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The 5 Best Fabrics for a California Summer (and Where to Wear Them)

Apr 20th 2025

California summers are built for road trips, golden hours, and clothes that breathe. From palm-lined cities to coastal escapes, what you wear matters — not just in how it looks, but how it feels.

At VKTRBLAK., we specialize in garments made for movement, comfort, and California ease. Here’s your guide to five summer-ready fabrics and the perfect places to wear them.


1. Linen – Malibu

Lightweight, breathable, and textured — linen is the holy grail of summer fabrics. It wicks moisture, keeps airflow high, and gets better with every wear.

Where to wear it: Malibu
From beach walks at El Matador to sunset cocktails at Nobu, linen keeps it elevated and effortless.

 


2. Tencel – Santa Barbara

Silky soft, breathable, and effortlessly elevated — Tencel is made for cities like Santa Barbara, where the days are sun-soaked but evenings carry a cool coastal breeze. This eco-friendly fabric drapes beautifully and provides just enough coverage without weighing you down.

Where to wear it: Santa Barbara
From a sunny brunch in Montecito to a foggy walk along Shoreline Park, Tencel adapts with ease. Its natural breathability keeps you cool during the day, while the smooth finish and light weight offer the perfect layer once the temperature dips.

Now available in person at The Optimist Montecito, our trusted retail partner in Santa Barbara. Stop by to try it on and experience the fabric in real life.


3. Gauze Cotton – Ojai

Light, airy, and rich in texture, gauze cotton is made for mellow summer days. Its open weave offers breathability without sacrificing style.

Where to wear it: Ojai
An ideal match for farmers markets, crystal shops, and long, slow sunsets in the valley.


4. Sashiko – Napa Valley

With its rich texture and timeless appeal, sashiko is a standout summer fabric. Traditionally used in Japanese workwear, sashiko’s signature stitched surface adds depth and durability — making it perfect for warm days that blend style with substance.

Where to wear it: Napa Valley
Whether you’re tasting wine at a boutique vineyard or exploring downtown Yountville, sashiko pieces offer a tactile elegance that feels at home in California’s most refined countryside. Its structured feel pairs effortlessly with relaxed tailoring for a look that’s quietly confident.


5. Cotton Corduroy – Joshua Tree

Yes, corduroy can be summer-friendly — especially when cut from lightweight cotton blends. Texture meets breathability for those cooler desert evenings.

Where to wear it: Joshua Tree
Pair with boots or sandals and watch the sun set behind the rocks in something that stands out (without trying too hard).


Final Thoughts

Summer in California is all about texture, intention, and ease. We design with all three in mind — producing every piece in-house in Los Angeles, using fabrics chosen for form, function, and feel. We’ll see you out there — somewhere between the vineyards and the sunset strip.