It’s hot, sweaty and you want to just chill. But the sun is shining and the weather is great to go for a brunch or step out in the late afternoons. And the lighting is just perfect for lots of selfies. We love love LOVE summers because of the bright colours and the breezy summer-cool cotton outfits. 

As the sun shines brighter each day, the heat demands clothes that are comfortable, breathable, and light. That’s where cotton comes in.

Cotton: The Perfect Fabric for Summer Styling

An ancient fabric, cotton, is a part of the everyday lives of millions of people across the world. There are many cultures, both ancient and modern, that have their own story of cotton. The Indian culture is one of them. Cotton connects us to our heritage; if we are to preserve our cultural inheritance we must continue to create it anew. 

Besides cotton is nature’s super moisture absorber. Meaning, it absorbs our sweat, fungus and bacteria have little chance of surviving on our skin, leaving us feeling cool and clean. One of the biggest benefits of cotton is that it’s breathable and super-absorbant, meaning you would have half won your battle against body odour. These are but a few benefits of cotton as a skin-friendly fabric.

The next time you are looking at summer clothing, consider cotton, a fabric perfect for the Indian summer and a great way to avoid embarrassing sweat stains.

My Cotton Story

Growing up in a small town in India, I have always been surrounded by cotton fabrics. My mother would wear cotton sarees to work every day and my siblings and I would run around in cotton clothes during the summer months. It wasn’t until I moved to the city that I realised how much cotton was a part of my life.

One summer, I decided to visit my hometown and stay with my parents for a few weeks. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the vibrant colours and patterns of the cotton sarees my mother had laid out for me to wear. She had picked out a green saree with a printed mango pattern and delicate embroidery of white flowers for me to wear to a family gathering.

As I draped the saree around me, I felt the soft, lightweight cotton against my skin. It was perfect for the hot summer day, and I felt stylish, comfortable and nostalgic. It was a wonderful moment. The vibrant colours and intricate patterns of the saree connected me to my culture and heritage.

There are innumerable ways in which a cotton fabric can be draped and styled. I, however, began to pay more attention after the wonderful time I spent talking to my mother about her sarees. During my stay, I began noticing the different ways cotton was used in my hometown. Women wore cotton kurtas, salwar suits, dupattas, and the traditional saree drape unique to my region, while men wore cotton shirts and dhotis. 

As I reflect on my childhood memories and the different ways cotton is used across the world, I realise how versatile, sustainable cotton is and perfect it is for the Indian summer. A big bonus: It is a natural biodegradable fabric that does not harm the environment.

There is Something So Organic About Cotton

Cotton is easy to care for, it can be machine washed and dries fast too. It is a fabric that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It is a timeless fabric that has been a staple in our wardrobes for generations. Whether you prefer classic, minimalist, or bohemian style, cotton can be styled to suit your unique taste. Complement your favourite cotton outfit with one of the trending make-up looks of summer for a feel-good season in the sun.

5 Cotton Styling Tips to Help Elevate Everyday Outfits

1. Choose the Right Cotton Fabric

Not all cotton fabrics are created equal. Choose high-quality cotton fabrics like Egyptian cotton or Supima cotton, which are known for their softness, durability, and resistance to pilling. These fabrics will not only feel great against your skin but also hold their shape better.

2. Embrace Layering

Cotton is an excellent fabric for layering. You can easily create a chic and cosy outfit by layering a cotton t-shirt over a long-sleeve shirt or a cotton cardigan over a dress. Mixing and matching different textures and colours to create a coherent and symmetric look can turn a good look great.

3. Experiment with Different Silhouettes 

You can be used to create a variety of silhouettes with cotton, from flowy and bohemian to structured and tailored. Play around with different styles and see what works best for your body type and personal style. You can try a cotton maxi dress, a fitted cotton blazer, or a loose cotton tunic.

4. Mix and Match Prints

Add texture to your outfits with cotton. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different prints. Just be sure to keep the colour scheme cohesive. For example, you can pair a striped cotton shirt with a floral cotton skirt. Or a polka-dot cotton blouse with plaid cotton pants. Go for an animal print top and a striped pair of trousers. Or be your own artist by experimenting with patterns, plaids, stripes and more.

5. Dress Up with Accessories

Cotton outfits can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. To elevate your cotton outfit, accessorise with statement jewellery, a chic handbag, or a stylish pair of shoes. Experiment with different hairstyles and makeup looks to complete your look.

A personal tip, in a tropical country like India the weather is hot most of the year. Experiment and find a style that best suits the different seasons. And look fabulous all year round.