The Ultimate Guide to the Best Summer Fabrics for Uniforms

At Stock, we’ve outfitted thousands of teams across the country, so we know what works in the heat regarding aesthetics, comfort and performance.

In the summer, the wrong fabric can leave your team drenched and drained, especially in fast-paced environments like restaurants.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best summer fabrics for uniforms and show you how to dress your team for the season.

1. Cotton

  • Moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic

  • Odor-resistant

  • Prone to shrinking

Cotton is the ultimate go-to material for summer uniforms, and it’s pretty easy to find. Since it’s breathable, it allows air circulation and keeps you feeling cool. It also absorbs sweat, so even if it’s hot and sweaty, the material doesn’t stick to your skin and cause chafing.

Cotton is odor-resistant and doesn’t hold on to the smell of sweat like polyester and other synthetic fibers. That makes it easier to wear it for a full day without worrying about odor.

Cotton is also durable, so it’s an excellent choice for uniforms because you won’t have to constantly replace it and pay more.

Drawbacks? Cotton holds onto moisture and takes time to dry, so it may get soaked on particularly hot days. It may also shrink if not washed carefully.

Stock Recommendation: Men’s Wheat Short Sleeve Collar (75% Cotton)

StockMFG’s short-sleeve cotton oxford is a solid pick for staff uniforms because it’s easy to move in during long shifts. It’s also lightweight and breathable, and the banded collar makes it look clean without being restrictive.

2. Rayon

  • Affordable choice

  • Breathable and lightweight

  • Shrinks easily

Rayon is a manmade blend of fabrics like wood pulp, cotton, and others, both synthetic and natural.

It’s characterized by very thin fibers, making it highly breathable and perfect for the summer. It looks like silk and cotton, but it’s more affordable, which means it’s a convenient choice for restaurant staff uniforms.

The main drawback to rayon is that it shrinks when wet, so you’ll want to instruct your staff to only wash it using cool water. On top of that, it can also wrinkle easily.

Stock Recommendation: Women’s Tech Blazer (20% Rayon)

Though blazers are often not summer-friendly, this tech blazer is made from a polyester-rayon mix, making it breathable and wrinkle-resistant. It’s also machine washable, ideal for busy staff.

3. Linen

  • Extremely breathable

  • Stronger, more durable, and more expensive than cotton

  • Wrinkles easily

Linen is extremely breathable and moisture-wicking, so it’s no wonder it’s a popular summer fabric for all kinds of clothes. 

Linen is ideal for staff uniforms because it looks crisp and professional, and it dries pretty quickly compared to cotton. It’s also stronger and more durable than cotton, which is why it’s more expensive.

Like cotton, linen can also wrinkle easily, so it can give off a messy vibe if the wearer doesn’t constantly upkeep it.

Stock Recommendation: Wheat Striped Cabana Shirt (55% Linen)

For casual restaurants or beach settings, you’ll want to consider this striped Cabana shirt. It’s made from a breathable linen-cotton blend, and it enjoys a relaxed fit, making it comfortable for long shifts.

4. Polyester

  • Highly durable and easy to wash

  • More affordable than most options

  • Traps sweat

Polyester is a synthetic fabric, so it’s highly durable and easy to maintain. It’s not that breathable on its own, but it’s often blended with cotton, resulting in a comfortable, breathable fabric.

It’s a solid choice for staff uniforms because it’s easy to wash and quick to dry. On top of that, it’s resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and stretching, so it’ll be a while before you have to buy your staff new uniforms.

Despite that, polyester has some drawbacks often associated with synthetic fabrics. It can trap sweat, causing a buildup of odor on hot days. If it’s not blended, it won’t be very breathable, which can feel uncomfortable in the summer.

Stock Recommendation: Women’s White Short Sleeve (Blended Polyester)

Our short-sleeve shirt is a practical, basic choice for staff uniforms. It’s highly versatile and durable, and its clean stitching gives off a polished look. You can use it for both casual and professional settings.

5. Silk

  • Temperature-regulating and luxurious

  • Expensive

  • Delicate and high-maintenance

Silk is one of the more luxurious options, making it suitable for staff in professional settings like hotel reception and branch managers. It gives off a polished look and is naturally temperature-regulating, making it a great fabric for both summer and winter.

Silk is a delicate fabric, so it’s not suitable for food service settings or staff who stay on their feet all day. It’s also high-maintenance, often needing dry cleaning to maintain its integrity. Not to mention, it’s more expensive than most options on this list. 

While it’s perfect for summer, you should consider who will wear it and whether they’ll be able to maintain it. You can instead use it for accessories like bow ties and neckties.

Stock Recommendation: Pre-Tied Black Silk Bow Tie

Silk may not be a convenient choice for clothing, but it’s still unmatched when it comes to luxury accessories. Staff in professional settings can benefit from this pre-tied silk bow tie.

6. Nylon

  • Lightweight and quick-drying

  • Resistant to shrinking

  • May trap odors

Nylon is often the go-to summer fabric for fast-paced environments like food service. It’s durable, lightweight, and quick-drying, making it a practical choice for staff uniforms.

Though it might be uncomfortable on its own, it’s often blended with other materials to improve its wearability. It’s also resistant to shrinking, which means your staff will keep wearing it for a long time before asking for a replacement.

As with any other fabric, nylon comes with its own set of cons. For example, it may cling uncomfortably to the body unless it’s blended. Additionally, it may retain heat and trap odors, but again, blending it solves these issues.

Stock Recommendation: Short Sleeve Coolmax Chef Shirt

Since nylon isn’t comfortable on its own, our Coolmax chef shirt is only 15% nylon, blending cotton, Coolmax, and Spandex for maximum comfort. It’s ideal for culinary professionals because it wicks away moisture and stays dry. Its tailored design also gives it a professional, chef-worthy look.

