Our Favorite Fabrics for Transitional Weather

When you’re choosing what to wear, the fabric makes all the difference. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it performs. Whether you’re getting dressed for an active day outside, heading to work, or just running errands, knowing a bit about what your clothes are made of can help you pick pieces that actually work for your lifestyle.

Below, we’ve broken down a few of the most popular fabric types and what makes each one worth having in your wardrobe.

Cotton and Cotton Blends

Cotton is soft, breathable, and naturally absorbent. It also offers some sun protection, which makes it a great fit for lightweight, everyday wear when you’re spending time outside.

When cotton is blended with another fabric, you get the best of both worlds: the softness and breathability of cotton, plus the positive traits of what it’s mixed with, like stretch and flexibility. Cotton blends are ideal for everything from laid-back weekend wear to sun-protective apparel you can actually live in.

Polyester

Polyester is one of the most commonly used fabrics out there, and it's easy to see why. The fabric can be blended and woven in a variety of ways to create comfortable, breathable clothing. Polyester is naturally good at moving moisture away from your skin—making it a go-to for activewear material.

One of the more popular ways it’s used is to create a mesh or jersey. This ensures even more breathability. If staying cool and dry is your goal, polyester always delivers.

Microfleece

While polyester is typically woven into yarn, it can also be knitted into a unique fabric known as microfleece. It’s then brushed and finished to boost softness and enhance its moisture-wicking abilities.

Microfleece is a smart pick when you want to stay warm without layering up too much. It insulates well, but it’s still breathable, so you don’t overheat. That makes it ideal for layering in transitional weather—when mornings are chilly but afternoons warm up fast.

Because it’s lightweight and flexible, it won’t slow you down. It offers great range of motion, which makes it perfect for hiking, trail walks, or any time you need a little extra warmth without the bulk.

Final Thoughts

We didn’t cover every fabric out there, but this is a great place to start when you're thinking about comfort, breathability, sweat management, and the kind of materials that support an active lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for moisture-wicking properties, UV protection, or easy layering options, these fabrics are built to keep up. Explore our full collection of performance materials at outfitters.zips.com—we’ve got you covered no matter the weather, activity, or season ahead.