It’s been a hot summer, and we’ve still got a while to go! Linen is often a go-to fabric during the warmer months, but it’s not the only fabric that can help you stay cool while looking fabulous. Cotton gauze fabrications are similarly lightweight, breezy and airy, and the slightly rumpled texture adds a nice bit of casual visual interest.
Given HuffPost readers’ love of the “adult baby blankets” constructed in this unique fabric, there’s a good chance you’ll also be smitten with the clothing version. This fabric is ideal for bathing suit cover ups, relaxed button downs, floaty dresses and skirts and lightweight pants. Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of truly stylish and easy to wear cotton gauze outfits for men and women that you’ll be living in the rest of the season. Take a look and pick up a look or two and add them to your wardrobe rotation.
A sophisticated collarless button-down shirt
Available in regular, tall, and petite silhouettes in a wide range of colors, this effortless shirt has a collarless band neck and shirring along the front shoulders and back for visual interest and to enhance the shirt's drape. It features a round hemline that can be very flattering and can be easily paired with everything from office trousers to shorts. It looks much more expensive than it actually is.
Promising review: “I love this top. I can wear it as a shirt or a light jacket. I can roll it up and stick it in my purse and take it out later and it still looks great! Love the fabric. It is a fashion winner!!!” — anonymous
A short-sleeved gauze shirt with piping
This stylish shirt looks much more expensive than it is, thanks in part to the white contrast piping that gives it a lot of flair and elevates the overall look. It’s made of recycled cotton gauze fabric and has a camp collar and a classic fit with a front pocket. This shirt is available in two colors.
Promising review: “We ordered this shirt in a men’s size medium. The fit on it is great. Plenty of room across the shoulders for a comfortable and loose fit. The length on it is perfect. The color is bright and really pops. It’s soft, lightweight and breathable. It’s very versatile, you can wear it buttoned up or open over a solid t-shirt. My son likes it a lot.” — soziemamabear43
A sleeveless maxi dress from an internet-favorite brand
This dress is so easy to dress up or down, it’s likely to become one of your most used items this summer. It’s available in a wide range of colors and has a sophisticated high neck and adjustable straps. The silhouette is flowy and airy, and best of all, the dress has two pockets. Not an easy feat with women’s clothing!
Promising review: “This dress is so flattering and comfortable and it drapes beautifully I bought it in black and I think you could wear it anywhere. It runs true to size. I am 5’9 and the length is perfect!” — Mary M.
A boxy button-down with long sleeves
This classic cotton gauze shirt for men has everything you love about this fabric and design. The dropped shoulder and boxy silhouette is casual and cool, while the spread collar and long sleeves keep the shirt looking well-tailored. It’s available in a few different colors and can easily be paired with everything from shorts to jeans to khakis or trousers.
A pair of shorts that aren’t see-through
Available in two colors, these shorts will make an easy addition to any wardrobe. The delightfully cheerful colors paired with a classic silhouette that includes a drawstring closure and slant pockets mean you’ll probably look as good as you feel in these.
Promising review: “Cozy comfy. Loose fit. great for casual days or post beach. Color is vibrant and summery.” — ajhesh
A lightweight (but never sheer) button-up shirt for men
Available in three different colors, this summery shirt is constructed with a double layer of rumpled cotton gauze fabric. It has a spread collar, short sleeves and a patch pocket on the chest. This shirt is a great option for men who want to look polished but don’t want to be weighed down in a traditional button-down shirt. It’s the perfect alternative to linen and best of all, it’s completely machine washable.
A pair of chic crinkly barrel pants
These pants might be the perfect summer bottoms. They are designed to have a comfy elastic waistband and a barrel leg with just the right amount of billowiness. The casual gauzy fabric keeps the silhouette from looking too dramatic, making it a versatile look that can be worn the beach or on a weekend spent enjoying the city. It comes in three colors in regular and tall lengths in sizes XS-4XL.
Promising review: “Super cute fit! Goes with almost everything. You can dress it up or dress it down. I wore it with a cute brown top, some chunky gold jewelry and it was amazing for a night out with my girls and then I wore it with a tshirt in the daytime for a casual summer look and it went really well!” — anonymous
A pair of custom-made organic cotton gauze pants
These pants are designed and manufactured on Etsy by seller OdanasCharm. They’re made from high-quality fabric and feature a drawstring tie at the waist and pockets. They’d make a great gift if you know your beloved’s measurements and since they can be custom-designed, you can be sure they’ll fit like a dream. These pants are definitely an investment, but will likely be a worthy addition to your wardrobe.
Promising review: “I had a custom order made for my husband and y’all - PERFECTION. The fit is excellent - the quality of the sewing is top notch, the material is LUSCIOUS.... my husband (and I) will definitely be repeat customers! Customer service was absolutely fantastic, as well. Superb shop and merchandise” — Danielle
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A breezy, short sleeved button-down for women
This wardrobe staple from Caslon comes in a range of different colors, but there’s something extra lovely about the geranium hue, pictured here. It’s summer personified. The top features a patch pocket, casual spread collar and short sleeves that are perfect for hot days and warm evenings. It’s made with 100% cotton, and the brand recommends hanging it to dry to preserve the fabric.
Promising review: “I love this shirt so much that I bought it in three colors!! I’m a young 56 :), 5’8, 155 lbs. I’ve been looking for a shirt for work or weekend casual that has a collar, isn’t a t-shirt or fancy blouse, looks hip and appropriate and comfortable. This shirt has it all!! Can wear with jeans, shorts, or even slacks. It’s super soft, not see-thru. It is double lined linen so actually a bit thicker than normal but very soft and not stiff at all. Maybe cotton with linen? It’s a boxy fit without your belly showing. Medium fits me perfect. I hope Caslon makes these as a regular yearly item!!!” — ReviewGirl1
Say hello to your new favorite pajamas
You’re going to want to live in these absolutely adorable pajamas from Urban Outfitters. They’re surprisingly elegant for this particular retailer and not to be missed. The top and bottom hems have a scalloped edge with contrast piping that elevate the pajamas, along with casual, convenient pockets. The breathable fabric can help people who run hot sleep better, making it a great option for those of us in midlife. It’s available in sizes XS-XL.
A gauzy scarf
I couldn’t resist throwing this beautiful gauze scarf in the mix. Whether you tie it around your neck or wear it on your head, it’s a jaunty, romantic addition to any look. The fabric is designed to be soft and lightweight, so you’re unlikely to overheat while adding a nice hint of sophisticated flair to your overall look.