Fabrics that survive a Pakistani summer

In our climate, the wrong fabric is a daily nuisance. Synthetic blends trap heat. Lace itches by the third hour. A piece that feels lovely in the shop becomes unwearable by the afternoon.

Here is what actually works in our country, and why.

Combed cotton. The softer, longer-staple cotton, with short fibres removed. Breathable, gentle, and holds its shape after washing. Our daily essentials are made in this.

Cotton-modal blend. Slightly stretchier than pure cotton with a quieter sheen. Sits closer to the body without clinging. Lovely for hipsters and seamless briefs.

Brushed cotton. A lightly napped finish that feels softer to the touch — almost suede-like. We use it for everyday bras where comfort outweighs everything else.

Mesh wings. A small detail that changes everything in summer. The side panels of a bra take a lot of heat from the body; a breathable mesh on the wings keeps the whole piece cooler.

What to avoid in summer. Heavy lace alone (use a lined version). Synthetic satin against the skin (lovely on a nightie if lined; not for a daily bra). Anything that lists "polyester" before "cotton" in the label.

A small choice, made once, that you'll feel every day.

— with care, the Naaz team