Fabrics for summer hiking, travel wear, and sun protection

Surfer is a lightweight stretch woven with just enough stretch for comfort. The go-to fabric for board shorts is well-suited to summer hiking pants, travel shorts, and casual skirts/skorts. If you've seen the wrap travel skirts made by Rip Skirt Hawaii, Surfer is the style of fabric used to make them. Available in a wide range of solids and coordinating prints.

What is DWR finish?

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent. It is a finish applied to the fabric surface that causes water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. DWR-finished fabric works well for hiking pants, outdoor shorts, and travel clothing, and it also resists stains, so garments stay cleaner longer and need less frequent washing. DWR is water-repellent, not waterproof, and performs best in light-to-moderate moisture conditions.

Can I use a stretch woven when my pattern calls for regular woven fabric?

It depends on the stretch percentage. Styles with minimal stretch can usually be substituted with no pattern adjustment, they add comfort without affecting fit. Styles with more stretch may cause the finished garment to run larger than the pattern intends, in which case you may need to cut a size smaller. Always check the stretch percentage in the Specs and Features tab before substituting.