Mangoes everywhere, staying indoors, summer vacations and rising temperatures, are some of the signs that the great Indian summer is right around the corner. With temperatures rising above 40 degrees, how can you stay cool yet stylish and defeat the sweaty summer? Here are five fabrics that will help you beat the heatyet remain fashionably in trend.
Cotton
Cotton is a fabric worn through out the year and is one of the best fabrics to wear during the summer. One of the most commonly used natural fiber for clothing; cotton is super lightweight, soft and fluffy. It is also popularly known as a breathable fabric as it absorbs moisture and allows air to circulate easily through the garments. What’s great about cotton clothes is that, they are very easy to find, wear and require low maintenance.
Block Printed Cotton Kaftan with Pants
(Image Source : www.theloom.in )
Style Tip: An easy way to wear cool cotton this summer is to opt for cotton pants or palazzos in bright shades or prints. Pair the pants or palazzos with your favorite flowy top or kurta and you’re all set to chill!
Khadi
Khadia fabric dear to our hearts and deeply rooted in our heritage is a great fabric to wear this summer. It is a handspun and hand woven fabric mainly made from cotton (making it extremely breathable), though can sometimes include silk or wool. The uniqueness about Khadi is that it not only keeps you cool in summer but also warm in winter and so can be worn all year long.
White and Blue Stripes Khadi Dress
(Image Source : www.theloom.in )
Style Tip:Khadi garments were seen extensively at both of India’s annual fashion weeks this year, making it a must have fabric in your wardrobe. Since Khadi has become a popular fabric for designers, there are a lot of new and unconventional ways to wear the fabric. This summer, pick Khadi dresses in light colors or pastels shades to channel a cool vibe.
Linen
Linen is another commonly worn fabric in summer. It is a natural fiber made from the flax plant. The fabric is highly breathable and absorbs moisture easily, keeping the body extremely cool and fresh. It is also eco-friendly and much stronger/stiffer than cotton, letting garments keep their natural shape. The only down side about linen is that it wrinkles and creases easily, however these can be easily smoothened out with a little sprinkle of water and your hand or with some light ironing.
Linen Top
(Image Source : www.theloom.in )
Style Tip:Linens usually come in earthy, calm and soothing shades, which can be easily worn. Opt for a simple linen top to pair with bright pants or try out a linen Sari to create a unique look.
Chambray
Chambray is another form of woven cotton. The fabric is often used as a replacement for denim because of a similar kind of texture and appearance. However it is very different from denim, being much more suitable for summer as it is extremely lightweight and breathable.
Chambray Culottes
(Image Source : www.theloom.in )
Style Tip:To get the same denim vibe in summer without the heat and sweating, opt for chambray trousers or culottes that can be easily paired with cotton tops, shirts or kurtis.
Chanderi
Chanderi is a lightweight fabric known for it sheer and transparent texture. It is woven together with a mix of cotton, silk and gold Zari. Having an element of cotton makes Chanderi an easy to wear fabric. Other variants of Chanderi include Chanderi cotton, pure silk and cotton silk, out of which Chanderi cotton and cotton silk would be the best options to wear during summer.
Hand painted Kalamkari Chanderi Sari
(Image Source : www.theloom.in )
Style Tip:Chanderi Saris are quite popular these days and are a great choice for traditional Indian attire especially for festivals and functions. For a unique look, try a block printed Chanderi cotton Sari or hand painted KalamkariChanderi Sari.
On a last note, wearing garments made of these fabrics are a great way to stay cool, and surpass the scorching heat of summer.
-Arzoo B. Dhanda
