The Ultimate Guide to Summer Ethnic Wear Essentials

The Ultimate Guide to Summer Ethnic Wear Essentials

With summer in full swing and the days stretching lazily ahead, it is time to refresh your wardrobes with a burst of color. And what better way to add a touch of vibrancy and freshness to your wardrobe than with Indian ethnic wear? 

Indian ethnic wear has been around for centuries, and its colorful and intricate designs represent our rich cultural heritage. From comfortable and versatile kurtas to stylish Palazzos, these traditional outfits are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. If you are looking to add ethnic flair to your collection, this is the blog for you. 

Understanding The Types of Summer Ethnic Wear

In summer, comfort is a top priority when choosing your ethnic dresses. While choosing ethnic wear, ensure that you pick dresses that will help you beat the summer heat and strike the right balance between style and comfort.   


Here are the two main varieties of ethnic wear:

  • Traditional ethnic wear

These are the outfits that reflect our culture’s identity and heritage. Passed down through generations, they define the essence of particular regions or communities in our country. From elegant kurtas to embroidered lehengas, each piece weaves a story of craftsmanship and tradition. 

  • Contemporary fusion

When we talk about fusion in ethnic wear, it refers to a combination of two or more cultures in clothing and styling, such as lehengas teamed with shirts or kurtas paired with jeans. The two styles blend to create a unique look, reflecting our cultural diversity while honoring modernity as well.

Importance Of Choosing Breathable Fabrics

In summer, it is essential to pick fabrics that are airy or loose enough to let air pass through them. Breathable fabrics let sweat evaporate quickly without leading to discomfort or dampness in your clothing. Moreover, the evaporation leaves you feeling cool and fresh all day long instead of sweaty.


Here's how to choose the perfect fabric for your traditional summer ethnic attire that will not only look stunning but also be comfy.  

  • Breathability

While choosing everyday wear kurta sets always choose fabrics that enable free air circulation. They keep your body cool and prevent excessive sweating. Cotton fabrics are well-known for their breathability in the summer. You can also choose fabrics like linen and silk for your summer ethnic wear essentials.

  • Lightweight Fabrics

Lightweight fabrics are ideal for summer since they help you cool down fast as temperatures rise. As the name implies, they are lightweight and feel great on the skin, keeping you feeling pleasant and fresh. Linen, silk, and lightweight cotton mixes are examples of fabrics that give a feeling of being light and airy. Linen clothes do not cling to your skin like other fabrics. Cotton, as we all know, is highly breathable and lightweight. 

  • Absorbency

Fabrics with moisture-wicking characteristics help to keep your body sweat-free, keeping you comfortable and dry all day. Linen and cotton are the most preferred fabrics. Linen is highly absorbent and soaks in all the sweat, drying off faster than most other materials. Hence, you don’t feel clammy even during high temperatures. Cotton absorbs sweat and lets heat escape the body while keeping it cool.   

Face The Summer Heat With Elegance: Summer Ethnic Wear Essentials

You need clothing that will keep you cool in the summer and give you a classy and stylish look! Here's what we believe will be the ideal blend of elegance and comfort this season. 

  • Lightweight Kurtas

Kurtas are flexible statement pieces that allow you to stand out in any crowd. This flexible and ethical clothing deserves to be in every woman's wardrobe. Kurtas look modern yet traditional while retaining their charm. The ethnic kurta set has undergone many changes over the years, incorporating contemporary aspects while retaining its historical roots. 

Nothing can beat the harsh Indian summer more than the gorgeous, lightweight, and comfortable summer kurta set. Incredibly versatile, they are the perfect attire for breezy summer days, as you can keep a casual look with Kolhapuri sandals or dress them up with statement jewelry. Pick up a few summer kurtas and make the most of this vibrant season. Wear carefully chosen colors and prints to turn heads at weddings or evening parties. You may pair Kurtas with any bottom you like, such as palazzos.

