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Best Fabrics To Wear During Indian Summers

By Seen on Scroll Editorial 5 min read

The trick to making it through the summer isn’t in getting more clothes; it’s about getting the right fabrics. And no, not all cotton shirts are suitable for the summer.

Best Fabrics To Wear During Indian Summers

Indian summers have only one goal: to spoil your entire look.

You go out all spruced up, but before you know it, your clothes stick to your body, and your back is drenched with sweat, and suddenly your entire "OOTD" seems like a mistake.

These are your five essential fabrics that actually suit Indian summers.

1. Linen: The MVP of Summer Fashion

Linen: The MVP of Summer Fashion

If your wardrobe had a summer best friend, it would definitely be linen.

Derived from flax fibres, linen is one of the most porous textiles in existence. It allows easy air flow, quickly absorbs perspiration and dries up faster compared to ordinary cotton. Therefore, linen clothes will always feel cool even after wearing them for hours outside.

What makes linen so chic? Definitely those pesky wrinkles we all hate!

Best for:

· Oversized shirts

· Co-ord sets

· Wide-leg trousers

· Summer dresses

· Beach vacations

Fashion Tip:

Go for neutral colors such as beige, white, olive or light sky-blue. They reflect heat and go well with everything.

2. Mul Cotton: The Softest Summer Upgrade

Regular cotton is very good, but mul cotton is even better.

Not only is it extremely lightweight and breathable, but it also has a silky touch that does not weigh you down when wearing it all day under the sun.

Also, mul cotton is one of the best materials to wear if you have sensitive skin because it produces the least friction.

Best for:

· Everyday kurtas

· Oversized shirts

· Casual dresses

· Lounge sets

· Nightwear

Why You’ll Love It: It keeps you cool and comfortable all the way through.

3. Bamboo Fabric: Built for Sweat-Proof Summers

For individuals who tend to perspire once they step out into the open, bamboo fibre should be part of their attire.

While most conventional fibres soak up sweat and remain wet, bamboo fibers act by removing moisture from the skin. This means you get dryness, lack of odour, and comfort.

What’s more, the bamboo fibre has an inherent silky feeling yet lacks any sheen.

Best for:

· Basic T-shirts

· Gym wear

· Travel outfits

· Airport looks

· Everyday essentials

Interesting Fact:

The bamboo fibre is usually selected in activewear due to its freshness even in high humidity conditions.

4. Fabric Labels Are Not Enough

Here’s an interesting piece of information that very few people have come across.

Two different shirts can label themselves as “100% Cotton” but one can be cool to wear and the other like wrapping oneself up in a blanket.

Why?

Because the GSM and weave are just as important as the type of fabric.

For summer in India, it is important to go for fabrics in the range of 90-160 GSM. These will be lighter, breathable and thus, more comfortable to wear.

Another thing to keep in mind is the weave. Open weaves such as poplin, lawn, voile and light-weight linens help dissipate heat, while thick fabrics like twill traps it.

Summer Shopping Tip: Always check the fabric feel before purchasing. If it is thick and dense, then it’s probably not your best companion when the temperature touches 42°C.

5. Do Not Wear These Fabrics In Extreme Summers

Just because something is fashionable does not mean that it should be worn here in India. Polyester fabrics are often stunning on screen, but the problem with these is that they tend to retain sweat and warmth, thus making one extremely uncomfortable.

So are denims, satin, velvet, and acrylics.Instead, build a summer wardrobe with:

· Linen shirts

· Mul cotton kurtas

· Bamboo basics

· Lightweight cotton tees

· Breathable co-ord sets

Sometimes, the most stylish outfit is simply the one that keeps you cool.

Seen on Scroll Takeaway

Summertime fashion is not about having more clothing; it’s about having better clothing.

Next time you go shopping, look beyond the colors and style. Turn the label around and think about what it will be like to wear after being out in the heat for hours.

The coolest outfit of the summer will not be the hottest; it will be the one that helps you enjoy the summer without looking for a fan.

FAQs

1. What is the most suitable fabric in Indian summers?

The best fabric for Indian summers is linen due to its breathability, lightness, and quick-drying ability. In addition to this, mul cotton and bamboo fabrics are very good options for such weather conditions.

2. Which is better – linen or cotton for summers?

Both are equally good; however, linen provides better airflow and quick-drying properties compared to cotton. Linen would be more suitable if you spend long hours outside.

3. Why do certain cotton clothes feel hotter than other clothes?

Not all types of cotton fabrics are equally good. It depends on the weave and the GSM of the fabric. Lightweight cotton with an open weave is far better than thick cotton fabrics in terms of breathability.

4. Which type of fabric should I avoid in peak summers?

Some types of fabric which are more suitable for other seasons should be avoided in peak summers. Such types of fabric include polyester-rich clothes, thick denim jeans, velvet and acrylic blends, and heavy satin.

5. What should I check while purchasing summer clothes?

Consider breathable fabrics, lightweight material, moisture control, and proper fit. Reading the material labels is just as important as picking out the design itself.

6. What colors go best with summer material?

Colors such as white, beige, pastel blue, sage green, peach, and soft yellow reflect more sunlight, making you cooler when wearing breathable material like linen and mul cotton.

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