Published on 02:26 PM, August 13, 2023

Comfortable cotton saris for every mood

Cotton saris are the epitome of timeless elegance, grace and comfort. These heritage pieces have been passed down generations synonymous with our culture and history.

Photo: Shahrear Kabir Heemel

This has been the quintessential wardrobe staple for Bengali women across generations. Enriching our fashion repertoire, cotton saris have been passed down for generations from our grandmothers and mothers to us, and rightfully so. They have been favoured by our elders and by us because of their comfort and resonance with the Bengali aesthetic.

Cotton is the number one choice of fabric for summer. Being a natural fibre, it allows free airflow; the soft fabric wicks away moisture, helping the wearer cool down in sweltering heat. So, it is no surprise that ladies tend to opt for cotton saris in vibrant colours during the summer.

The threads of cotton saris do not simply weave together to create a garment, it is an artistic depiction of the stories of weavers and designers. Cotton saris, especially taant or handloom saris, have seamlessly woven themselves into the rich tapestry of our culture.

These are not mere saris; they are connections to one's roots and heritage. These saris often come with tales of family milestones, festivals, and special events, creating a strong emotional bond between generations.

Cotton saris are the epitome of comfort and timeless elegance. These saris gracefully drape around the body, enhancing a woman's natural beauty and charm. Their ability to transcend time and seamlessly blend with modern trends speaks volumes about their enduring appeal.

The simplicity of cotton saris has an undeniable allure, making them suitable for various occasions, be it daily wear, casual outings, or formal events. Red and white coloured cotton saris are a must for Pahela Baishakh, while light green, lemon green, lemon yellow and other shades of green and yellow work harmoniously to adorn you for the Falgun festivities in Spring.

From endi cotton saris to handloom saris, the options are endless. These come with hand stitching, kantha stitching, block print, tie dye, batik and so many more iterations. Plain single-coloured saris and colour-blocked saris seem to be the more popular choice among young students these days.

With a plethora of ways to style cotton saris, let this garment be your canvas to display your creativity and passion for fashion in its full capacity. While most Bangladeshi women tend to go for half-sleeved plain blouses with cotton saris, do not restrict your blouses to this one classic design.

Blouses with no sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or full sleeves pair well with cotton saris. Halter neck style and high neck blouses will cement you as a fashion-forward individual. The boat neckline will give off major Madhulika Kapilavayi vibes. Create contrast in your drapery by opting for printed blouses for rather simpler saris.

Our traditional jewellery serves as the perfect counterpart for cotton saris. Antique style gold and silver jewellery, particularly the oxidised variation will complement the complexion wonderfully and make the whole look radiant. Jewellery made of fabric, clay, terracotta, wood and other quirky materials will make you that much more artistic and allude to the fact that you have an elegant taste.

Whether it's for casual wear, formal events, or family celebrations, the cotton sari continues to be a symbol of grace and tradition, connecting women to their roots while embracing the future with open arms.