Feel like you're being roasted on a tawa? These summer kurtis will help you beat the heat

It’s hot girl summer…no really, we’re melting

Take one step out of the house in April and you’re instantly transported to a tropical vacation, complete with sand and sea. Except you’re not floating languidly in the Pacific Ocean, you’re wading through a puddle of your own sweat. And you aren’t sipping on a piña colada, you’re chugging Glucon D so you don’t collapse from dehydration.

With every passing day, the temptation to walk around butt naked like our berry-picking ancestors grows harder to resist. And honestly, maybe they were onto something. The good news, however, is that you don’t have to completely squander your dignity to keep overheating spells at bay. In fact, a few wardrobe swaps might be all you need.

Summer kurtis made out of fabrics like linen and cotton, for instance, can absorb sweat, allow for ventilation, and feel lighter on your skin, too. And if you’re worried about looking frumpy, we’ve found summer kurtis that offer a rare mix of comfort and glamour, so you can ooze confidence even if you feel like a melting mombatti on the inside. What’s more, they’re all under ₹3000, so you can experiment without guilt—from noodle straps to shirt-style kurtis, have fun finding your perfect summer outfit.

Summer kurtis that’ll stave off the kadakhti dhoop

Pink Anarkali Kurti by Libas, ₹1049

Some would say there’s nothing more versatile than your family’s 15-year-old jar of Vaseline, but we’d argue this kurti’s a close contender. With its strappy tie-up sleeves and roomy silhouette, you can style it with pants, shorts, palazzos, skirts—you name it. And for those conscious about wider hips, rest assured its square neckline can help balance out your proportions, too. We wouldn’t recommend visiting a garden wearing this, lest the bees assume you’re a sweet-smelling bunch of flowers, thanks to this kurti’s larger-than-life floral print.

Spring Sunshine Kurti by Kashmir Box, ₹1999

If you’ve ever been called a happy-go-lucky ray of sunshine, this cotton kurti from Kashmir Box will let you own it loud and proud. The fresh colour combination takes its inspiration from a Kashmiri meadow in summer, babbling brook and all. Don’t let all the intricate embroidery throw you off, either—it’s still delightfully light and airy, making it a great choice for casual outings.

Ramya Corset Kurti by Nishorama, ₹1875

If you’re loyal to ethnic wear but also love how a corset accentuates your waist, this kurti is the best of both worlds. It’s sanskaari enough for your colony wali aunty yet slinky enough to elicit some ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s from your friends. It’s not just all good looks either—crafted from modal silk, it has the glossy sheen of traditional silk while still being absorbent and breathable. We’d suggest pairing it with breezy palazzos and oxidised silver jhumkas to ace the boho chic look.

Indigo Ajrakh Shirt Kurti by NANA-KI, ₹2500

We get it—you’re a determined girlboss who simply cannot let go of the formal button-down. You mean business and everyone knows it. So, what do you get when you cross a shirt and a kurti? Well… there’s no punchline, you just get a shirt kurti, which means it’s sturdier than a regular kurti, but its pure cotton and Ajrakh print also don’t make you look like you’re starring in an episode of Suits. You can also throw it open over a cami to make it an Out-Of-Office staple.

Diza High-Low Kurti by Westside, ₹999

Some days, you just want to throw on something and call it a day. No scrolling on Pinterest, no frantic texts to your bestie, no Googling “WTF is seafoam green?”. On those days, this kurti from Westside will help you look put-together with minimal effort. With its geometric prints, subdued hues, and smart collar, and flowy, light-weight viscose material, think of it as the vanilla ice-cream of tops—it’s safe, reliable and sophisticated. Plus, if you’re insecure about your arms, it has three-quarter sleeves, which are forgiving and roomy.

Red Teal Halter Kurti by Manngiri, ₹1350

Are you a fan of the Y2K aesthetic? Do you wish halter tops and vintage camisoles were still around? Think of this kurti as the desi hybrid of those two—it’s just a tad bit more modest and simple. The sleek silhouette hugs and skims your curves just so, while the adjustable side slits still allow you the choice to go baggier. The best part? These summer kurtis are available in a whole range of sizes, from XXS to 6XL, so it’s a great pick for all body types.

Cotton Chikankari Kurti by Bagh, ₹2,150

There’s nothing quite like a chikankari kurti to make you feel like a demure and put-together adult. Even if you woke up groggy and disoriented, and trudged through your morning routine half-asleep, the good news is that you still look like you’ve gone the extra mile. It’s breathable too, making it a summer classic—what’s not to love? Don’t forget to balance this with standout accessories; tan sandals, a chunky neckpiece, along with soft-pink make-up would be our picks.