Comfortable, cool, airy, easy-to-wear - that’s just how all
of us like our clothes to be during summers and what’s better than our Indian
kurta-pajamas,
kurtis, salwar-kurtas and saris to beat the heat? Our Indian
clothes are airy, breathy, loose and size-friendly and so they are best suited
for the season which lasts for so many months.Sarees maybe six yards but their
drape is such that it lets the skin breathe easy.
Cotton fabrics are more popular among the people of India.
The brilliance of cotton is visible in a variety of weaves in their traditional
weaving patterns in the different states of India. Ethnic Indian wear is best
suited for summer rather than the western figure hugging jeans or stiff
collared shirts and texturised trousers.
Whether it’s for the men or women following the fashion
mantra, one should look at the comfort level first. If we can wear casuals to
office like a tee and jeans why can’t we wear kurta pajamas which are so much
more comfy or a dhoti or a saree which are hawaadaar!
We in India
have so many hand woven, pure cotton, skin friendly weaves to choose from. Aping
the west is one thing but *kurtas *are
so khulla [open] that I don’t need to
feel conscious all the time, they not only help soak up my sweat quickly but
also camouflage my flab!
Kurtis can be worn with loose trousers and pajamas as they
are thanda thanda cool cool. Though
one has to be confident of carrying it off and it looks different and funky
too!
Mangalgiri cotton is pure cotton weave and it comes in
different models and combinations. Just before summer starts, I pack up all my
synthetics and nylons with mothballs and go for a makeover wardrobe of
exclusive Mangalgiri cottons which I pick up directly from the weavers.
The golden borders give it a rich look and it can be worn at
formal dos too. The recent combination of Kalamkari prints and mangalgiri
cotton is a great hit. It gives a very trendy and ethnic look. I love to wear
them in summer as the cloth is cool and skin friendly and I can also promote
the local weavers. Khaddi or block
prints on cottons are a rage these days. *Khaddi
work embellished with sequins, mirrors or tiny pearls, give my sari or
dress a more sophisticated look which allows me to carry it off as party wear
too.
The Venkatgiri saris with their gold zari border and thin
material give an elegant look to the wearer but it is usually preferred by the
older ladies.
Those who wear chiffons in summer would never go for any
other material. Chiffon is a lightweight, plain-woven sheer fabric. It can be
dyed to any colour like cotton material and at one time it used to be passed
through a ring to prove its lightness.Nothing could be more sexier than a
flimsy chiffon on a summer evening. Chiffon is usually worn as evening wear but
pastel printed saris can be worn in the day too. What is summer without
chiffon? I wear only plain chiffon saris with designer blouses in summer as it
looks so elegant and chic and its gossamer look makes me feel more feminine and
make me feel as if am floating on air and reminds me of Sridevi in Chandni,
Jaanbaaz and Dimple in Sagar or Kajol crooning
to … Suraj hua madhyam…chaand jalne laga
Cool off this summer in ethnic wear!