Winter fashion gets a colour upgrade
Dhaka’s winter may be dry and muted, but its fashion scene is anything but. From vibrant jackets to patterned scarves and colourful boots, people are embracing a louder, brighter season
It is that time of year again when Dhakaites finally bring down the jackets and sweaters stored away in cabinets for months. But this winter, instead of reaching for the same old denim jacket or the familiar black-and-navy bomber, many are choosing something bolder.
Dhaka's winter often feels dry, dusty, and sombre, yet the city comes alive socially. From weekend trips and weddings to barbecue nights and concerts, the season is full of activities. If anything, winter is when people in Dhaka dress their best. So while the weather may seem dull, the clothes do not have to be.
There is a common notion that bright colours belong to summer, but in Dhaka, it is winter that carries the most energy. The excitement that people feel—after months of heat and humidity—naturally spills over into what they wear. This year, many have decided to bring out colour instead of fading into the background.
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"Our customers are hyped for the season and they are pre-ordering scarf coats and faux-fur coats, and they are not playing it safe but want a pop of colour in their clothes, whether socks or scarves, preferably red," shared Samiha Tasnim Elma, owner of Revanché, a pre-order shop on Facebook.
Elma said shoppers are steering toward cow-print, leopard print, and bold patterns—looks designed to stand out rather than blend in.
"We have also been getting orders for knee-high boots, ankle boots and bootcut jeans," she added.
This shift is not limited to fashionable risk-takers. Many who usually keep to muted tones are choosing brighter pieces.
"I love winter; layering clothes is always fun. It keeps you warm, and you get to style it however you want. This year, my top favourite colours for winter are chocolate brown, olive green and cherry red," said Afra Habib, a second-year student at Independent University, Bangladesh.
Afra is excited to experiment. She added that she wants to play with more patterns and cuts. "Far too many winters have gone with the same basic colours and sticking to my comfort style," she added.
Local brands are adapting to the same spirit. This season, labels such as Gorur Ghash and Wearhouse release winter pieces that celebrate colour and design, setting themselves apart from the countless online shops that continue to focus on black, white, and navy blue staples.
Although these classic colours remain timeless, there is nothing wrong with exploring something new, especially when brands make it easier.
Gorur Ghash introduces several standout pieces, including retro sports jackets reminiscent of the '70s and '80s.
"Our retro sports jackets are inspired by the vintage sports jackets of the '70s and '80s, with an oversized fit. We recommend pairing them with our cargo pants for those who want to style them more as streetwear," shared Fahim Islam Shetab, director of commercial and business development at Gorur Ghash Ltd.
He also mentioned their Aztec weave jackets, which feature textured, woven patterns.
"They can be styled into more elegant formal outfits, and also into more playful casual fits, depending on what they're layered with," he said.
According to Fahim, the jackets come in a range of loud colours and are heavier than their retro jackets, but still light enough for Dhaka's mild winter. For fans of Y2K fashion, the brand offers cropped puffer jackets warm enough for colder temperatures outside the city.
Wearhouse, a brand already known for its love of pattern and experimental cuts, brings the same energy to its winter line.
"For the winter products, we have digital print on synthetic material, screen print on denim and cotton and block print on cotton and linen to design the products," shared Tasnim Ferdous, owner of the brand.
Tasnim said the aim this season is to create loose, comfortable layers that suit Bangladesh's gentle winter while still offering personality.
"We have several bomber jackets and vibrant blazers, which can be styled up and down depending on location and event, to have options for people with different fashion needs," she mentioned.
She added that the pieces are designed to add "a dose of dopamine to gloomy winter days".
The willingness to dress brighter is also seen among individual fashion enthusiasts. Hami Ahmed, a product manager at an MNC, said winter is the season he looks forward to most because it allows him to bring out his collection of jackets, scarves, and sweaters.
"I have never tried being too colourful in winter as I want to match my clothes to the gloomy weather, and even though it looks great, I don't mind stepping out of my comfort zone and wear clothes that induce nostalgia from childhood when our mothers used to dress us up in the most colourful pieces of winter clothes," he shared.
Whether through a pair of red socks, a patterned scarf, or a statement jacket, people are choosing pieces that bring attention to their personality rather than the weather.
Summer may be over, but there is no reason the colours should be. This winter, Dhakaites are ready to dress up in clothing that brings comfort and a little brightness to the season.
