The art of layering in humidity: Your monsoon fashion playbook

Do you find yourself staring at your wardrobe and wondering what to wear on humid days when the rain is unpredictable Whether it is your choice of fabric to footwear paying a little attention goes a long way in preserving you favourite pieces and your look of the dayHow does one dress for erratic weather Fret not From outlining the distinct challenges of monsoon fashion to delving into the monsoonproof accessories wersquove got fashion experts to help you navigate this monsoon with flair and comfortDecoding monsoons fashion challenges Sticky situations and styling woesAparna Badlani stylist at Aza Fashions perfectly articulates the unique dilemmas monsoon fashion presents1 Managing high humidity and sweat patchesIn rainy conditions humidity is perhaps the biggest style adversary Sweat stains sticky skin and clinging clothing may all be humiliating particularly after long workdays or outdoor activities2 Transparency of fabricsWhile lightweight is fantastic some fabrics particularly whites and pastels become translucent when wet making them unsuitable for rainy days3 Length and fit troublesAnything that touches the ground such as palazzos maxi dresses or flared pants could absorb filthy rainfall In the same way clothing that is too tight can feel oppressive in hot and muggy weather4 Drying time issuesParticularly in closets with inadequate ventilation slowdrying textiles can retain moisture and cause mildew and musty odours5 Colour and mud stainsCareful colour selection is necessary for this season Lighter hues are more susceptible to stains and contact with soil or water can discolour fabricFive goto fabrics for freshness The monsoon wardrobe essentialsTo combat these challenges Badlani recommends a strategic approach to fabric selectionCotton blendsCotton is a nobrainer as it is soft breathable and moistureabsorbing However when moist it can cling in its pure form Cottonsynthetic blends on the other hand function well and provide the same breathability but with quicker drying timesMulmulA popular fabric in humid climates this lightweight fabric is gentle to the touch and breathable Additionally it gives your regular outfits an airy feel without adding bulkRayonviscoseThis semisynthetic fabric is better at preventing water absorption than pure cotton which makes it perfect for rainy days It is perfect for workwear basics like shirts and straightfitting pants because it doesnt wrinkle and dries fastLinen blendsLinen is a fantastic choice particularly when combined with cotton or viscose Although it naturally wicks away moisture and keeps the body cool mixed versions of pure linen dont crease as muchLightweight chiffongeorgetteFlowy materials like chiffon or georgette are unexpectedly useful for occasion or celebration clothing They work well for layered outfits and patterned silhouettes and they dry more quickly than heavy silksThe art of layering Lightness depth and styleldquoLayering in humid weather is all about creating the illusion of depth without adding weight or trapping heat The key lies in choosing the right fabrics and silhouettesrdquo poses designer and founder of her namesake brand Ujala Azad Layering in humidity seems counterintuitive but Azad shares creative ways to achieve depth without adding bulkSheer powerSheer materials like organza chiffon and mulmul are perfect because they add visual texture while feeling featherlight on the skinSleeveless and open silhouettesI often turn to sleeveless vests or open jackets which instantly elevate an outfit without compromising breathabilityThe underrated dupattaLightweight dupattas especially in kota or soft cotton are underrated heroes you can just drape them like a cape or across both shoulders for an effortless layered lookBreathable combinationsSticking to breathable combinations such as cotton on cotton or linen paired with mulmul helps keep things coolStructured touchesTo avoid a shapeless silhouette belting a flowy layer can add structure without warmthPlay with proportionsI also love playing with cape sleeves or throwing a cropped top over a longer kurta or dress they add dimension and interest while still letting the skin breathe With the right choices you can layer smartly and stylishly even in peak humidityMonsoon wardrobe care Keeping your clothes fresh and intactCaring for clothes during the monsoon requires a little extra effort but itrsquos so worth it to keep your wardrobe fresh and mildewfree Beyond dressing proper care is paramount says Azad She outlines essential tips to combat mildew and dampnessEnsure complete drynessMy first rule is simple but crucial never put anything back in the closet unless itrsquos completely dry even if it means hanging it under a fan for an entire day Moisture is the biggest enemyTraditional dampness absorbersI also use camphor balls or neem leaves in the corners of my wardrobe these oldschool remedies work wonders to absorb dampness and keep insects awayBreathable storageFor delicate garments especially those with embroidery or handwork I avoid plastic covers and instead wrap them in breathable cotton or muslin cloths It protects the fabric while allowing air circulationRegular airingI make it a point to air out clothes periodically even if they havenrsquot been worn just to keep everything smelling freshQuick fix for mustinessAnd if anything does start to feel musty a quick steam or a few hours in soft indirect sunlight usually does the trick These little rituals go a long way in preserving the longevity and beauty of monsoon garmentsAccessorise smart Monsoonproof your styleThe true elevation of an outfit happens when paired with the right accessories This monsoon dont let the weather dampen your accessory game Azad shares her functional yet fashionable picksBagsIt is recommended to swap out leather bags for canvas or fabric ones especially hand embroidered potlis or block printed totes with a waterproof lining They still feel artisanal but wonrsquot get ruined in the rainJewelleryWith jewellery stick to oxidised silver or terracotta pieces since they hold up better in humidity and still have that earthy handcrafted vibe It is best to avoid anything gold plated or super delicate during this timeScarves and bandanasA soft cotton scarf or a printed bandana always comes in handy too whether itrsquos for the hair around the neck or even to wrap over your bag when it starts drizzlingFootwear finesse Step out in style and safety this monsoonFootwear is arguably the most crucial element in monsoon dressing Badlani offers practical yet chic recommendationsHeres our recommendationRubber or PVC sandals A monsoon must rubbersoled sandals are waterproof and easy to clean Contemporary styles are stylish and streetwise because of their raised soles striking hues and metallic detailsPlatform flats or slides These provide comfort and grip while raising you just enough to prevent splashing from puddles For increased safety look for antislip bases and textured solesWaterproof mules When sprinting through rain mules composed of coated or imitation leather are fashionable breathable and simple to put on and take offClogs or jelly shoes Gen Z has brought these oddball accessories back into vogue fusing nostalgia with practicality They are very simple to sanitiseShoes to avoid at all costsSuede velvet or canvas shoesThese absorb water easily and can be damaged permanentlyHeels or stilettosSlippery pavements and monsoon downpours are not the time to risk a twisted ankleBackless flatsWhile convenient they can slide off easily or expose too much of the foot to dirty rainwater