Are Silk Shirts Suitable For Summer?
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Summer silk benefits:
Breathable and perspiration-wicking - a "self-contained fan":
Unlike many other fabrics, silk is a natural protein fiber that has an unusual structure full of innumerable tiny "pores". This allows body heat and moisture (perspiration) to travel instantly through the fabric and dissipate into the air, not at the surface of the fabric where the majority of other fabrics trap heat at the skin's surface, giving you that annoying, clammy feel. Your skin stays fresh and cool whether you are very active or just sitting there. Irrespective of active movement, silk moves with you! Especially for sweaty areas like the back and armpits, silk wicks sweat away from the body, which eliminates the clammy feeling. This fact is very helpful in reducing discomfort and awkwardness. -
Moisture-absorbent and moisture-releasing - intelligently managing humidity:
Silk not only breathes well, but it is also very moisture-absorbent. It is able to absorb up to 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet, and it draws sweat away from the skin quickly. Even better, it releases moisture quickly. Absorbed sweat diffuses to the surface of the fabric where it then evaporates. When this happens there is an energy transfer cycle: sweat is absorbed to keep skin dry → moisture evaporates and pulls away heat energy → the perceived temperature drops. It's like wearing a humidity-regulating device and miniature radiator, which is the key reason silk feels so cool. -
Skin-friendly and smooth - protecting delicate skin:
Summer brings more exposure to the sun as well as sensitivity to the skin.Silk has always been acknowledged for its luxurious smoothness, and it is the natural fiber that is least likely to irritate the skin, as it has the lowest friction coefficient. With a regular silk garment, it will slide against the skin without chafing regardless if you are either stationary/acclimatizing or active/moving, which is very common with many cotton and linen garments, which makes it exceptional for anyone with sensitive skin, allergies (think photodermatitis/eczema), or itching all the time. That softness of a second skin is a luxury that none of the synthetic fabrics can replicate.
Light and flowy - with a polished aesthetic:
In the summer heat, nobody wants to feel heavy in their clothing. Silk is lightweight, as it is naturally. And silk drapes so well! A good silk shirt has a lovely, sleek flowing shape that is neither the saggy shapelessness of cheap chiffon or limpness, nor the thick, stiff cotton. Silk drapes so smoothly on your body's natural curves that it creates nice, elegant pleats and lays so elegantly that it appears effortless. Silk pairs beautifully with tailored skirts or fitted pants and, equally, your favorite casually chic jeans. Whether you are stuck in an air-conditioned office or sitting at an outdoor patio for coffee, you'll feel well-dressed and stylish yet completely relaxed in silk!
Natural luster - understated luxury:
The silk fiber has a unique triangular cross-section that picks up light and has a reflective quality that gives a soft, pearly luster. This reflection of light is soft and sophisticated, at no stage will it glare like the sparkle of sequined garments or synthetic hypo-allergenic fabrics.Whether it be the summer sun or the squirrel-tailed incandescent lighting inside, a silk shirt radiates a healthy and vibrant glow that reflects a person's good pleasure. This is an "understated luxury." Using silk is an elegant and understated way to enhance your look, and also demonstrates some taste. Many customers of silk state that they have received compliments like "You look great," and "You look so elegant."
Natural materials - peace of mind:
Discriminating consumers are beginning to appreciate the natural materials over artificial materials. Silk is made of 100% natural silk protein and does not contain any chemicals that have been synthetically produced (some of the dying materials may differ). Silk is gentle enough for the skin, is safe for our body and lower impact for the environment. Continued wear will only help the skin. You can't beat the comfort of natural fabrics especially during the summer months when you may be sweaty!
Precautions:
Delicate silk requires care:
Silk is delicate and prone to snags, scratches, sun damage and alkaline detergent damage. We recommend hand washing (with silk detergent or, if you must, a neutral shampoo) or professional dry cleaning. Avoid wringing or rubbing, and twisting silk is a no-no even when it's in the washing machine. Air dry silk in a cool, ventilated areas, and keep it in shadow, away from direct sunlight. Iron at low temperature (using the silk setting), and with a cloth barrier. While there is care involved, the comfort and quality certainly outweigh the bother - with the right care, a good silk shirt can last for years.
Relatively expensive:
High quality silk (like 6A grade mulberry silk) incurs high raw material and workmanship costs, so it will be more expensive than standard fabrics. However, for a final product that is comfortable, luxurious and wearable as a daily garment for summer, the cost-benefit is superb, and if you purchase a quality shirt, it should last for summer wear forever.