Monsoon fashion: 5 sustainable fabrics that make rainy days look good

Monsoon weather brings fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and surprise showers, a true test for your wardrobe. Nevertheless, monsoon style doesn’t have to mean soggy denim and borrowed umbrellas. Because you have smart and sustainable fabrics.

A smart fabric choice can make all the difference. “Rainy days don’t have to mean loose bottoms and shapeless tops. With the right fabrics, monsoon fashion can be both practical and polished, and of course, sustainable too,” says Ankit Jaipuria, co-founder, ZYOD. “The right fabrics and materials keep you cool and dry in the monsoon, and also reduce your impact on the planet. From airy muslin to moisture-wicking rayon, there are fabrics that are designed to work with the weather, not against it. Plus, these are easy on the skin, quick to dry, and kinder to the planet than the polyester blends,” he says.

Jaipuria shares 5 standout fabrics that are stylish, sustainable, and monsoon-worthy:

Also read | Monsoon fashion made easy: Simple fabric, footwear basics, style tweaks for rainy day comfort

• Bamboo cotton: Soft like your cosiest tee, but with the muscle to absorb three times its weight in water, this fabric is perfect for monsoon. It dries faster than your average natural fibre and keeps clingy dampness at bay. A good pick for those who like their fashion functional but fabulous.

• Linen: Don’t let its crisp reputation fool you. Linen’s actually your secret weapon during the stickiest months. It lets the heat out, keeps the moisture off, and looks effortlessly cool even when everything else feels muggy. Made from flax (a low-impact plant), it’s got heritage, heart and high fashion written all over it.

• Muslin: Yes, the baby blanket fabric. But don’t roll your eyes just yet, muslin’s soft, breathable and dries faster than most materials you’ve got in your wardrobe. Traditionally handwoven, muslin makes a comeback with serious ethical cred. Look for organic or artisan-crafted options and you’ll be helping your wardrobe and the planet.

• Rayon: Rayon can sometimes get a bad repute, but when made right, from wood pulp via eco-conscious methods, it’s a total monsoon winner. It looks luxe, hangs like a dream, and handles moisture like a pro. Ideal for rainy days.

• Tencel (Lyocell): Soft, strong, and surprisingly quick to dry, Tencel is your new wardrobe staple. It doesn’t wrinkle easily, it holds colour like a charm, and it’s made using wood pulp from responsibly managed forests.