Sustainable, splashy and sane: build a fearless summer wardrobe
The summer heat is spiralling out of control, but your wardrobe need not smoulder with it.
Living in Mumbai with cloying heat and humidity all year round, it’s impossible to wear clingy jeans, the popular default option of city dwellers. While I’m more of a kaftan kind of girl, not everyone wants to be floating around in a sphere of bliss.
Over the years, I’ve honed my summer style to one that keeps me fresh as a daisy, and you can support India’s handloom industry through these measures. With breezy silhouettes, breathable fabrics and clever layering, sharing some tips on building a timeless sustainable summer fashion wardrobe.
- Wear natural fibre: Whether organic cotton, hemp, linen, banana fiber, aloe fiber, Eri silk, let’s just dump anything that isn’t the result of seed-to-suit. Natural fibres are breathable, non-clingy, lightweight and absorb any perspiration, ensuring you stay rose fresh. Plus, you don’t need to bother ironing them, saving time and energy. The rumpled summer look is definitely passable for picnics and garden parties.
- Wear lighter colours: My grandmothers always wore light coloured saris or crisply starched pastel salwar kameez with a sheer dupatta in summers. This is scientific. Lighter colours reflect heat rather than absorb it. Trust me, you don’t want to be a sad sack of sweat in black top-to-toe in 40 degrees heat.
- Keep slips in handy: I love the buttery, diaphanous feel of mal, but hate how sheer it is. I have two organic cotton slips and a few jersey cotton ones in varying sizes. So, whether it’s a long dress or a top, I’ve literally got it all covered, literally. If you can’t be bothered with inners, then layer with light linen jackets, silky blazers, stylish cover ups, colorful scarves, lightweight dupattas or nothing. Own your style the way you want.
- Bring out the ergonomic sandals and slippers: I’ve lived for years in my trusty Clarks (the design which has sadly gone out of stock). Let your feet breathe along with the rest of your body. Please, ditch the crocs forever.
- Wear comfortable, non-clingy clothes: I’m still wondering why do so many Indians wear jeans in the heat and humidity? Bring out the kaftans, the shorts, summer dresses, the salwar, the palazzos, the skirts and finally, the lungi. Our body needs air conditioning, desi-style too.
What’s your go-to summer fashion?
