Here are broad characteristics of some common warm-wearther fabrics. Be aware that features can vary quite a bit within each type of fabric.
Besides, clothing makers can blend fabrics to achieve a difference in performance, and they can also add finishes that alter the typical characteristics of a fabric.
1. Cotton
Available in an incredible variety of fabrics, including all sorts of "non-active" summer clothing.
Pros - Soft, Durable, Breathable, Versatile and Easy to care for.
Cons - Absorbs moisture (doesn't wick away moisture or dry), which is why it's a poor choice if you plan to break a sweat -- in searing heat, though, some people wear cotton and douse it in water to enhance the evaporation cooling effect.
2. Nylon and Polyester
Most activewear features one of these two synthetic materials.
Pros - Wicks moisture and dries quickly, Resists pilling and abrasion.
Cons - Not as soft as cotton, Retains odour, Breathability varies based on yarn size and knit or weave.
3. Rayon
You find a wide variety of plant-based-but-highly-processed fabrics under names that include rayon, viscose and lycocell; fabric properties very wiedely and these fabrics are often blended with other fabrics to achieve different characteristics.
Pros - Has a silky feel, moderate breathability, drapes nicely, dries quickly.
Cons - Doesn't wick away moisture as well as polyesters or nylons; wrinkles easily; many rayons require dry cleaning.
4. Linen
Derived from the stalks of flax plants, it's a popular fabric for casual summer wear.
Pros - Very durable and easy to care for; typically has excellent breathability because linen fibers are large and clothing styles feature more open weaves.
Cons - Like cotton, it absorbs moisture (doesn't wick away moisture or dry), which it's a poor choice if you plan to break a sweat, also wrinkles very easily.
5. Silk
Often used in underwear; also used in upscale casual wear.
Pros - Luxuriously soft, lightweight and breathable.
Cons - Fragil, not moisture wicking, Retains odour, typically requires hand washing.
6. Merino Wool
Often used in long underwear or winter wear, it can also be a good summer fabric; early generations of wool were scratchy; today's merino wools are quite soft.
Pros - Breathes well, Wicks moisture and is available in lightweight, Summer worthy styles, doesn't retain odours like synthetic fabrics do.
Cons - Less durable than cottons, nylons and polyesters.