Style under the sun: Beating the heat with smart fashion
As temperatures rise, dressing well becomes a balance between comfort and style. From breathable fabrics to flowy silhouettes, this season’s trends prove you can stay cool without compromising on fashion
The heat has officially arrived in Dhaka. As spring draws to a close, the city begins to feel the full intensity of summer. In this vast metropolis of brick and concrete, the sun seems relentless, pressing against your skin and making even short walks outside a challenge. Summer in Dhaka isn't just a matter of discomfort—it's almost a survival skill. At times, the city feels like a giant, active oven, where stepping out requires both physical and mental preparation. Yet, life doesn't stop. People go to work, run errands, attend celebrations, and, importantly, maintain their personal style.
In such a challenging environment, fashion becomes more than aesthetic—it's functional. Choosing the right clothing can make the difference between comfort and misery. So, what's the secret to staying fashionable and cool in Dhaka this summer?
The first rule is simple- dress as if you are heading to the beach or a relaxing getaway. Opt for light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate and reduces heat buildup. Bright tones are fine if you love colour, but white and pastel shades are your best friends in the scorching sun. Their reflective quality keeps you slightly cooler, while darker shades absorb heat and leave you feeling like a roasted tandoori chicken under the city's relentless sun.
Flowy skirts to farsi salwars lead the trend
Flowy skirts are trending this summer, making them a great choice for both comfort and style. Fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cool, breathable, and comfortable throughout the day. "We focus mainly on Kota cotton and organza for skirts. For summer, customers prefer cotton. We design the skirts to be as flared as possible—almost like 400 inches—which makes them trendy and summer-friendly." Shared Faiza Ahmed Rafa, designer and owner of Artemis Lifestyle
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Pair your skirts with almost anything: sleeveless tops, breathable cotton pieces, block-printed tops, or monochromatic staples. "Customers are increasingly demanding skirts, with many even opting for custom designs. Some prefer styling them with basic tops, while others experiment with different looks, but the demand remains especially high for Boishakh and the summer season." She added.
Flowing skirts offer the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern style, allowing women to enjoy the summer without sacrificing fashion.
Not everyone is cut out for the dramatic flair of skirts—and that's perfectly fine. Short or long kurtis, two-piece sets, or even three-piece ensembles make excellent alternatives. One rule remains constant: fabric choice is everything. The right material doesn't just offer comfort—it can elevate your entire look, helping you survive Dhaka's sweltering heat in style.
Single short kurtis continue to be a favourite, blending traditional desi charm with Western flair for bold, playful looks. From asymmetrical cuts to unique prints and casual embroidery, these kurtis are versatile, comfortable, and stylish.
Tansim Ferdous, owner and designer of Wearhouse, shared, "We're focusing on both traditional and funky designs this year. For fabrics, we choose linen and various types of cotton—soft, breathable, and easy on the skin. Our goal is to make every piece as comfortable as possible."
Apart from single kurtis, farsi salwar paired with kurtis is emerging as a major trend this year. A short kurti with a farsi salwar instantly transforms a look into a chic, fashionable, striking, perfect balance between tradition and modernity. The way people are embracing desi culture while blending elements from other cultures is giving rise to uniquely creative fashion choices.
However, for those who can't let go of jeans, the trick is to choose soft, high-quality denim and pair it with half-sleeve or full-sleeve kurtis, linen shirts, or even Panjabi-style kurtis for a comfortable yet stylish ensemble. Comfort and style can coexist even in the city's relentless summer.
Light fabrics and loose fits to let your skin breathe
Tasnim Ferdous also highlights wide-leg cotton pants as a summer must-have. "In Dhaka's heat, loose-fitting clothes are a blessing. We're launching mostly loose-fit kurtis this year—either Panjabi-style or with wide-leg pants. The designs are simple yet elegant, like Wari Boteshor. We offer both colourful kurtis and pastel shades, mostly based on customer preferences," she said.
Cotton jumpsuits are becoming increasingly popular for office-goers who want comfort without compromising on style. They offer a polished, sophisticated appearance while keeping the wearer cool in the intense summer heat. Jumpsuits are versatile—they can be dressed up with heels and statement jewellery or kept casual with sandals and light accessories. For Dhaka's busy professionals, cotton jumpsuits are the perfect combination of fashion and functionality.
The heat may be intense, but your style doesn't have to suffer. From flowy skirts to short kurtis, farsi salwar sets, wide-leg pants, and breathable jumpsuits, the summer wardrobe options are endless. Choosing the right fabrics, playing with colours, and adding thoughtful accessories can make all the difference.
For presentations or formal occasions, nothing matches the elegance of a cotton saree, the timeless style icon of our culture. Effortlessly graceful yet incredibly practical, a lightweight cotton saree is perfect for navigating Dhaka's summer heat without compromising on sophistication.
Opt for light colours or soft pastels, paired with a breathable cotton blouse to keep things cool and comfortable. Complete the look with simple flats, a subtle tip, and minimal accessories, and you're ready to go.
Stylish yet functional accessories to go for
Styling is completely up to you. Add a pair of jhumkas, chadbalis, or Kashmiri bangles and a light scarf, and you're ready to channel the effortless desi-girl vibe—looking like a diva even in the heat.
Accessories like jhumkas, chadbalis, and Kashmiri bangles elevate even the simplest outfits, while sunglasses, handbags, and light scarves add both style and function. Loose cuts, breathable fabrics, and reflective colours are your ultimate allies in Dhaka's summer heat.
Whether you're strolling through the streets, attending festive gatherings, or heading to the office, your summer wardrobe can be both functional and fashionable. This season, embrace comfort, celebrate creativity, and step out confidently—you can look and feel amazing, no matter how high the mercury rises.
