The 5 Best Fabrics for Spring & Summer in 2025
Spring is the season of fresh starts, longer days, and—of course—new sewing projects! As the temperatures rise, it's time to swap out heavy winter fabrics for lighter, airier options that move with you and keep you comfortable. Whether you're making a flowy dress, a structured blouse, or a casual everyday piece, choosing the right fabric can make all the difference.Here’s a guide to the best fabrics for spring, their unique qualities, and what types of garments they work best for.
Linen: The Ultimate Spring Fabric
Linen is a warm-weather essential. It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and gets softer with every wash. The natural texture adds a relaxed elegance to any garment, making it a favorite for spring wardrobes.
Best for:
✔︎ Breezy button-up shirts
✔︎ Wide-leg trousers
✔︎ Wrap dresses and tunics
Sewing tips:
Linen wrinkles easily, but that’s part of its charm. If you prefer a more structured look, go for a linen blend with cotton or viscose.
Cotton Lawn: Crisp & Lightweight
Cotton lawn is a light, finely woven fabric with a smooth finish. It’s softer than quilting cotton but still has some body, making it ideal for structured yet breathable garments.
Best for:
✔︎ Shirt dresses
✔︎ Blouses
✔︎ Flowy skirts
Sewing tips:
Cotton lawn is easy to work with, making it great for beginners. It doesn’t fray much, and it presses beautifully for crisp seams.
Viscose (Rayon): Soft and Drapey
Viscose is silky, lightweight, and breathable, with a gorgeous drape that mimics natural fibers like silk. It feels soft against the skin and moves beautifully, making it perfect for spring.
Best for:
✔︎ Wrap dresses
✔︎ Flowy blouses
✔︎ Wide-leg pants
Sewing tips:
Viscose can be slippery to cut and sew, so use fine pins, a sharp rotary cutter, and staystitch curves to prevent stretching.
Double Gauze: Soft & Airy
Double gauze is made from two thin layers of cotton that are lightly tacked together, creating a fabric that’s soft, breathable, and slightly crinkled. It has a casual, effortless look that works well for spring and summer.
Best for:
✔︎ Relaxed dresses
✔︎ Loose-fitting tops
✔︎ Baby clothes
Sewing tips: Pre-wash your fabric before cutting, as double gauze can shrink quite a bit. Also, use a walking foot to avoid shifting layers.
Chambray: The Lighter Denim Alternative
Chambray gives you the classic denim look but in a lightweight, breathable fabric. It’s perfect for those in-between spring days when you need a bit more coverage but still want something light.
Best for:
✔︎ Shirtdresses
✔︎ Jumpsuits
✔︎ Casual skirts
Sewing tips:
Chambray is prone to fraying, so finish your seams with French seams or a serger for a polished look.
Spring & Summer are all about movement, breathability, and comfort, so choosing fabrics that are lightweight, drapey, or moisture-wicking will keep you feeling fresh. Whether you love the crispness of cotton, the effortless drape of viscose, or the natural charm of linen, there’s a perfect fabric for every spring project.