What Fabrics Should You Not Wear in the Summer in Ireland?

In Ireland, summer doesn’t mean sweltering heat or endless sunshine - it means unpredictable weather, sudden downpours, and damp air that clings to your skin no matter how hard you try to escape it. Even in July, when the sun finally breaks through the clouds over Glendalough or along the Wild Atlantic Way, the humidity stays low and the wind keeps blowing. So choosing the right fabrics isn’t about looking cool in a heatwave - it’s about staying dry, comfortable, and not feeling like you’re wrapped in a wet towel all day.

Forget polyester - it traps sweat and smells

Polyester is everywhere. From budget fashion chains like Primark to online retailers shipping to Galway and Cork, it’s cheap, easy to print on, and looks fine on hangers. But wear it in an Irish summer, and you’ll quickly learn why it’s a bad idea. Polyester doesn’t breathe. It traps sweat against your skin, and in a country where rain can come in five-minute bursts and then vanish, that trapped moisture turns into clammy discomfort. Add body odor from a long day walking the Dingle Peninsula or queuing for tickets at the Galway Film Fleadh, and you’re not just uncomfortable - you’re noticeable.

Real people in Ireland know this. Locals in Dublin’s Temple Bar avoid polyester blends in summer because they’ve learned the hard way: a synthetic blouse might look sharp in the office, but by 3 p.m. after a walk along the Liffey, it’s sticking to your back like cling film. And no one wants to be the person who smells like a damp gym bag at a pub quiz night.

Nylon and spandex? Save them for the gym

Nylon and spandex are designed for movement, not for everyday wear in Ireland’s damp climate. They’re great for running in Phoenix Park on a dry morning, but terrible for a stroll through Powerscourt Estate or a visit to the Rock of Cashel. These fabrics don’t absorb moisture - they repel it, which sounds good until you get caught in a surprise shower. Then they cling, sag, and take forever to dry. If you’ve ever worn a nylon summer dress on a hike in the Wicklow Mountains and felt it turn heavy and cold against your skin, you know exactly what I mean.

Spandex blends might promise a flattering fit, but in Ireland’s changeable weather, they’re a trap. They stretch out, lose shape after one wash, and don’t handle humidity well. Even the most expensive brands - like Zara or Mango - often use these materials in their ‘summer’ collections because they’re cheap. But if you’re spending €80 on a dress meant for a Mediterranean beach, you’re not dressing for Ireland. You’re dressing for a fantasy.

Rayon and viscose - pretty, but not practical

Rayon and viscose look elegant. They drape beautifully, have a silky sheen, and are often marketed as ‘lightweight’ or ‘breathable’. But here’s the catch: they absorb water like a sponge. Wear a rayon blouse on a misty morning in Killarney, and by lunchtime, it’s clinging to you, wrinkled, and possibly translucent. Worse - when it dries, it loses its shape. That’s why Irish women who’ve lived here for more than a year rarely buy rayon dresses, even if they’re on sale at Brown Thomas.

Viscose is even worse. It’s made from wood pulp, which sounds natural, but the chemical processing makes it weak when wet. A single rain shower can ruin the structure of a viscose skirt. I’ve seen tourists in Doolin wearing beautiful viscose sundresses, only to have them sag into a shapeless mess after walking from the pier to the pub. Locals? They’d never risk it. They know better.

Wool and velvet? Only if you’re going to a winter wedding

You might think wool is strictly a winter fabric, and you’re right - unless you’ve bought a lightweight wool blend thinking it’s ‘summer appropriate’. In Ireland, even ‘light’ wool retains heat and doesn’t wick moisture well. A wool-blend summer dress might feel fine indoors at the National Gallery, but step outside in the Dublin sun - even if it’s just 20°C - and you’ll start sweating under the fabric. Wool doesn’t breathe like cotton. It holds in heat and moisture, making you feel hotter than you should.

