Hey ladies (and gentlemen),
If you’ve been following Kissahh for a while, you probably know I’m a little bit obsessed with fabrics. And if you’re anything like me, someone who sweats at the thought of leaving the house in KL heat, you’ll know why this matters so much.
So let’s settle this once and for all: what’s the best fabric for hot, sticky Malaysian weather? Cotton or linen?
Well, plot twist… I couldn’t choose. So I went with both and here’s why.
☀️ First, Let’s Talk About Cotton
Cotton is like that dependable best friend. You can wear it to work, run errands in it, and still feel okay if you accidentally take a nap in it (been there).
Why we love cotton:
- Breathable and soft on the skin
- Absorbs sweat without making you feel sticky
- Easy to style — it drapes naturally
But not all cotton is made equal. Cheap, fast-fashion cotton often feels stiff or plasticky and that’s exactly what we don’t want at Kissahh. We specifically chose a cotton with a tighter weave and smoother finish so it looks crisp, but feels like a cloud.
🌾 And Then There’s Linen…
Linen is the cool girl at brunch who’s effortless, always looks polished, and somehow never breaks a sweat. We love her. But linen can be… moody.
Why we (still) love linen:
- Super breathable. It’s the king of airflow!
- Has that quiet luxury texture
-
Looks chic even when it’s slightly rumpled (which it will be)
But here’s the thing: pure linen can be a little too crisp or itchy for everyday wear. That’s why we sourced a cotton-linen blend, so you get the breezy structure of linen without sacrificing softness. Basically, the best of both worlds.
💡 So... Which One Is Better?
Honestly? It depends on the vibe.
|
Go For Cotton If… |
Go For Linen If… |
|
You want all-day softness |
You want breathable structure |
|
You need something work-friendly |
You’re styling for brunch, events or layering |
|
You don’t love wrinkles |
You’re into the relaxed, luxe look |
At Kissahh, I pick cotton for pieces that hug the body gently, like our Charlotte Blouse, and I pick linen (or cotton-linen blends) for things that need to hold shape like our Aster Shirt or Harper Skirt.
🧺 Real Talk: How to Care for Them
I get this question a lot in DMs, so here’s a quick cheat sheet:
For Cotton:
→ Machine wash cold, line dry, low iron if needed.
→ Avoid the dryer (unless you want to size down accidentally 😅)
For Linen / Linen Blends:
→ Hand wash or delicate machine wash
→ Steam for wrinkle release, or embrace the creases - it’s part of the charm
💭 Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Choose Both
For me, building Kissahh isn’t just about designing clothes, it’s about designing a feeling. And that feeling is: “I can breathe.” Even when life is chaotic. Even when it’s 36 degrees and you're running on kopi ais.
So whether you’re a linen loyalist or a cotton comfort-seeker, I hope our pieces make you feel calm, grounded, and a little more like yourself, no matter the weather.
With love (and lots of fabric testing),
– Azah Aziz, Founder of Kissahh
📌 P.S. Want to feel the difference yourself?
Shop our best-selling breathable sets here. These are the pieces our customers keep reaching for, even on the hottest days.