Summer is a season that can make everyone question their entire wardrobe. If clothes are not chosen wisely, it can be difficult to find a single piece of clothing that looks stylish and at the same time feels comfortable in the scorching heat. To avoid this dilemma, you should definitely consider buying some linen clothes.

Linen is perfect for summer wear, and is also a true champion of the three important S’s: style, sophistication and sustainability. Despite being a super versatile fabric to work with, linen has not been spared from the curse of stereotyping. When one thinks of linen clothing, what most comes to mind is a boxy shirt in a striking white or pastel shade. Think a little further, one might even think of a kurta. But linen is much more than those crisp shirts and kurtas.

Besides taking your linen essentials to the beach or grocery shopping, you can also wear linen to a summer wedding, slip into a flowy dress at a party or simply spruce up your everyday style with a few fashion-forward picks. Designers are leaving no stone unturned to give the simple linen a glamorous makeover with playful silhouettes and splashes of bold colors.

But first, why is linen so important in summer? The main answer lies in its utility. It is the best fabric for summer because it is light and airy.

“It wicks moisture and dries quickly, keeping you feeling cool and comfortable even in the hottest weather. The airy weave of linen promotes air movement, making it ideal for humid conditions,” says Udita Bansal, founder of fashion label TrueBrowns.

Additionally, it’s gentle on the skin (even for those with sensitive skin who are prone to rashes), and is perfect for everyday wear.

Fashion designer duo David Abraham and Rakesh Thakor, who own the Abraham & Thakor label, also love linen for its ease and touch of sophistication.

Stylish ways to wear linen this summer

Experiment with silhouettes

Think beyond shirts. Wear comfortable cord sets, pantsuits, cutout dresses, wrap tops, jumpsuits and tunics. The world of fashion is full of variety.

“Linen blazer sets are a great balance between making a fashion statement and ensuring comfort. Linen jumpsuits are also great if you’re looking for a clean, modern look,” says designer Rikitha Saluja, founder of The Dramabaaz Company.

You can also look for outfits with asymmetrical hems and statement sleeves for an extra touch of glamour.

Be bold with the color palette

Designers are playing with linen more than ever. From deep burgundy to deep greens and deep oranges, the linen colour palette is not just limited to light pastels and monochromes.

Linen saree? Yes, please

Linen sarees can be your best choice for summers. They look formal but can also be worn to give a casual or festive vibe.

Designers Abraham & Thakore suggest wearing linen sarees in unconventional styles to showcase modern beauty.

“Wear it with a stylish blouse or experiment with modern blouse designs like off-shoulder or crop tops,” he says.

Bizarre details

A bit of uniqueness can add to the fashion appeal of an outfit. Look for linen outfits with peppy prints, patches and colour play.

Headed to work?

Udita says, “The linen kurta pant set is perfect for office, it offers both comfort and sophistication.”

She further adds, “For a relaxed yet bright summer look, pairing a cotton linen kurta with matching pants creates the perfect balance for formal occasions.”

Linen Trousers

Linen trousers – whether they’re baggy or straight-fit – are the ultimate summer comfort companion.

For men:

In addition to classic solid linen shirts, you can also look for shirts with additional details (such as embroidery, prints, or patches) that match your style.

Here are a few more ways to wear linens suggested by Ravi Gupta, creative director of menswear brand Gargi Designer:

• Opt for a lightweight linen blazer for formal or semi-formal occasions.
• For casual outings or beach days, linen shorts offer comfort and style.
• For a sophisticated summer look, consider a linen suit.

Linen Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing linen can be tricky too. One wrong move and all modesty can be lost.

Please press it well: Wearing wrinkled linen clothes can take away the luxurious appeal of the fabric. Therefore, iron or steam the fabric thoroughly before wearing.

However, linen does wrinkle easily. Consider the fabric’s inherent wrinkles part of its charm when worn.

Avoid wearing with synthetic clothes: Experts recommend against mixing linen with synthetic fabrics, as this can disturb its natural look and ruin it. Instead, mix linen with other natural fabrics like cotton and silk.

What to avoid wearing in monsoon: Designers suggest being cautious about wearing linen in extremely humid or rainy weather as it is prone to wrinkling and shrinking.

Avoid wearing tight clothes: Avoid wearing linens that are too tight, as this can restrict airflow and destroy the cooling properties of the fabric.

happy summer!