We’re not actually familiar with the history of ramie, but according to Outlier, it just might be the world’s oldest fabric. Widely used in Asia before linen became the summer fabric of choice, it eventually took a backseat after linen proved itself a whole lot easier to manufacture. If you’re looking for summer outfits with a slightly more exotic history, ramie definitely seems like as good an option as any. And while it’s not easy to find garments that use the little-known “China grass,” Outlier can fill in some of the gaps in your closet with their Ramielust T-Shirt.
Made from 100 percent ramie that’s knitted in Japan, the garment should make for an excellent summer tee. It’s lightweight, it’s soft, and it’s really cool to the touch, with a relaxed cut that should help you sink into a relaxed mood during the warmer months of the year.
Outlier describes the Ramielust T-Shirt as a soft and cooling shirt, with the fabric’s open structure allowing breezes to touch your skin during the hot days of summer. Like linen garments, it’s designed to absorb moisture without feeling wet, so it can pull heat from your body the way a proper summer tee should. It comes in four colors (black, olive, navy, and brown), with a slight luster that’s designed to break in after a few washes.
Do note, the Ramielust T-Shirt comes unwashed and calibrated for shrinkage, so take account of that when choosing sizes to order. Price is $125.