The warm look of summer brings along harsh heat and all of a sudden the silk sarees seem out of the question. Just visualising wearing silk on skin at 40 degrees makes you sweat even before putting it on. The never ending question: can we wear silk in sarees in summer, has tormented women for ages. Today, we will put an end to this.
It's usually believed that silk is heavy, hot, and inefficient during the summer months. However, what many silk critic forget is that, all silks are not created equal. While some silks drape are warm and cozy as a Winter blanket, other silks are as light and cooling as a Summer veil.
The Truth About Wearing Silk In the Summer
Before we can consider on the question, can we wear silk sarees in summer, we need to find out, what makes some silks heavy and other light. The answer to this riddle is, weight and the ability to breathe, the characteristics of the fabric that is determined by the processing technique, the weave, and the overall thickness of the fabric.
Kanchipuram and Banarasi are heavy, particularly difficult to dress in. During summer months, silk sarees and shimmers are extremely light and quite cooler than many heat-infused fabrics.
The silk fabric we are all wearing, naturally controls temperature. It does all this, by the means of moisture, and allows air to pass through which is exactly crucial during summer. The trick is to pick the right silk which aligns with ideal usage.
Lightweight Silk Options for The Summer
Tussar Silk: the summer champion
When someone asks, “Can we wear silk saree in summer?”, tussar silk should be the first to come to mind. Plain tussar silk sarees are amongst the lightest and are a bit rough, but this allows for decent air circulation. They also don’t cling to the body like the synthetic fabrics, and the comfort level is surprisingly good at the 40-degree marks.
Tussar silk also comes in many natural, beautifully dull colors that have a shine and are suitable for all summer occasions, casual or formal.
Handloom Silk: Breathing Easy
Another good answer to the question: “Can we wear silk saree in summer?”, would be handloom silk sarees. As with all handlooms, they are made with certain weaving that has better airflow. The handloom technique purposely creates small holes in the fabric that allows airflow as well, for better ventilation.
Each handloom is usually more lighter than the powerloom silks, making it a better option for heat waves.
Cotton Silk blends: Silk and Cotton, Best of Both Worlds
Cotton silk blends resolve the confusion about can we wear silk saree in summer with ease. These sarees have the elegance of silk and the breathability of cotton. The silk adds the grace while cotton absorbs the sweat.
These blends are perfect for daily summer wear and are easier to maintain than pure silk sarees.
Colors That Keep You Cool
The light colors like white, cream, pastel, and light shades of pink, blue, or green reflect heat which, during summer, is very beneficial. They are your summer friends.
On the other hand, black, navy blue, and dark red should be avoided the most during the hot summer season. Instead, save these colors for evening functions when the temperatures are lower.
How to Style Summer Silk in an Active Environment
Blouse and Draping Selections
Sleeveless, cap sleeves, and boat neck blouses are best while supporting ease of air circulation. Avoid high necks or regular full sleeves which are restrictive. Draping is better loose than tight; Bengali or Gujarati styles offers more graceful substitutes than close-fitting South Indian styles.
Drape Stoles
A lightweight, zippered cotton or linen stole for women is ideal for transitioning between air-conditioned buildings and the outdoors. Select thin, breathable fabrics that match your silk saree.
When is Summer Silk Applicable?
When the temperature is less than 33 degrees, summer silk sarees in the early morning or between 8 and 10 am for business meetings are the best. Any of these traditiional options are great for wedding ceremonies and religious functions. Post 6 PM is another great time when “can we wear silk saree in summer?” becomes a definite yes. Evening temperatures are cooler, and silk sarees look stunning under artificial lighting.
Additionally, any functions with good air conditioning, no matter the temperature outside, are great for summer silk sarees.
Tips for Maintaining and Storage
The summer season means increased laundry and special care for silk sarees. Always dry clean or gentle hand wash in cold water. Never pinch; gently squeeze and dry in the shade. In humid months, silks should be stored in breathable cotton bags, not plastic covers, to prevent moisture.
The Final Verdict
So, can we wear silk sarees in summer? Yes, indeed! The secret is in the type of silk, color combinations, and the right approach to styling. Tussar silk, handloom silk, and cotton silk blends are light, keep you cool, and preserve the elegant silk look.
Silk sarees are meant to be infinity worn, this is the reasoning for the tips and tricks put in place. Select silks, style beautifully, and confidently adorn in your summer silk saree; you deserve to look and feel amazing regardless of the weather!
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