Breathe easy this Eid: Why cotton is your best bet for summer celebrations

As Eid-ul-Adha approaches amidst the sweltering heat of a Bangladeshi summer, style and comfort must go hand in hand. The joy of celebration, the buzz of qurbani preparations, and endless family gatherings all call for outfits that keep you cool without compromising elegance.

This year, cotton is making a strong case for itself, not just as a fabric, but as a fashion-forward solution to beat the heat. Lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly graceful, cotton outfits are perfect for staying fresh through the busiest hours of Eid. 

From classic kameezes to trendy sharis, designers are embracing the fabric in its many forms, offering airy silhouettes and subtle textures that blend tradition with ease.

The Business Standard highlights three standout brands offering stylish, summer-friendly Eid wear, all crafted from breathable cotton.

Kadambari Exclusive by Razbi

Designer Tasneem Hossain Razbi started her brand Kadambari Exclusive by Razbi in 2019 from her passion for art.  To her, this brand was a creative outlet to express her painting skills. 

Kadambari Exclusive by Razbi is a popular brand for women across the generations for its beautiful hand-painted and hand-worked cotton kurtis and sharis. 
"For me, designing a shari is a process of storytelling. I am inspired by the natural beauty of Bangladesh, and try to bring elements, be it local birds or flowers of nature in its truest form," said Razbi.

Razbi is true to nature when it comes to colour selection as well,
"I try to portray the original colour of flowers and birds in the design. If a flower is pink, I would try to keep it pink in the design, regardless of the colour of the shari," she said. 

Kadambari Exclusive by Razbi's Eid collection features fabrics like Handloomed Cotton, Andi Cotton, Adi Cotton, Muslin and Pure Silk. 
"Comfort is an uncompromising requirement in summer wear. Hence, for the summer sharis, we asked our artisan to increase the thread count to enhance softness and wearability," she added.

The price range at Kadambari Exclusive by Razbi starts from Tk4,000 and goes up to Tk16,000.

Madeleine

Madeleine is the heartfelt passion project of Anika Maisha Hossain, who balances her creative journey with her full-time profession as a schoolteacher. Having grown up in a household where fashion was part of daily life, as her mother owns a boutique. Anika has long been familiar with the ins and outs of the apparel business.

"I'm also a painter," Anika shared. "I studied art and love drawing colourful cartoons. Somehow, those whimsical characters found their way into my clothing designs. My art and fashion both reflect who I am, silly, vibrant, funky, cute, and full of positivity."

Madeleine stands out not just for its playful aesthetic but also for its commitment to fabric quality. The brand exclusively works with Remi cotton, carefully sourced from local markets.

"I've done quite a bit of research on cotton and linen," said Anika. "While pure versions are breathable and soft, they often shrink or wear out after a few washes. Remi cotton doesn't have these drawbacks, making it ideal for everyday wear."

The brand's catalogue includes kurtis, salwar kameez sets, women's shirts, and a handful of unisex designs, all carrying Anika's signature touch. She prefers a minimalist base, embellished with embroidery and karchupi, and often plays with quirky motifs like seashells, dolphins, boats, herbs, and stars.

Madeleine primarily works on a pre-order basis, allowing Anika to tailor each piece with care, respecting different body types and preferences. Prices start at Tk3,000, making it an accessible yet artistic choice for cotton lovers seeking both comfort and charm.

Anikini

Anikini is the cotton clothing line of veteran designer Humaira Khan, established in 2019. Anikini leans deeply into ethical fashion and sustainable materials, while embracing designs that reflect modern silhouettes and contemporary cuts.

"We make amazing clothes in the best quality, no doubt about that. But somehow, our designs are not sustainable and ubiquitous. There is a gap in our concept that labels the pieces we make as either eastern or western," said Humaira Khan.

To break this chain, she has built a brand that makes international standard sustainable clothes, which are exquisite while being easy on the eye.

Anikini makes convenient, minimalist, normal wear.  Most of these outfits are made from cotton, linen or a light mixture of khadi. Perfect for regular wear, Anikini targets women who appreciate work and style.

According to Humaira, Anikini is not just a brand but also a revolution for women of all backgrounds to make them feel comfortable and look modern in their clothes.

The price of a regular piece from Anikini starts from Tk3,500.

"The collections are bright, crisp and light," said Humaira, adding, "Along with modesty and affordability, Anikini promises to give women the freedom of choice to wear what they want and how they want."