To beat the heat this summer, fashion designers said one should keep breathability in mind before wearing clothes and pick fabrics that maintain a drier microclimate on the skin by managing moisture.
For those with on-field jobs
Harshad Panchal, lead designer at XYXX Apparels, recommends lightweight cotton or modal-based outerwear and innerwear for those working outdoors.
What should one wear if they have an on-field job?
For on-field roles in extreme heat, prioritise breathability, moisture management, and ease of movement. Opt for lightweight cotton or modal-based outerwear and innerwear, sleeveless or relaxed-fit tees, and airy silhouettes that don’t cling to the body.
Tactel underwear (made from dynamic, high-tech synthetic microfibre known for its softness, breathability, and lightweight feel) and odour-free vests that are engineered to feel almost second-skin — allowing maximum airflow while absorbing sweat efficiently.
For bottom wear, lightweight options like chambray pyjamas or relaxed-fit bottoms work well as they’re soft, breathable, and allow ease of movement through long hours outdoors. Pairing these with light-coloured, loose-fitting outerwear can significantly improve overall comfort.
Tactel innerwear, which pulls moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate faster. PIC/XYXX Apparels
What should one avoid wearing if they have an on-field job?
It’s best to avoid synthetic, non-breathable fabrics like polyester-heavy blends, especially in tight fits. Also, dark-coloured, body-hugging clothing and thick, layered outfits can make the situation far more uncomfortable in direct sun exposure.
Why is it suggested that we avoid certain fabrics and clothes?
Non-breathable fabrics tend to trap heat and sweat, creating a humid layer between the fabric and your skin. This not only makes you feel hotter but can also cause excessive sweating, dehydration, and skin issues like prickly heat or chafing. Tighter fits further restrict airflow, which means the body struggles to cool itself down efficiently.
Tighter fits further restrict airflow, which means the body struggles to cool itself down efficiently. Representation Pic/iStock
Dark colours, on the other hand, absorb more heat, raising your overall body temperature. In extreme conditions like Mumbai’s heat waves, what you wear directly impacts how your body copes. The wrong choices can accelerate fatigue, while the right fabrics and fits can help you stay cool, dry, and functional throughout the day.
Why is it suggested that one wear light clothes?
When you’re exposed to high heat for extended periods, your body naturally sweats to regulate temperature. Fabrics like Tactel — along with cotton and modal (a semi-synthetic, plant-based textile crafted from beech tree cellulose) — are designed to manage this moisture efficiently, but Tactel, in particular, stands out for its superior sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties.
A lightweight cotton T-shirt. Pic/iStock; (right) An odour-free vest. PIC/XYXX Apparels
It pulls moisture away from the skin and allows it to evaporate faster, keeping the body feeling lighter and drier for longer. If sweat stays trapped against the skin, it can lead to irritation, rashes, and even fungal infections, especially in high-friction areas.
Chambray pyjamas. PIC/XYXX Apparels
Fabrics that actively wick moisture and promote rapid evaporation help prevent this by maintaining a drier microclimate on the skin. Breathability further enhances this by allowing continuous airflow, which supports the body’s natural cooling process and reduces the risk of overheating or heat stress.
For those with office jobs
Maheka Mirpuri, fashion designer, philanthropist and founder of Maheka Mirpuri, advises soft, crush-free linen, airy Swiss cotton fabrics for those with office jobs
Maheka Mirpuri, fashion designer and philanthropist. Pic/By Special Arrangement
What should one wear if they have office jobs?
In a city like Mumbai, dressing in this heat is no longer just about style — it’s about flow. Your day moves between blazing sun and chilled interiors, so what you wear has to move with you, not against you. For inside-office routines with constant AC transitions, breathable bases are everything — soft, crush-free linen, airy Swiss cotton fabrics that feel light on the skin and allow you to breathe through the day. Lean into relaxed co-ords and fluid tailoring that hold structure without ever feeling restrictive.
Why is it suggested that one wear these clothes?
We underestimate how much these constant temperature shifts affect the body. You’re going from extreme heat to a very controlled, cool environment, and that can feel quite jarring.
For inside-office routines with constant AC transitions, breathable bases are everything. Representation Pic/iStock
Thus, always come back to fabrics that breathe and respond to your body. When you’re outside, they allow air to pass and absorb moisture, and when you step into AC, your layers help you ease into that temperature instead of feeling that sudden chill.
What should one avoid if they have an office job?
I would stay away from anything that feels too heavy or too rigid — like thick denims or overly structured pieces that don’t allow movement. At the same time, going too minimal without a layer can leave you uncomfortable indoors. Avoid completely synthetic fabrics or very body-hugging silhouettes for long workdays like this — they just don’t allow your skin to breathe.
Why is it suggested that one avoid such clothes?
When your clothing doesn’t adapt, your body ends up doing all the work. Heavy fabrics can make you feel overheated and drained outdoors, and then stepping into AC without a layer can feel instantly uncomfortable.
Similarly, non-breathable fabrics tend to trap sweat, so when you move between environments, it can leave your skin feeling clammy, irritated, and unsettled.
