When it comes to comfortable dressing in the humid climates of India, choosing the right fabric is the most important decision you can make. For monsoon wear, the two most popular fabric choices are linen and cotton. Both are natural and airy fabrics, but they react differently when confronted with humidity. So really, what comes out on top in the fight of comfort, breathability and style in muggy weather? Let's take a look.
1. Breathability & Moisture Wicking
Linen: to no one's surprise, linen wins hands down, every time. Linen is made from flax fibres, which allow more airflow than cotton. Linen does not cling to the body, and linen's natural weave produces even more airflow. Linen also dries faster. This is especially helpful if you sweat easily or are prone to feeling hot in humid weather.
Cotton: while cotton is also breathable, it absorbs moisture, and retains moisture. So over a hot and humid day, cotton can absorb enough moisture to become heavy and clammy. This was also counter to linen, cotton can take a long time to dry which can go past uncomfortable, to unbearable.
Winner: Linen - keeps you cool and dry, no matter how sticky it gets.
2. Durability & Longevity
Linen: If you look after your linen properly, it can last for years. The fibers are naturally strong and get softer with each wash but won’t lose shape. While linen may wrinkle more easily than other fibres, its strength and texture are what make it a versatile piece for your wardrobe.
Cotton: While cotton is soft and comfortable, it wears out quite a bit quicker than other fibres over time. For cotton, constant washing can lead to horrible shaping and colour loss.
Winner: Linen – not only does it last longer, but it also gets better with age.
3. Comfort in Humidity
Linen: Linen is moisture-wicking and breathable, so when it’s hot & humid, you’ll be comfortable right up against your skin. The fabric never sticks and doesn’t lock in sweat, so it'll feel airy on your skin all day long.
Cotton: Cotton, on the other hand, tends to hold onto sweat when it's hot & humid, so it becomes clingy and causes that horrible sticky & uncomfortable feeling.
Winner: Linen, like Linen trouser for maximum comfort in hot & humid condition
4. Style & Aesthetic
Linen: Linen has a naturally more elegant, relaxed feel. Linen Shirt have an obvious crisp-yet-relaxed look, and could be a great workwear item, travel wear, or date-night apparel. Linen works like a charm with co-ord sets, shirts for men or trousers; just imagine how tailored it looks ironically relaxed.
Cotton: Cotton is much more used and readily available; however, the unique texture and feel that simply linen provides, does not equate to cotton.
5. Eco-Friendliness
Linen: Linen is made from flax, a low-impact crop that needs no irrigation or pesticides. It's biodegradable, sustainable, and durable and so doesn't need to be replaced frequently.
Cotton: While cotton is natural, the production of conventional cotton uses a lot of water and is reliant on pesticides. Organic cotton is a much greener option but still has a heavier environmental footprint than linen.
Winner: Linen - the greener option.
Final Verdict
Both linen and cotton have their positives, but linen is the clear winner for humid weather. Its superior breathability, faster drying time, durability over time and low-impact production are all good reasons to make linen your fabric of choice in hot and humid Indian summers and monsoons.
At Milanio, we only sell 100% Pure Linen Clothing so you can stay cool, comfortable, and stylish in any season. From linen shirts, co-ord sets, and pants, we have curated apparel for the Indian climate.
Are you ready to upgrade your wardrobe? Check out the MEC Primo collection of linen garments and see how comfortable linen can be for yourself. Currently on monsoon sale, shop now.
