Too hot to wear saree in summer? 5 breathable drapes that keep you cool and stylish

If you find yourself constantly sweating in a saree, try these 5 drapes which are light and airy and work in your favour against the hot and humid weather.

Draping six yards of grace is romanticised as a quintessential wardrobe staple, but in summer, it can feel like a herculean task. With the fabric clinging oppressively to your skin and the heat making you sweat profusely, carrying a saree in the summer season can quickly start to feel uncomfortable and burdensome.

Right saree choice keeps you confident instead of wiping your sweat constantly in discomfort. (Picture credit: Gemini AI)

However, you don't have to rule sarees out altogether. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Shriya Nagi, co-founder of Mrida, a handloom saree brand, spoke about which types of sarees are best suited for summer, so saree aficionados don't have to part with their favourite drapes. According to her, certain fabrics inherently have the ability to handle heat and humidity much better because of the fabric breathability.

Choose the right fabric to ace your summer ethnic look! (Picture credit: Gemini AI)

1. Bhagalpuri linen saree

The first recommendation from Shriya is the Bhagalpuri linen saree, handwoven in Bhagalpur, Bihar. The fabric is breathable and lightweight, which is why she crowns it as ‘leaning the summer narrative.’ One of the main reasons is that it softens beautifully with wear. Its slightly textured finish also gives it a relaxed, easygoing vibe.

"This season, playful block prints, stripes, and soft hues like pistachio green, mint, peach, and periwinkle add a fresh, lifestyle-ready charm, making them perfect for everything from workdays to slow weekend outings,” she suggested, discussing the patterns and where the saree can be worn.

Wear this saree with sleeveless cotton blouses and add minimal jewellery, like a simple nose pin or oxidised necklace, for workdays. Pair it with sleeveless or cotton blouses and minimal jewellery for workdays.

2. Maheshwari saree

The second summer-friendly saree is Maharashtra-based Maheshwari. Shriya explained that the reason it works well for summer is its lightweight silk-cotton blend. “The fabric’s airy weave allows for excellent airflow, while subtle zari borders lend a polished finish without feeling heavy," she noted. Softer colour palettes look good with this saree.

3. Mul cotton saree

This saree stands out because of its cloud-like lightness. Shriya noted that teh drape is extremely soft, ‘almost feather-like.’ It is worn across Bengal and parts of Rajasthan, regions known for either high humidity or intense heat, demonstrating how reliable, low-maintenance, and well-suited this saree is for daily wear.

For styling, you can choose washed pastel shades and pair them with a brighter blouse.

4. Jamdani saree

Jamdani sarees have an ethereal look to them, almost as if they are floating because of their pastel sheerness. The fabric is airy, perfect for a summer-ready drape.

Shriya explained the composition, saying, “Jamdai is made with fine muslin or cotton-silk base and its signature weft technique of hand-inserting motifs.”

Originating from Bengal, a region known for high humidity, the weave naturally works best for breathable dressing. However, compared to the previous options, Jamdani lean more towards formal wear because of its construction rather than everyday use. They are ideal for brunches, intimate gatherings, or festive summer evenings where you want to look elevated. A simple blouse ties the look together.

5. Tussar linen saree

The last on this list is Tussar linen, which has a very distinctive texture. Shriya described it as 'raw and earthy texture.’ This saree is highly versatile, as she notes, it can work for both workwear and evening outings. Elaborating on the material, she explained, “Tussar linen brings a contemporary blend of silk & linen along with the natural texture of Tussar and breathability of linen.”