Chandigarh/Delhi, August 2: As North India continues to sizzle under intense heat and high humidity, fashion and health experts are urging residents of Delhi, Chandigarh and other hot-weather cities to choose their clothing wisely — not for style, but for survival.
“Your clothes act like your first layer of defence in extreme weather,” said Dr. Mehak Talwar, a dermatologist based in Delhi. “Synthetic or tight-fitting clothes trap sweat and heat, which can lead to rashes, heat exhaustion, or even fungal infections in this kind of weather.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted persistent high temperatures and dry conditions for the coming days, especially across the northern plains. With no significant rain relief in sight, the focus has shifted from air conditioning to everyday wear — and how it can help people stay cool.
Fashion designer and sustainability advocate Meera Grewal says the golden rule is simple: “The looser and lighter, the better.” She recommends breathable fabrics like cotton, khadi, and linen. “These materials allow air to pass through the body and help in evaporating sweat faster. They’re natural coolants,” she said.
Lighter shades also reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. “Avoid blacks, dark greys and navy blues. Go for whites, creams, baby blues and pastels — they’re not just fashionable but functionally cooler,” she added.
For men, the recommendation is basic cotton T-shirts, loose cotton trousers, or even kurta-pyjama made of light handloom material. “Try not to wear jeans during the day — they trap heat and don’t breathe,” said Rahul Bhatia, a sales executive in Chandigarh who now only wears “thin cotton cargos or linen pants.”
Women are encouraged to opt for flowy kurtis, palazzos, cotton dresses or loose salwar suits. “You can still be modest and stay cool,” said homemaker Kamalpreet Kaur in Mohali. “I switched to pure cotton salwars and dupattas, and I don’t even feel the need for a fan most of the day.”
Children and senior citizens need extra attention. “They overheat faster. Dress them in sleeveless or half-sleeved soft cotton, and keep checking for signs of sweat or dehydration,” advised Dr. Talwar.
Experts warned against wearing synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and rayon, which do not absorb sweat and can cause skin irritation. Tight clothing, especially skinny jeans or fitted tops, restricts airflow and increases body temperature.
“People sometimes wear compression gear or synthetic T-shirts thinking they’re comfortable, but that’s a recipe for heatstroke in 40°C weather,” said fitness trainer Ajay Rana from Delhi.
Wide-brimmed hats, cotton scarves, sunglasses, and umbrellas are also encouraged. “Don’t forget footwear,” added Meera Grewal. “Open-toed sandals or juttis made of canvas are much better than closed sneakers or leather shoes in the heat.”
As North India continues to endure prolonged summer conditions, adapting wardrobes to the weather isn’t a luxury — it’s becoming a necessity. “When nature turns up the heat,” said Dr. Talwar, “you need to dress smart to stay safe.”
