Festivals, for us Indians, have always been a grand affair. From the moment we wake up on the day to the time we get back to bed, every task, every look, every moment goes in, making them as perfect as they can be. One of the most important aspects of these festivals is our attire. We leave no stone unturned to look our best on these important occasions. Not to mention, in India, festivals are also social occasions where one is expected to mingle, dance, host, and do everything else effortlessly. Putting an outfit together is an art, and as much as we know how to pull that off, being comfortable in ethnic wear is a question that needs to be addressed.
White Lotus Stem kurta with Yellow Pant
Comfort of festive wear is not just about it not being itchy, tight, or unpleasant, but it also sets our tone and mood for the day. Imagine a lehenga that keeps rubbing at your skin like sandpaper with every move. And while you’re busy running around being a gracious host, and the irritation just won’t stop, my god! This situation makes for a cranky and crabby you, taking away the spirit of celebration from the room.
So, is it true? Can festive wear not be comfortable? And the answer is a resounding no. Of course, festive wear can be comfortable. It all boils down to selecting the right fabric and size.
Understanding The Fabrics
Coming down to it, let’s go a little deeper to understand fabrics and the impact they have in making the touch of our clothes softer. In warmer areas, natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk have the ability to wick away moisture more effectively and keep us cool. Conversely, synthetic materials like nylon and polyester can occasionally retain moisture and heat, which can cause discomfort and even skin irritation. In addition, a fabric's texture, more often than not, influences how comfortable we feel physically. Smooth and silky materials, such as cashmere and silk, can feel opulent and cozy, whereas textured and coarser materials can be itchy or uncomfortable.
Considering that a festive occasion is very demanding in nature, it is recommended to pick lightweight fabrics, especially in tropical climates, for their breathable nature. They keep you cool, both mentally and physically. Heavy fabrics tend to weigh you down after a while, leaving you tired halfway through the day.
Here are a few fabrics that will never fail you when it comes to keeping you comfy while still being the one that sets the trend.
Cotton
A recognized summer essential that is a must-have in any woman’s closet! It’s like an old friend that gets along with everyone you know. A kind of fabric that merges with other fabrics, creating the perfect blend of comfort that is also classy.
Especially for summer festivals
Silk
Silk is synonymous with celebrations in India; we’d go as far as to say it is a huge part of every celebration in all parts of the country. A silk saree is more than a piece of fabric; it’s an heirloom, a treasure, and, more importantly, the mark of a great culture. This material is one that never disappoints. A pure silk saree is a breeze to wear and handle.
Linen
Linen is a great choice for festive wear because it's both stylish and comfortable. It's light and breathable, so you stay cool even during long celebrations. Linen has a natural, elegant look that can be dressed up with accessories or kept simple. Plus, it drapes beautifully and is durable, making it a practical and classy option for special events.
Understanding Style And Fit
Now that we understand the nature of fabrics, let’s move on to the fit. The perfect fit is one which allows you to move effortlessly. The one that doesn’t hold you back from all the fun you can have while still making heads turn wherever you go. It’s not just enough that you pick the bright colors, look closely at the designs, and pick the art and artwork that goes on your clothes. It’s important for the clothes to let you and your skin breathe. A loose fit that elegantly drapes over you and swings with your every movement is the best of both worlds.
Here’s how to make sure you’re always looking on point:
- In this world of fast fashion and changing trends, it feels like asking for comfort while being the best dressed is too much to ask for. But honestly, it is not. Take your style and add more to it with layering.
- Mix, match, and make the perfect wear that keeps you comfy with the changing temperatures throughout the day. A lehenga or a suit with a blazer for the morning. Swap it out for a dupatta in the evening and be the life of the party all day. A clutch for your makeup and to make a statement, a tote for everything else. With the right vision and sense of fashion, comfort, and style will always go hand in hand.
We’ve spoken to you about fabrics and fits; now, let’s discover what options one can choose from when prepping for a celebration.
- A kurta set is the go-to outfit for any of us on festive occasions. Swap out the dupattas or even the bottoms according to taste, and the outfit is one that you can comfortably spend all day in.
- The beauty and elegance of a saree never go out of style. Pick a fabric that is lightweight and made of material that moves easily with the breeze to make it through the whole occasion at your comfortable best.
- Fusion wear is now the new trend. Style icons are swapping out blouses for blazers and crop tops. Layering dupattas with belts and other accessories also makes it comfortable to fit right into fashion without compromise.
Our Favorite Picks For Festive Season
Here are a few options for your #ootd that you can include in your wardrobe and add your own flair to:
- Saree
- Lehenga Choli
- Dhoti Kurta
- Salwar Suit
- Anarkali Suit
- Kurta and Churidar
- Fusion/Indo-Western Dresses
- Indian Gowns
- Sharara and Gharara Suits
Moonriver Saree and Jacket Set
What we wear makes us. It walks into a room ahead of us and makes an impression of who we are. Clothes are one of the finest joys in life to have. The way they sit on our skin and make us feel defines the course of our day. They hold power over our psychology and our moods, making us feel confident, wanted, appreciated, and happy. They are a means, a way to express ourselves. To put ourselves out there and make a statement. So the next time you step into a store to shop or open multiple apps to pick your clothes, go crazy. Pick the style you want, fashion to your liking, and make it work because it has always been true that the ones who are crazy enough to think that festive fashion can be comfortable are the ones who make it come true.