7. Denim

  • Cotton-based

  • Uncomfortable and unbreathable

  • Better for aprons

Denim is a tightly woven cotton fabric that has the same moisture-wicking abilities as cotton. It doesn’t stain easily and doesn’t require gentle care, making it a nice, rugged option for food service. 

Additionally, since it’s cotton-based, it can be breathable in lighter weaves. 

Despite that, denim is uncomfortable in heat, and if it’s not light, it won’t be breathable, making it tough to wear in hot places like kitchens. 

Denim may be a good choice for aprons and other accessories, but not for the uniform itself because it’s restrictive.

Stock Recommendation: Selvedge Denim Bib Apron

If you love denim but don’t want your staff to be uncomfortable, you can get denim aprons like our Selvedge ones. They’re made from Japanese denim, which is sturdy but not too heavy. It allows the wearer to move freely and ages nicely.

8. Chambray

  • Looks like denim

  • Light and breathable like cotton

  • Prone to wrinkling

Chambray is denim’s lighter, more comfortable sibling. It looks the same as denim, but since it’s lighter, it’s better for hot weather and not as restrictive.

Since it’s also made from cotton, it’s breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking. Besides, it gives off a casual vibe, making it ideal for modern restaurants.

However, because it’s cotton-based, chambray has the same cons as cotton. It wrinkles easily, so it may require ironing to keep it looking good. It’s also not as durable as synthetic fabric.

Stock Recommendation: Stretch Service Chambray

Our stretch service chambray shirt is a popular go-to for staff uniforms because it’s both comfortable and flexible. The chambray fabric is durable yet soft, allowing your staff to wear it for hours without feeling uncomfortable.

9. Merino Wool

  • Incredibly breathable and comfortable

  • On the expensive side of the market

  • High-maintenance

Merino wool is an excellent summer fabric because it’s highly breathable and moisture-wicking. It’s odor-resistant and temperature-regulating, making it comfortable to wear for hours without smelling.

It requires gentle care as it often loses shape and shrinks in washing machines, so it may need hand washing or dry cleaning.

TL;DR - Best Summer-Friendly Options Summarized

Here’s everything we said above summarized:

Your Best Options

  • Cotton: Soft, breathable, and comfortable.

  • Linen: Highly breathable and cool.

  • Chambray: Lightweight alternative to denim.

  • Rayon: Smooth and drapey.

Good Only When Blended or for Specific Uses

  • Polyester: Highly durable but unbreathable unless blended.

  • Denim: Durable and hides stains, but too heavy.

  • Merino Wool: Breathable and odor-resistant, but pricey and delicate.

Less Suitable for Restaurant Settings

  • Silk: Luxurious but stains easily and is fragile.

  • Nylon: Quick-drying and durable, but lacks breathability and traps heat.

Uniform Ideas for Summer

If you’re struggling to find summer uniforms that are both breathable and stylish, you’re not alone.

Many business owners don’t want their staff wearing casual t-shirts while on shift, but all other options seem uncomfortable for the summer. 

That’s where they’re wrong, though. You can create stylish summer outfits for your staff while still keeping them comfortable. All you need is to choose the right materials and match the right items. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Shorts

  • Recommended Materials: Cotton or linen blends

  • Materials to Avoid: Synthetic materials

While shorts aren’t typical choices for restaurant uniforms, they can be convenient in beach cafes and food trucks. They’re breathable and easy to move in, making them excellent choices for casual settings.

Match them with polo shirts or short-sleeve collared shirts for a polished look.

2. Short-Sleeved Shirts

  • Recommended Materials: Cotton, chambray, or linen

  • Materials to Avoid: 100% polyester, silk, and heavy denim

Short-sleeved shirts are the most popular item for staff uniforms during the summer. They’re ideal for waitstaff, front-of-house, and cafe teams.

If you choose the right fabrics, they’ll be breathable and moisture-wicking, keeping your staff looking polished, even on long, hot days. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Cotton oxfords for all-day comfort (Like this one)

  • Chambray shirts for a laid-back vibe (Here’s an example)

  • Linen-blend shirts for high-end, stylish looks (Similar to our Cabana shirt)

3. Waist Aprons

  • Recommended Materials: Denim, chambray, or polyester blends.

  • Materials to Avoid: Pure linen, unblended rayon, and unblended nylon.

Aprons are often worn by chefs, baristas, or kitchen staff. They protect without adding bulk, making them a nice addition to summer uniforms. Opt for lighter-weight structured materials like chambray, and avoid materials that easily wrinkle like linen.

4. Polo Shirts

  • Recommended Materials: Coolmax or cotton-polyester blends

  • Materials to Avoid: 100% polyester and merino wool

Polo shirts are perfect for casual dining and outdoor events. They give a more relaxed look than button-ups, and they hold up well under pressure if they’re made from moisture-wicking fabrics. Choose a cotton-poly or Coolmax blend for durability, and avoid merino wool because it loses shape over time.

5. Breathable Blazers

  • Recommended Materials: Rayon-Poly Blends

  • Materials to Avoid: Linen and nylon

Hosts and upscale servers often have to wear blazers all the time, even during summer. If that’s the case with your staff, choose blazers made from rayon-poly blends, like our tech blazer. It’s breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and machine washable. Avoid linen because it wrinkles easily.

Final Thoughts

Warm weather shouldn’t slow your staff down. With the right summer fabrics, like cotton or chambray, your team will keep looking sharp and feeling comfortable from open to close.

We’ve done the fabric testing, the wear-and-tear checks, and the style tweaks so you don’t have to. Take a look at our recommended picks and give your staff a uniform they’ll actually want to wear.

 

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