Ah, the great Indian summer—a season so relentless it could melt your will to live before noon. It’s the kind of heat that makes you question every life choice, especially when you see a group of Bandra boys stomping around in full-sleeved hoodies as if they’ve just strolled out of a Supreme store in New York. Meanwhile, the rest of us are practically evaporating on the spot.
Dressing for summer is tricky. There’s only so much you can wear (or not) before the authorities get involved, and with that limitation comes the eternal question: how do you look good without succumbing to heatstroke? The key to nailing summer dressing is balance—between breezy and bedraggled, comfort and style. Too much fabric, and you’re swaddled like a human dumpling. Too little, and you’re dangerously close to public indecency. The goal? Staying cool—literally and figuratively—without looking as if you’ve given up. And for that, strategy is key.
Less Fabric, More Strategy
Image Credits - Antar-Agni
First rule of surviving summer fashionably: ditch synthetics. Heavy, suffocating fabrics are your enemy. “Linen and khadi shine in summer with relaxed yet sharp silhouettes,” says designer Gaurav Khanijo. They let your skin breathe, keep things structured yet airy, and develop character over time. Ujjawal Dubey, founder of Antar-Agni, agrees: “Linen has this raw beauty—creased, light, and simply draped. It conforms to the body over time, so it becomes personal.”
Cotton, especially handwoven varieties, is another foolproof option. Usaamah Siddique of Perlo Studios, ARKS, and stylist to Ranbir Kapoor, advises opting for breathable materials with looser fits: “Lightweight fabrics and relaxed silhouettes will always serve you better than anything restrictive when temperatures rise.”
Beyond linen and cotton, newer fabric blends are stepping into the spotlight. “Hemp, bamboo blends, merino wool, and Tencel offer great breathability while being sustainable,” Khanijo adds.
Silhouettes: The Art of Letting Your Clothes Breathe
Image Credits - Khanijo
Tight clothing in peak summer is a punishment no one deserves. “Looser fits are always better on a hot day,” says Siddique. A relaxed fit in a breathable fabric will always feel lighter than a tight fit in something synthetic.
Draping is another summer essential. “Draping isn’t about making a statement—it’s about feeling at ease,” says Dubey. “When done right, it feels like a natural extension of how you move—like your clothes are working with you, not against you.” Think unstructured linen blazers over breezy shirts or drawstring trousers paired with oversized khadi overshirts for effortless refinement. Siddique highlights the importance of balance: “Pleated trousers, camp-collar shirts, and boxy fits don’t just keep things airy—they lend an effortless elegance.”
Once you've nailed the fit and fabric, the next step is making sure your colour choices don’t betray you when the sun is out in full force.
The Colour Code: Stick to the Light Side
Image Credits - Khanijo
If summer had an official colour palette, it definitely wouldn’t be all-black-everything. Earthy tones, muted greens, and faded pastels don’t just look good—they feel good. Dark colours absorb heat, while lighter shades reflect it—wearing all-black in summer is like sending an open invitation to the sun to roast you alive.
Dubey suggests playing with texture within a monochrome look: “Monochrome works best when you mix different weaves within the same colour palette—think a lightweight linen top with a structured overlay.” Khanijo adds, “Pastels in natural dyes develop a beautiful fade over time, adding depth without heaviness.”
Texture Without the Torture
Image Credits - Antar-Agni
Summer dressing isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. “Natural-grain fabrics such as linen, seersucker, or handwoven cotton create depth without heaviness,” says Dubey. Instead of loud contrasts, focus on subtle textures—textured shirts over smooth inner layers, woven belts, or handmade shoes that add detail without adding weight.
Accessories can also be game-changers. “Sunglasses—they add polish and practicality in one go,” says Siddique. Handmade fabric shoes or soft leather sandals provide structure without suffocating your feet.
Khanijo suggests lightweight layering for added interest: “Opt for sheer linen or khadi overshirts over vests, or unlined blazers for structure without heat.”
The Bottom Line: Work With the Heat, Not Against It
Image Credits - Khanijo
The secret to summer dressing is simple: let your clothes breathe so you can too. Choose fabrics that move, silhouettes that allow air, and colours that don’t trap heat. It’s not about following a rigid style template, but about assembling pieces that feel intuitive. “Summer dressing should feel instinctive and built around comfort, breathability, and ease of movement,” says Dubey. If your outfit feels like a fight against the weather, you’re already losing.
If you ever feel overdressed in summer, just remember—sweat stains don’t discriminate, but good fabric choices do. And if you see someone in a hoodie on a 40-degree day? Either they’re waiting for monsoon season, or their commitment to streetwear supremacy is stronger than self-preservation.