And velvet? Don’t even think about it. Velvet is a luxury fabric, yes - but it’s also dense, heavy, and traps heat. You’ll find velvet dresses in seasonal sales at Dunnes Stores, marketed as ‘evening wear’ for summer parties. But if you wear one to a wedding at the Ballygally Castle or a rooftop cocktail event in Belfast, you’ll be the only one sweating in the room. Save velvet for November, when the weather turns and you need something warm and dramatic.

What should you wear instead?

The answer is simple: natural, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that work with Ireland’s climate, not against it.

• Cotton - especially organic or linen-blend cotton - is the gold standard. It breathes, absorbs sweat, and dries reasonably fast. Look for loose weaves like seersucker or voile. Brands like House of Harlow 1960 (available in Dublin’s Brown Thomas) and local designers like Clare O’Connor use cotton effectively.
• Linen - the classic Irish summer fabric. It’s cool, lightweight, and gets softer with every wash. A linen dress from Liberty of London (sold in Cork’s English Market shops) or a handmade piece from Galway Craft Fair will outlast a dozen synthetic dresses. Linen wrinkles? Yes. But in Ireland, a slightly rumpled look just says you’ve been out enjoying the day.
• Bamboo rayon - not to be confused with regular rayon. Bamboo fabric is processed differently and has better moisture-wicking properties. It’s softer than cotton and naturally antibacterial. Look for it in sustainable brands like People Tree or Thought, both available online and in Dublin’s Elysian.
• Tencel (lyocell) - a newer, eco-friendly fabric made from wood pulp using a closed-loop process. It’s smooth, breathable, and dries faster than cotton. Brands like Arket and H&M Conscious use it in their summer lines, and it’s perfect for Ireland’s damp days.

What about sun protection?

You might think you need thick, UV-blocking fabrics for Ireland’s summer sun. But here’s the truth: UV levels in Ireland rarely reach dangerous levels, even in July. The sun is weak compared to southern Europe. So you don’t need a heavy UPF-rated dress. Instead, focus on loose weaves and light colors. A white cotton dress reflects sunlight better than a dark synthetic one. And if you’re heading to the coast - say, to the Cliffs of Moher or the Aran Islands - a light linen shawl or scarf is more practical than a sunhat. Wind blows too hard for hats anyway.

Real Irish summer dressing: it’s about layers, not looks

The secret to dressing for summer in Ireland isn’t about finding the ‘perfect’ fabric. It’s about layering smartly. A lightweight cotton top over a tank, paired with a breathable linen skirt, lets you peel off layers as the temperature shifts. Keep a light cotton cardigan or a denim jacket handy - even in July, evenings can turn chilly, especially near water.

Look at how Irish women dress in real life. In Doolin, you’ll see locals in linen pants and cotton blouses. In Galway, artists wear Tencel dresses with wool-blend shawls. In Dublin, office workers switch to cotton tunics and linen trousers after lunch. They don’t chase trends. They chase comfort. And that’s the Irish way.

What to do if you already bought the wrong fabrics

If you’ve got a polyester dress from last summer’s sale, don’t throw it out. Repurpose it. Use it as a travel dress for long train rides - it’s easy to pack. Or turn it into a cleaning rag. But don’t wear it out unless you’re okay with looking sweaty and smelling like a locker room.

Instead, invest in one good linen dress or two cotton tops from a local Irish brand. You’ll wear them for years. Brands like Maya (based in County Wicklow), St. John’s Lane (Dublin), or Clare’s Closet (Limerick) make durable, washable pieces designed for our climate. They cost more upfront - €70-€120 - but they last. And in a country where the weather changes hourly, durability matters more than flash.

Final tip: test before you buy

Before you buy any summer fabric, do this: hold it up to the light. Can you see through it? Good. That means it’s loosely woven and breathable. Now, dampen a small corner with water. Does it soak in quickly? Does it dry in under 30 minutes? If yes, it’s likely safe for Irish summers. If it stays wet for hours or turns shiny and sticky, walk away.

Summer in Ireland isn’t about looking like you’re on a beach in Ibiza. It’s about looking like you’re enjoying the rain, the sun, the mist, and the green hills - without feeling miserable. Choose your fabrics wisely. Your skin will thank you.