Whether it’s too darn hot and humid like summer or wet and stormy like the monsoon or windy and snowy as shivering winter, you can live in your denimwear like your second skin. Seriously! You may wonder. Well, we can’t agree more.
Go-to garment
The mercury level in India shoots up as the sun sizzles like a fiery ball overhead. The result is predictable. Heat, sweat, grime, humidity — all take a toll on our mind as well as the body. Similarly, the rainy spell turns the weather sticky and moist with its intermittent bouts of showers, while the cold season makes all things around dusty and dry. Colourful and sprouting spring, and the deciduous autumn are faintly visible and hardly felt on India’s weather calendar, thanks to climate change, global warming and the El Nino effect. So, people are left with only a few good choices to look for in their wardrobe as something, which they could call their go-to garment. Denim is one such fabric for sure.
Already bowled over by the idea? Then picture this. From fashionistas, designers to clothing brand owners, denim seems the highly recommended material for the year round. If you are earnestly looking for shopping some stuff to feel light, airy and comfortable in it, then we got you covered. Try denim in all shapes and sizes to play your A-game in fashion and stay cool, irrespective of the prevalent weather’s mood and make-up.
Heat-resistant
Beat the heat with versatile denim that has built-in ventilation and multi-use capacity. With light weight (below 12 oz) and dull, muffled pigments — relaxed or looser-fit styles are the perfect fit for the hot and wet seasons. Ditch the heavy, skinny, skin-sticking, synthetic-mixed denim and embrace thinner, breathable fabrics in straight, tapered, wide-leg, bootcut or boyfriend cuts that permit adequate and necessary airflow.
“Denim as a material is moving towards a more refined route. Silhouettes are becoming fuss-free, lending that laidback vibe with softer tailoring and adaptable separates that switch comfortably through the day from one event to another. This leads to responsible fashion that comes with repeat wear, in turn discouraging surplus buying or the habit of discarding items that pile up textile garbage,” informs Simran Lalwani, founder of Ostilos clothing brand.
Distressed denim with rips, shredded jeans or even the torn and tattered variety help increase air circulation. This by far prevents trapping the heat and sweat. Cropped styles too keep one cool, while denim as a material is cotton in itself. Hence, it is relatively cool and highly comfy.
All-season staple
“India falls in the tropical climatic zone and reels under periods of cruel torrid summer and an extended monsoon with flash floods, cloud bursts and mudslides, screaming for relief, in the Himalayan region as well as down South. Navigating denim in inclement weather requires some serious thinking. In the spotlight are a few tactical fabric choices,” comments Umashan Naidoo, head customer and beauty at Trent Ltd, a popular Indian retail company that operates major fashion and lifestyle brands like Westside, among others.
“Look for airy, soft compositions blended with Tencel (sustainable, plant-based fabric made from organically sourced wood pulp, usually eucalyptus. It is silky soft, breezy, delicate and wicks moisture) for fluidity and breathability. Or else opt for a gentle, rigid weave in a raw finish or a classic 90s’ stone wash. Ultimately, denim rejects any strict blueprint or preconceived notion. There are no rules to follow here. Just lift your confidence, brandish individual swagger and show willingness to lean on contrasts,” he offers tips.
Denim is considered ideal for the searing and muggy months as it’s similar to shirt fabric. Mediums like chambray lend a lighter feel, reflecting the classic as well as casual aesthetic of denim, and are apparently softer and thinner.
Supporting Naidoo’s views, Ravi Punjabi, founder of Kraus Jeans, admits that “denim can certainly be a good option when designed with the right fabric blends, lighter weights and breathable silhouettes. Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for denim that provides comfort, ease of movement and flexibility for everyday wear, especially during the warmer months.”
Buyers’ focus should be on a piece of clothing that is convenient to carry and lasts for long hours. “Denim clubbed with an array of benefits also remains a preferred choice because of its durability and the ability to transition easily from casual daywear to neat evening looks,” extols Punjabi.
Fashion designer Jasminum Kaur also resonates that “denim stands out of the crowd owing to its easygoing character.” “You may smoothly slip into a pair of denims and style it for your dailywear while running errands or gracing formal occasions like a breezy after-party or a cosy brunch. It’s a must-have element in every walk-in closet,” she suggests.
Lalwani further adds that details are becoming more subtle to reckon with. “Elements like contrast stitching, panel construction, sculpted seams and minimal hardware lend a different dimension without overpowering the attire,” she volunteers.
“We approach denim with a minimal and wearable design language that accentuates the outfits and yet harmonises with everyday dressing,” she lays an emphasis.
Live in jeans
When it comes to jeans, it’s important to decide what kind will be the most appropriate fit for the humid season in terms of cuts, shape, weight, fits, texture, etc.
Straight-fit, flared, baggy jeans and denim joggers can fix the wardrobe requirements every season. Pliable textures, breathable cotton-rich blends and lighter washes are also becoming popular choices. Oversized, roomy apparel continues to trend as they balance both comfort and contemporary styling.
‘Loosen up a bit’ is the unwritten dictum for now. Strikingly enough, distressed denim with slits and scratches plus cropped denims or split jeans are highly advocated for the sultry geographical zones.
“They appear calming for most seasons. Clipped silhouettes and culottes help reduce the load of material on the skin and allow carefree mobility in a steamy-meets-damp weather. Similarly, distressed denim with subtle clefts and pores creates a blither and less complicated look that aligns well with the summery fashion arc. It channels its youthful charm through buoyancy and free-spiritedness,” explains Punjabi.
The faded, vintage allure of distressed denims woos all from six to 60 with equal force. It tempers the stiffness of the fabric, bringing in that broken-in look and feel.
Soul sister
Is denim equivalent to its cool and cushy cousin called cotton?
On one hand, denim and cotton represent two different categories, while on the other, modern denim is cotton rich and carefully crafted to exude an appeal that’s similar to everyday cotton wear, say couture experts.
“See, it’s almost at par. A collection of heatproof denims now focuses on skin-soothing fabrics, supple textures, stretch blends and relaxed silhouettes. Clients today want snug-fit denim rather than some heavy garb or a restrictive layer of costume on the body. It should allow a full range of motion instead of pricking or digging into the skin,” shares Punjabi.
As a matter of fact, tight jeans in stuffy weather with high atmospheric moisture can cause rashes or skin breakouts due to the sweat and bacteria locked in. Hence, it is not recommended for an expanded time.
Matching footwear
Sneakers, sandals, chunky heels, loafers, sliders, ankle boots and strappy flats go well with denimwear. They complete the look with ease and pizzazz.
The resurgence of the classic, evergreen flip-flop is hard to ignore.
The lovely ladies may lift the slouchy denim aesthetic with high heels by opting for a dapper, low-slung kitten heel or a razor-thin, super-sexy stiletto.
Their male counterparts could inject a dash of classic chic with a sleek black penny loafer or a textured suede tassel version.
