<Amit Divekar>

Most human beings love to wear black. One can rarely go wrong with it. It’s a classic, it goes with everything, it’s bold and always makes a statement, it hides body flaws, it suits all skin colours and it’s a staple of the fashion industry.

But unfortunately in hot, sultry, tropical weather (like Mumbai) it is not a practical colour to wear. If you still must wear black out on a hot day (I totally understand!), here are a few tips to wear it well and not melt in the bargain:

1. Make sure the fabric of your garment is PURE cotton! No blend, no percentage of any other artificial fabric. Half your battle is won.

2. Wear a loose, light, flowing garment. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a tight, heavy, clingy black garment with sweat packed inside.

3. Wear an open weave like a net, crochet or cotton linen. This will let the fabric and you breath.

4. Avoid collars or high necks so you don’t feel suffocated. An open neck is best.

 

 

5. A huge advantage of wearing black is, it hides sweat patches. So if you are going for an interview or an important meeting or a date, and don’t want to look like a Dalmatian who’s travelled on a bus, black is a good idea.

6. If you are wearing all black, always wear it with a spot of colour: a bright pair of shoes or a bag or some accessory. It will brighten up the ensemble and not make your look like a witch or a wannabe rock star. A sprightly dash of colour will also resonate summer.

 

7. Wear your hair up. Or just cut it short for the summer. Long thick hair on top of a black garment will just make you simmer!

8. Lastly, keep your cool! Heat tends to make us irritable and short tempered. It will make you feel hotter.

 

PS: Read this interesting article on the Physics That Explains Why You Should Wear Black This Summer

You can read more of Amit Divekar’s musings and tips on fashion on his Facebook page Style Stripes

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