9 Fabrics That Keep You Cool in a UK Heatwave

1. Linen (Vegan)

A true classic of warm-weather tailoring, linen has always been synonymous with summer style. Its relaxed character and effortless appearance make it one of Holland & Sherry's most popular seasonal cloths.

Why it's great in a heatwave

Linen keeps you cool and dry thanks to its exceptional breathability and natural moisture-wicking properties. Even on the hottest days, it feels light against the skin and allows heat to escape easily.

What makes it work

Linen is woven from flax fibres, which naturally allow air and moisture to move through the fabric more freely. This gives linen its cool feel while creating the subtle texture and relaxed finish that has become its signature look.

Best for: Destination weddings, garden parties, holidays and anyone embracing a relaxed summer look.

2. Dormeuil Travel Resistant

Designed for professionals who are constantly on the move, Dormeuil's Travel Resistant collection combines practicality with sophistication. 

Why it's great in a heatwave

Its high-twist construction creates a crisp, dry fabric that feels noticeably cooler against the skin. The cloth also allows heat and moisture to escape more efficiently, making it particularly comfortable during busy commutes and long working days.

What makes it work

Travel Resistant is woven from high-twist worsted wool yarns, creating a crisp, breathable cloth that encourages airflow while naturally sitting slightly away from the skin. The same construction helps the fabric recover after sitting, travelling or folding.

Best for: Business travel, commuting and professionals wanting a practical, crease-resistant suit for warmer weather.

3. Bamboo (Vegan)

Huddersfield Fine Worsted's Bamboo collection combines bamboo fibres with cloth to create a fabric that's exceptionally soft and highly breathable.

Why it's great in a heatwave

Bamboo feels naturally cool against the skin and helps regulate body temperature by drawing moisture away from the body. This makes it particularly comfortable during humid summer days when staying dry becomes just as important as staying cool.

What makes it work

Bamboo fibres naturally absorb moisture before releasing it into the air, helping prevent the fabric from feeling damp during prolonged wear. It’s silky softness also creates a cloth that's comfortable from morning until evening.

Best for: Summer business wear, weddings and clients looking for a breathable vegan fabric.

4. Airesco

One of Holland & Sherry's signature summer collections, Airesco was specifically designed to maximise airflow without sacrificing the structure of a tailored suit.

Why it's great in a heatwave

Thanks to its exceptionally open weave, Airesco is one of the coolest suiting cloths available. It allows constant airflow through the fabric, making it particularly comfortable during long summer events where you'll be spending hours outdoors.

What makes it work

Airesco's defining feature is its highly open weave. Tiny gaps between the yarns allow warm air to escape while cooler air circulates more freely through the cloth. Despite this construction, the fabric still has enough support to hold it’s shape.

Best for: Outdoor weddings, garden parties and summer events spent in the heat.

5. Cape Horn Lightweight

Cape Horn Lightweight is designed for those who want the appearance of a classic business suit without a heavier feel.

Why it's great in a heatwave

The lightweight wool creates a comfortable feel, helping to prevent the suit from feeling heavy or restrictive in warmer weather, while the worsted finish maintains a polished  appearance. 

What makes it work

Rather than relying on a particularly open weave, Cape Horn achieves its comfort through a reduced cloth weight. This gives it the familiar drape and finish of classic worsted wool, while removing some of the bulk.

Best for: Business meetings, office wear and occasions where a more formal look is preferred.

6. Crispaire

Crispaire has become one of Holland & Sherry's best-known performance cloths, combining excellent breathability and shape retention.

Why it's great in a heatwave

Its crisp finish naturally sits slightly away from the skin, helping the fabric feel cooler in warm weather. Even after travelling or spending the day on your feet, Crispaire maintains a fresh appearance with minimal creasing.

What makes it work

The cloth is woven using high-twist Merino wool yarns that create a resilient fabric with an open construction. This combination encourages airflow while allowing the cloth to recover quickly after wear, helping the suit retain its appearance throughout the day.

Best for: Business travel and destination weddings.

7. Royal Mile Plains

Royal Mile Plains is a versatile collection of lightweight plain-coloured fabrics that offers a timeless choice for everyday tailoring.

Why it's great in a heatwave

Royal Mile Plains is woven from lightweight worsted wool, and provides comfortable wear throughout spring and summer. If you want one suit that works across multiple occasions, Royal Mile Plains is a dependable choice.

What makes it work

Royal Mile Plains combines lightweight comfort with an elegant drape, making it a versatile choice for business wear and smarter occasions. Its understated colours make it easy to style.

Best for: Daily business wear, first bespoke suits and smart occasions where versatility is key.

8. Dormeuil Mohair

Dormeuil's Mohair collection blends premium wool with fine South African mohair to create a luxurious cloth renowned for its breathability and natural lustre. 

Why it's great in a heatwave

Mohair feels noticeably lighter and cooler than many suiting fabrics while remaining exceptionally resistant to creasing. This makes it particularly well suited to long summer weddings and formal events where looking sophisticated all day matters.

What makes it work

Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is naturally smooth and breathable. When blended with wool, it creates a lightweight cloth that holds its shape beautifully and naturally resists - as well as maintaining a natural sheen synonymous with formal tailoring.

Best for: Summer weddings, business wear and formal occasions.

9. Gostwyck Lightweight

For those seeking ultimate luxury, Gostwyck Lightweight showcases some of the world's finest Merino wool.

Why it's great in a heatwave

Woven from exceptionally fine Merino wool fibres, Gostwyck Lightweight delivers outstanding comfort during warmer weather and the elegance of  premium tailoring.

What makes it work

The cloth is woven from rare Gostwyck Saxon Merino wool using Super 170's fibres. The fine fibres create an incredibly soft feel, while the long fibres allow a beautiful drape without sacrificing durability.

Best for: Luxury business tailoring and smart casual suits.

Last Thoughts...

As UK summers continue to become warmer, selecting the right cloth can make all the difference during a heatwave. While every fabric in this guide is designed to perform well in warmer weather, the best choice depends on how and where you'll wear it.

Understanding a few simple fabric characteristics, such as fibre composition, weave and cloth weight, can make choosing the right suit much easier. Investing in a high-quality cloth also means your suit will continue to perform season after season, maintaining its comfort, shape and appearance even through the warmest months.

If you're unsure which fabric best suits your lifestyle, our tailoring consultants are always happy to help. Book a consultation with King & Allen today and discover the ideal fabric for staying cool, comfortable and impeccably dressed all summer long.