin is one of the fabrics used in babywear. Treccani defines it as a “cotton fabric […] made with fine yarns”, “very soft to the touch”, also used for baby linen. It is a fabric, not a fibre: the name alone does not establish suitability for every situation.

Pieces and details to explore include:

• Sleeveless bodysuits: check the fabric, openings and fit.
• Lightweight baby one-pieces: look at the openings and ease of changing.
• A hat: assess the style without assuming guaranteed sun protection.
• Light colours: a style choice for the summer wardrobe.

Explore the baby collection and children's hats, checking each garment's features. For help with the first wardrobe, see the newborn's first designer wardrobe guide.

Smart summer dressing

A dinner, wedding or lunch out may call for smarter clothing. Fibre, weave, colour and fit remain useful points to consider in formal pieces too. A shirt is a helpful example.

Linen and poplin are two options for summer shirts, to be assessed in the individual fabric. Treccani describes poplin as a “light fabric […] with a much denser warp than weft”. Its structure can give a shirt a more defined appearance. Composition, weight and fit still need to be checked on the chosen style.

For a summer occasion, explore the children's shirt collection: look at colour, fabric weight and room to move under the arms and around the neck. Compare the styles of Etro and Monnalisa, or consider a Ralph Lauren polo shirt for a less formal outfit. A brand name does not establish a garment's composition or performance.

The label and the individual garment

Choosing designer clothing still means looking at fibre, weave, weight and fit. These cannot be inferred from a brand and may vary between styles. For more detail, see what “quality” means in children's clothing and understanding sizing across brands. For holiday packing, we also discuss use and washing in what to pack for a child.

Frequently asked questions

How should I choose children's clothes for hot weather?

When choosing summer clothes, compare composition, weave, colour and fit. Assess individual styles without treating a fibre or brand as a guarantee of coolness or protection.

What should I look at in a baby's summer fabric?

Look at the composition, structure, weight and instructions for the individual garment. Cotton muslin is also used for baby linen, but its name alone does not tell you which style to choose.

Is linen really cooler than cotton?

It depends on the particular fabric, its weight and its weave. The fibre name, whether linen or cotton, alone cannot establish which garment will feel cooler.

How can I choose a smart summer outfit?

You can compare linen or lightweight poplin shirts, light colours and cuts that allow movement around the neck and arms. Assess the structure, weight and fit of the chosen style.

Explore the spring/summer collection and compare designer pieces for the season

Read next: designer babywear and the first wardrobe, what to pack for a child, what “quality” means in children's clothing and understanding sizing across brands.