Cotton, linen or rayon? Expert tips on best fabrics to stay stylish and cool in summer

Style tips: Cotton is gentle on the skin, soaks up sweat, and looks crisp in light shades. Linen, while slightly more formal, adds that touch of structure and polish (Image: Canva)

Summer in India brings intense heat and high humidity, especially in most parts of the country. Temperatures often soar above 40°C (104°F), making it uncomfortable, even exhausting, to be outdoors for long. Ideally, you'd want to stay indoors with a fan or air conditioning to escape the harsh weather. However, this season also coincides with school holidays, family vacations, weddings, and festivals, meaning there are plenty of reasons to step out.

If going out is inevitable, your wardrobe needs to do more than look good. It needs to breathe, protect, and keep you cool. “Clothing is your first layer of skincare in summers,” says Ravi Gupta, Creative Designer and Director, Gargee Designer’s. “The right fabric is a fashion choice and also a grooming essential. Because a good fabric makes you look sharp and stylish it also helps you survive summer,” he says.

Natural, breathable options like cotton and linen are timeless for a reason. “Cotton is gentle on the skin, soaks up sweat, and looks crisp in light shades. Linen, while slightly more formal, adds that touch of structure and polish, making it perfect for a daytime function or summer soirée,” Gupta adds.

Also read | Fashion tips and tricks: Opt for funky block prints to complete your summer wardrobe

Here's Gupta's list of best fabrics that will keep you stylish and cool in summer:

• Cotton: Cotton is hands down the most popular choice for Indian summers. It’s light, breathable, and easily absorbs sweat, making it perfect for staying cool in scorching heat. For everyday wear, nothing beats a classic cotton kurta paired with chinos or even jeans. It’s also great for office dressing; smart cotton shirts in soft pastels or subtle prints that keep you cool and look sharp all day.

• Linen: Linen is perfect when you want to add a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort. It's airy and has a stylish texture that works well for semi-formal and festive events. A linen shirt in beige or powder blue worn with customised trousers is ideal for summer weddings or brunches. You could also try a linen Nehru jacket over a simple kurta for a polished yet breezy look.

• Cotton-silk blends: When you need to dress up but still want to feel comfortable, cotton-silk blends are a great middle ground. They offer a hint of sheen without the heaviness of pure silk. These are perfect for festive functions like a Haldi or Mehndi. For instance, a cotton-silk kurta in bright marigold or deep green can look festive without making you sweat through the celebration.

• Rayon and modal: Rayon and modal are great for men who like soft, fluid fabrics that feel great on the skin. These are especially good for travel or laid-back Indo-western styles. Think of a relaxed-fit modal shirt with printed trousers or a rayon kurta with a contemporary cut, perfect for destination weddings or a casual dinner with friends. They're stylish, skin-friendly, and easy to move in.

Cool fabrics are just the starting point, but it’s the colours and accessories that truly bring your summer look together, says Gupta. Light, breathable shades reflect sunlight and help you stay comfortable in the heat.

Opt for soft hues like sage green, baby pink, sky blue, and off-white, they not only keep you cool but also add an effortlessly refined touch. If you're feeling bold, go for vibrant yet season-appropriate shades like burnt orange, lilac, mint green, or mustard yellow, especially in relaxed fits like an easy kurta or breezy shirt.

Accessories, suggests Gupta, add character without compromising comfort. “Mojaris in tan or beige leather, a cotton stole in ivory or pastel tones, or a light turban in lemon yellow or powder blue can lift even the simplest outfit, he says, adding that for a more formal summer occasions, layer on a blush pink or light grey waistcoat to add polish without piling on the heat. “Lastly, always remember confidence is the key to pulling off any look. Your summer style should feel as cool and effortless as it looks,” he says.