  • Breezy Palazzos and Culottes

In recent years, palazzos and culottes have grown in popularity due to their style and comfort. Palazzos, wide trousers, with their origins in Europe, have found their way into the Indian wardrobe, evolving with local styles and preferences. Various styles in Palazzos have emerged, from wide-legged palazzos to the more modern straight-cut and flared types, suitable for different occasions. 


Culottes, on the other hand, are loose-fitting knee-length shorts that resemble a skirt when worn. Over the years, they have become an important part of womenswear. One key reason women prefer them is their design. It allows them to enjoy freedom of movement during energetic activities like exercising or hiking. Moreover, they are breathable and comfortable to wear in the Indian summer.

  • Comfortable Dupattas and Scarves

Many women often wear dupattas with lehengas or Indian suits, but you can also pair them with kurtas and tops to add elegance. During summer, choose light dupattas made of cotton and linen fabrics that are breathable and easy to carry around. Dupattas with subtle works or block prints are ideal to match your ethnic outfits.

Scarves are an excellent option to pair with kurtas since there are many ways you can use them. Wearing a scarf improves your dress and adds to its appeal. For example, one popular way of wearing them is to tie a knot in front of or behind the neck. Another way is to simply wrap it around your neck and let the ends hang out in front.

Accessorizing Summer Ethnic Wear

We will now discuss accessorizing tips that will help you stand out in your summer ethnic wear:

  • Statement Jewelry: Add a pinch of grandeur to your outfit with statement jewelry, such as delicate earrings or jhumkas with multi-colored gems and stones to match your outfit’s color.
  • Footwear: While selecting your outfit, one key question to think about is what footwear you will be wearing. Choose kolhapuri chappals or embroidered juttis or mojaris to complement and add beauty to your anarkalis or lehengas.
  • Trendy Bags and Clutches: Pair your ethnic wear with sling bags, clutches, or crossbody bags, and step out with confidence. Potli purses are back with a fresh spin, embellished with mirror work or sequins, and are perfect when attending traditional functions.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Taking good care of your ethnic dresses is crucial to ensure they keep looking fresh every them you wear them. Here are some care tips 

  • Washing and Drying Guidelines: Before you begin washing, read the cleaning guidelines carefully. Each material has specific washing instructions, and you need to know whether it can be machine-washed, hand-washed, or dry-cleaned. For example, you need to wash your cotton kurtas in warm or cold water to prevent fading and shrinking. Dry your cotton kurtas in the shade and not in direct sunlight.
  • Storage Suggestions: Keep your ethnic wear dry and cool and protect them from moisture and humidity. Keep silica gel packets in your closet to prevent moisture from harming your dresses.
  • Repair and Alteration Advice: Remember to give repairs and alteration works for your ethnic wear only to experienced professionals who specialize in such dresses.

A Quick Guide To Improve Your Shopping Experience

Enhance your shopping experience with these tips:

  • Online vs. Offline Shopping: While offline shopping has its unique charm, online shopping offers benefits like better convenience, savings in time, lesser shopping pressure from store staff, no travelling, and more varieties to explore.
  • Popular Brands for Summer Ethnic Wear: Explore our Silai and Maidaan range of ethnic wear collections and pick from the plethora of designs, colors, and styles this summer.
  • Budget-Friendly Options: We have you covered with our diverse range of ethnic wear. Discover our vast collection, with something for every pocket, whether you are seeking affordable everyday wear or luxurious dresses for special occasions.

The above tips and tricks might help you upgrade your appearance while radiating elegance and beauty. Whether you're attending a marriage ceremony, celebrating a special occasion, or simply admiring the beauty of Indian design, having these essential ethnic wear in your closet will keep you prepared to embrace the elegance and beauty of Indian traditions.

Ethnic wear is more than just a fashion statement; it is an honor of heritage and culture. Try to experiment, have fun, and flaunt your ethnic clothing with pride by choosing from the latest summer collection at the Silai | Maidan. Add our stunning pieces of ethnic outfits to your closet and let your clothing showcase the charm of Indian culture.
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