Cotton gauze is one of my favorite fabrics for summer because it breathes, is easy-care, and never needs ironing. Everyone seems to have gotten the cotton gauze memo for summer because I’ve spotted numerous ladies wearing matching sets, both around town and for travel. I’ve tried on a lot of these sets and finally added one to my wardrobe. Here’s a round-up of the best cotton gauze summer tops, shorts, pants, and dresses, many of which I’ve tried on for you.
I’ve discovered there is a big difference in the quality of cotton gauze separates. Most of the fabrics seem similar, but the construction is what differs. Loose threads, uneven seams, and not enough detailing can cause cotton gauze items to appear cheaper. Price is also no guarantee because I have a budget shirt that has held up through multiple washings over two years, and it still looks as good as new.
I opted for petite in this Eileen Fisher shirt and straight-leg pants. I worried they would shrink when I laundered them, but they haven’t, so it was a good call. Being 5’4″ means I’m never sure if the petites will be too short for me. As usual, my preference is to tie the shirt at my waist and give a bit of shape to my straight silhouette.
Dressing Room Diary Cotton Gauze Round-Up
J.Jill
I love this cotton gauze dress for a hot day. It comes in petite and regular in persimmon, orchid color, black, or this vibrant blue. This is the shirt I have washed repeatedly, and it still looks brand new!
This split-hem tuniccomes in this navy, a lighter blue, yellow, or white. It’s a gorgeous weight that hangs nicely in 100% cotton. I’m wearing it with thesestraight-leg ankle pantsin the same navy andthis cotton striped tee. These are a great quality and feel substantial on.
This topis a pull-over style with set-in sleeves that are fitted through the shoulder. The brand calls these a cap sleeve, but they’re longer than what I associate with a cap sleeve. It also comes in a navy & white stripe.
I was delighted to find these white cotton gauze straight-leg crops are not see-through because most are! These also come in navy and have inseams of 26″ in regular, 25″ in regular 2X, inseam, 24″ in petite, and 28″ in tall.
These shortshave a pull-on elastic waistband and come in 3 colors or a navy and white stripe. The inseam is 7″ in regular, 8″ in 2X, and 6.5″ in petite. I’ve styled them with acolor-coordinated tank underneath thiscotton gauze tunic shirtin petite. This tunic comes in 5 wearable colors to coordinate with lots of other pieces in this collection, and it’s also long enough to double as a bathing suit cover-up.
Talbot’s
This gauze topand pants are made of organic cotton, which is a nice option. They’re also available in pale olive and dusty charcoal.The pantshave a drawstring waist and side seam pockets. The white is semi-sheer, but that’s typical of white gauze, and the other colors are opaque. Sadly, neither comes in petite.
Thesewide-leg gauze pantsalso have side seam pockets and a wide elastic waistband with no drawstring. These pants come in this rich blue, plus indigo and desert rose, in regular and petite lengths.The gauze shirthas classic details and could be styled with so many things.
This cotton gauze dresshas long side slits and a removable waist tie you could omit if you want it flowy. I love that this pale color is opaque, so you could skip a slip for ultimate coolness on a hot day. This also comes in a soft, muted sage green. Its sizes are XS-XL, which equates to sizes 0-22.
Eileen Fisher
Thesegauze pantshave a classic straight-leg and pull-on style. They also come in white and a pale, soft gray called Nimbus, which is lovely for summer. These have a full-length leg, YAY, so the petite is perfect for me with a 27.5″ inseam.
More Cotton Gauze Tops, Shorts, Pants, and Dresses
This cotton gauze skirt is very lightweight and swishy, which allows for airflow and makes it fun to wear. I tied this cotton gauze shirt at my waist for a casual dinner out in Mexico.
I bought this cotton gauze camp shirt last year and love how easy it is to care for. I just toss mine in the washer and dryer, then hang it up while slightly warm. It doesn’t get any easier than that. Nordstrom rack has this shirt available in two different shades of blue this season.
I love adding a third layer, even in the middle of summer, and this cotton gauze utility jacket will be both cool and breathable. It comes in five colors in sizes XS-XXL and will look great transitioning into fall.
This J. Jill cotton gauze jacket is perfect for now and will also transition to fall with its structured shape and classic detailing.
Old Navy has a great selection of cotton gauze pieces this year and at super affordable prices. This button-down top is currently under $25 and comes in six colors in sizes XS-4X.
This shirt and short set is labeled as a cover-up set, but you could absolutely get away with wearing it when you aren’t at the pool or beach. It comes in an assortment of colors with some options for both neutral lovers and those who prefer bright, colorful pieces.
Denim and chino shorts can often feel stiff and uncomfortable, particularly in hot weather or during long trips. These gauze pull-on shorts come in 3 colors in reg, petite and plus sizes.
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Is cotton gauze part of your summer wardrobe? What do you love about it?
