Linen and cotton dresses from 35 homegrown brands to add to your summer wardrobe

As the summer heat in India intensifies (because, you know, global warming), surviving the sun starts to feel like an Olympic sport. The air is thick, sweat is relentless, and the idea of looking human, let alone decent, starts to feel like a mirage in the desert. But here’s the thing: your wardrobe doesn’t have to be the enemy. It can be your best ally (aside from your antiperspirant, of course).

Think fabrics that let you breathe—soft cottons, airy linens, silks that flow, not cling. Here are 35 homegrown brands offering a collection of linen and cotton dresses that won’t have you fantasising about a cold shower the moment you step outside. From linen button-ups to cotton co-ord kurta sets, organic cotton Ajrakh printed tees, or just an easy, breezy white dress—we’ve got you covered. After all, no one should have to choose between looking good and surviving the heat.

No Nasties

Offering 100% organic vegan clothes, No Nasties brand ethos revolves around sustainable linen and cotton. From flowing dresses to relaxed shirts, every piece speaks eco-friendly elegance.

Cord

Blending Indian craftsmanship with vintage prints and contemporary designs, the brand offers a selection of clothes that'll level up your boho aesthetic.

Summer Away

Slip into Summer Away's designs that transport you straight to the beach, featuring free-flowing linen and cotton dresses and two-piece sets.

Khara Khapas

The term 'Khara Khapas' translates to pure cotton. The brand focuses on creating conscious clothing using homegrown Indian fabrics.

Yam India

Floral and breezy is how we would describe it. Yam's collection is celebrated for its iconic prints, crafted in linen and cotton.

Oshadi

Oshadi embraces a 'seed to sew' philosophy, growing cotton and indigo on their own farm using restorative practices. With an eye for timeless style, the brand offers not only cotton clothing but also a range of of bags and hats.

Naushad Ali

Rooted in heritage yet refreshingly modern, Naushad Ali’s designs celebrate artisanal craftsmanship with easy silhouettes in handwoven cottons and linens. Look out for his breezy co-ords and hand-dyed separates.

NO BORDER

A melting pot of cultures, NO BORDER curates bold, handcrafted pieces from across South Asia, perfect for those who love statement-making, contemporary ethnic designs.

Shades of India

An exquisite interplay of textures and textiles, their collection merges hand embroidery, soft pastels, and rich craft traditions into timeless ensembles.

Roza Pret

A fusion of classic tailoring and Indian craftsmanship, Roza Pret’s structured linen co-ords and kaftans exude charm.

Ikai by Ragini Ahuja

Bringing bold, graphic aesthetics to traditional Indian textiles, Ikai’s hand-detailed, structured pieces make a statement without trying too hard.

Nicobar

Effortlessly chic and travel-friendly, Nicobar’s breathable linen and cotton collections redefine modern tropical dressing with a relaxed, global touch.

11:11

A pioneer in slow fashion, 11:11 celebrates indigenous cotton and khadi through handcrafted separates, relaxed layering, and an organic color palette.

MATI

A conscious fashion label known for handwoven, breathable fabrics and relaxed, anti-fit silhouettes that embody slow and sustainable fashion.

Anokhi

Synonymous with block printing, Anokhi’s handcrafted cotton kurtas, dresses, and scarves are staples for those who love artisanal, everyday fashion.

Okhai

Supporting rural artisans, Okhai offers beautifully embroidered and block-printed cotton dresses, tunics, and easy sets rooted in traditional craft.

Mulmul

Soft, feather-light cottons with delicate lace detailing, Mulmul’s effortless kurtas and co-ord sets bring luxury to everyday ethnic wear.

Doodlage

A pioneer in upcycled fashion, Doodlage transforms post-production waste into edgy, one-of-a-kind pieces that blend sustainability with urban cool.

Indigene Craft

A slow fashion label that revives traditional hand embroidery and natural fabrics into relaxed, artisanal pieces with a rustic charm.

Sneha Arora

A contemporary brand that plays with structured yet fluid silhouettes, Sneha Arora’s designs balance sophistication with a touch of whimsy.

Nete

A thoughtfully curated platform for indie, sustainable labels, Nete champions organic fabrics, handwoven textiles, and minimal, wearable fashion.

Summer House

Ethical, sustainable, and effortlessly chic, The Summer House offers handcrafted cotton and linen pieces that define modern simplicity.

Cottonworld

One of India’s first brands dedicated to pure cotton clothing, Cottonworld’s essentials are breathable, timeless, and perfect for everyday summer dressing.

Paher

A slow fashion label blending comfort with craftsmanship, Paher champions natural-dyed cottons and versatile handwoven separates, making everyday dressing effortlessly chic.

Wildflower

A love letter to nostalgia, Wildflower Folk’s dreamy, vintage-inspired silhouettes in soft cottons and block prints are summer’s romantic essentials.

Manan

With a focus on sustainability and handwoven luxury, Manan’s relaxed fits and ethereal layering pieces in linen and cotton define quiet elegance.

JODI

Known for its vibrant, hand-blocked prints, JODI’s playful, structured silhouettes bring color and craft together in a way that’s unmistakably joyful.

Serai

A contemporary take on Indian resort wear, Serai offers flowy kaftans, sheer overlays, and handwoven separates that make summer dressing feel like an effortless escape.

Runaway Bicycle

Minimalist yet deeply rooted in handwoven Indian textiles, Runaway Bicycle creates elevated basics with an emphasis on ease, comfort, and breathability.

Eka

With an earthy, androgynous appeal, Eka’s handwoven linen and cotton ensembles embrace draped silhouettes and soft tailoring for an understated, artistic edge.

Tree & Poetry

Poetic in name and nature, this brand is all about soft, free-flowing dresses and handcrafted separates, perfect for an ethereal, effortless summer look.

Creatures of Habit

A go-to for mindful, everyday staples, their crisp linens and clean, fuss-free silhouettes are designed for easy, all-day wear.

Kaveri

Light as air and deeply feminine, Kaveri’s linen creations are defined by flowy silhouettes, intricate appliqué work, and dreamy summer layers.

23n69e

A contemporary take on Ajrakh, 23n69e blends traditional hand-block printing with modern, easygoing silhouettes, making heritage craft effortlessly wearable.

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