Cotton saris have been part and parcel of the Bangladeshi lifestyle for decades. The 6 yard long piece of cloth draped around the body symbolises the true essence of a Bengali woman. With 'sharat' lurking around the corner, the season of 'kashful' fields, blue skies and poetic evenings are upon us and cotton saris are a perfect addition to your wardrobe to beat the heat and enjoy the windy evenings. 

Although kameezes, shirts, t-shirts have successfully managed to invade our wardrobe, the charm of the simple cotton sari is far from gone. They can be worn for an evening out with friends, to office or even to a party accessorised with some chunky jewelry. They are also notorious as very manageable and easy to wear.

Vibrant colours such as oranges, fuchsia, magenta, bright greens and popping pinks; all look good in a cotton sari. Popular for their simplicity and earthiness, cotton saris look beautiful with simple block patterns, mirror work, traditional 'kantha' stitch work or simply in monotones with a thin border. One can even buy cotton jamdani saris to wear to parties. 

The saris can be accessorised with bronze oxidized jewellery, clay necklaces, chunky earrings, preferably 'jhumkas' along with a big bindi. 

Cotton saris are available at Deshal, Aarong, Tangail Saree Kutir, Aranya and most stores in Bailey Road and the myriad shopping malls across our cities.  So this season adorn yourself in a cotton sari, beat the scorching heat, enjoy the sporadic winds and look glamorous yet earthy all at the same time. 

Abida R Chowdhury 

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Mashiat, Meghla, Raj

Styling: Azra Mahmood

Make-up: Farzana Shakil

Wardrobe: Deshal, Jatra

Location: Pan Pacific Sonargaon