With the Sun shining at its brightest and mercury hitting its highest points every day, we do not need a sign to know that summer is here. Among the many challenges of the hot weather is the quest to find the perfect summer outfits.
Breathable, light, easy-to-style, and fashionable is what all of us seek from our summer looks. And in this search for the best summer clothing, ethnic Indian wear often labeled as “rich” and “luxurious” seems to be the last thing one can style, right? Wrong!
From the earliest days of Indian culture, one material has been loved by its people timelessly, for its airy, comfortable, and stylish appeal. Discovered in the treasures of Harappa civilization and found in the wardrobes of Indian women today, this material is cotton, once the center of world trade and commerce and a lifesaver for the women of India for centuries.
Available in a mind-boggling variety of everyday and formal wear in the contemporary world, the best and most popular cotton clothing is the cotton saree, a simple, wearable piece of history that has lived through eras and continues to be the symbol of Indian culture and feminine fashion in the world.
All over the country, weavers and craftsmen have developed their unique technique of weaving cotton into a graceful drape, giving rise to a marvelous variety of cotton sarees to choose from.
Beautiful and effortless to carry, Indian cotton sarees are one of the best fashion choices for formal and casual occasions during the summer season. Each saree is decorated with classic Indian motifs, Zari work, and sometimes blended with silk, offering the wearer a relaxed yet regal look, the perfect statement of style to beat the heat.
Here are some of the classic cotton sarees from all over India that we think you will absolutely love to flaunt this summer-
Prized by the medieval kings and queens, Jamdani is a weave of cotton from Bengal. Cotton is intricately woven into delicate and light fabric using the traditional weaving methods of Dhaka, earning the Jamdani saree the name “Dhakai” (from Dhaka).
Eye-catching and bold motifs are woven into the fabric, using cotton and silk threads, with a traditional contrasting broad border giving Jamdani sarees an elegant and tasteful appeal, making them a good choice for formal occasions. As a piece of pre-modern Bengal’s historic heritage, the Jamdani saree has been given the status of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
Handloom Jamdani – Pure Fine Muslin SareesThe Heritage Behind Jamdani Silk
The home of Nawabs and then European Sahibs, Lucknow, historically known as the capital of Awadh is the proud center for Chikankari, a type of embroidery that uses a number of techniques to create intricate, nature-inspired motifs on the fabric. Originating in the medieval period, Chikankari today is done on a number of fabrics but looks best on pure cotton clothing, which gives a beautiful contrast to the rich Chikankari details with its breezy touch.
Cotton sarees with Chikankari embroidery give a royal and elegant look, featuring the classic aam (paisley), phool bel (floral creeper), and buta (ethnic motif) on the body and border giving the drape an embellished look while the cotton base ensures an effortless feel.
Exquisite to behold and easy to drape, cotton Sambalpuri sarees of Odisha are an ideal blend of luxury and comfort. Made using the time-consuming, traditional technique of Ikat weaving - where threads are tie-dyed before weaving and then transformed into the fabric.
Sambalpuri cotton sarees display cultural motifs of Odisha, inspired by the religious heritage of Puri and other temple towns. With colors used according to aesthetics and their symbolism, Sambalpuri drapes smartly unite modern comfort with culture.
Named after the “Kalam” or pen employed in hand-painting patterns on the cotton fabric, Kalamkari sarees are a heritage drape of Andhra Pradesh. Plain cotton is used by skilled artists to draw motifs inspired by the legends of Indian epics and nature all over, which are colored neatly.
While the use of cotton makes sure that Kalamkari sarees are a comfortable summertime choice, the meticulous artistic work of painters featuring awe-inspiring, exotic symbols makes them an artistic ensemble that gives the wearer a stunning appeal.
The Creation of Kalamkari Sarees : Exploring the Process and ToolsKalamkari – The Art Comprising Giant Tapestries to Small Squares
Peppy, appealing, and comfortable thanks to the pure cotton traditionally used for clothing in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, where people are no strangers to the sun shining a little brighter, Bandhani sarees have an interesting making process.
The fabric for the drape is tied and dyed (many times based on the pattern and colors to be used) mostly by women of local communities, who have been preserving the technique of making Bandhani for a long time. A part of many festive rituals of the states, Bandhani sarees make for gorgeous summertime party wear, adding just the right amount of style to the ease of cotton.
Bandhani Saree: The Most Celebrated Traditional Attire of IndiaBandhani –The Tie and Die Art since Time Immemorial
A drape loved by royals of Central India, Chanderi sarees get their name from the small town of Chanderi, which houses trained weavers who have been creating this traditional cotton and silk saree for centuries. Available in pure cotton variants as well, Chanderi sarees are popular for their delicate feel, rich Zari work used in embellishment, and ethnic motifs that give them the quintessential luxurious charm.
Originating in the Chettinad or Chettinadu region of Tamil Nadu, Kandangi weave cotton sarees are a symbol of the area’s simple yet rich history. Though documentation on these sarees is sparse, the popularity of this lightweight cotton weave transcends the bounds of the wardrobes of the local women who are often seen draped in a fine Chettinad saree, on a normal day as well as festive occasions.
Covered in sophisticated shades, and geometric and natural motifs, the traditional weave of Chettinad is a classy option for office-going women and a comfortable drape for homemakers who have a thousand things to do and no time for something elaborate.
Another classic weave from Andhra that we had to include in this list is the Venkatagiri saree, woven in a small village in the vicinity of Tirupati Balaji temple town. Historically, these sarees were crafted for the elites of the region, starting from the Velugotis who ruled the region in the medieval period.
Created by traditional weaving families who have inherited the craft for centuries, Venkatagiri sarees are also a rich and refined drape, fusing simplicity and ease with a luxury that comes with heritage Indian weaves.
Dubbed “people’s fabric” due to its association with the Indian National Movement, Khadi in the modern fashion world is loved for its simple, breathable, and elegant look. Handspun and transformed into classy formal and festive weaves, Khadi cotton sarees are a go-to powerful and stylish statement for summer.
The weave of the fabric is such that it allows air to easily pass through, making it the perfect pick for modern fashionistas who want to stay in touch with traditions while feeling feathery light.
A blend of cool cotton and luxurious silk threads, cotton-silk sarees are a timeless trend in Indian fashion which allows the wearer to feel regal without compromising on comfort. Decorated with traditional Indian patterns on the body and rich use of Zari on the border and pallu, cotton-silk sarees are a great option for celebratory occasions or the days when you need to channel your inner queen.
Did we convince you to buy a beautiful cotton drape for your summer wardrobe with this list? In case you are in need of more convincing or want to discover the classic world of cotton sarees, pay a visit to Exotic India, where a vast collection of sarees picked from the homes and workshops of traditional Indian weavers from all over the country await you. And who knows, you might end up finding the perfect cotton saree to look like an effortless empress!
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