As summer arrives you may be thinking how to keep yourself cool in the office, at home and everywhere in between. You are likely asking yourself, “What’s up with wicking and how do different manmade and natural fabrics keep you cool?”

Whether you are working out or just out on the town on a hot summer day, wicking matters! You’re going to sweat, and the worst part of the warm summer day is that sticky feeling on your skin. Fibers that wick pull the moisture off of your skin making you feel cool and, well, dry.

If you’re looking to match your style first here are some natural fiber day-wear pieces.

Calvin Klein 365 Cotton Stretch Camisole Cotton has natural wicking properties, but unlike synthetics that don’t hold moisture, cotton does. While it doesn’t really work for high impact activities where you’re going to experience sustained sweating, it will keep you dry while you walk around town. Pair this Calvin style with your favorite skirt or walking shorts for a summer stroll through country or city in style.

Modal is not exactly natural but it comes from a natural source that has similar properties to cotton: beechwood. This makes it really absorbent and comfortable. It has a silky surface that is soft to the touch; wear it on a date night to invite some closer contact! Try these modal tanks by Diesel and Calvin.

Diesel Modal Stretch Ribat Tank Top	Calvin Klein MIX Layer Tank Top

Manmade fibers like polyester, nylon, rayon, and lycra/spandex don’t naturally wick. Can you imagine the feeling of a thin layer of moisture being trapped right up against your skin? Think wearing a wet suit all day! The drawback is often counterbalanced with coatings and weaves that encourage wicking and make these fibers more bearable.

If you’re looking to keep up that morning jog or work out and don’t want to come home drenched, stay cool and dry with these activewear pieces:

	Falke Ergonomic Apparel Sanja Long Sleeve Jacket This style by Falke would be great to layer over a tank or sports bra for a morning jog where the temp is still lower but that will wick moisture away from your skin while still covering you up and making sure you don’t cool down too fast.
	Shock Absorber D+ Max Sports Bra Top We couldn’t finish without a supportive sports bra! This style by Shock Absorber will give you high impact support while also keeping you cool and comfortable with its wicking properties.

It’s a warm summer ahead so hopefully you’ll stock up and be prepared to stay cool and dry!