My Favourite Indian Brands for Summer Style
Modern looks made in sustainable fabrics that will ship to you wherever you are
I just got back from a quick two-day trip to Hyderabad, which conveniently fell over my birthday while my husband was there for work. If this is something you learn about me today, it is that I freaking love India and will seize any chance to visit.
My cultural heritage is South Indian, though I have never lived there. There's a much deeper conversation to be had about identity and the true meaning of "home" - being a fourth- generation Malaysian with an Australian passport (and an ex-New Yorker to boot). But for now, I am grateful to be in Singapore where I am no more than 4-5 hour-flight away from the sub-continent.
As you can expect, our visit was an eating-sightseeing-shopping extravaganza. As much as one can squeeze in 48 hours. If you are interested, I shared my list of go-tos over on Instagram. As some of you are turning your mind to summer fashion, I wanted to talk about contemporary Indian brands for you to consider. First, a little backstory.
Why I Love Thee So
Moving from New York to Singapore (a decade ago wow time) brought a surprising sense of loss, especially when it came to my beloved fashion brands. As someone who truly loves clothes, I missed the routine of popping into my favorite boutiques Downtown or in Brooklyn, and even further uptown to my love, Bergdorfs. Despite my excitement for being in a warmer climate, leaving New York left a big hole in my shopping-loving heart, a deep longing for the easy access to the stuff I wanted, when I wanted it.
However, as anyone who has relocated can attest to, discovering new favorites in your new city is key to settling in and feeling at home. Having grown up in Malaysia, returning to the tropics was a welcome change after decades in seasonal climatesโno more snowstorms or thick jackets in May! Yet, I quickly realised my wardrobe, which had evolved with each move, wasn't quite ready for Singapore's humidity, my new lifestyle, or the city's distinct casual vibe.
Despite Singapore's cosmopolitan flair, I initially found myself uninspired by the local fashion scene (though, happy to say that's changed a bit over the years). I can't quite recall how I first stumbled upon Indian-based brands, but once I did, it was a complete game-changer. So I'm excited to share compelling reasons why you should add South Asian1 brands to your summer wardrobe:
Excellent Customer Service: Indian brands truly understand the value of their international clientele, and offer incredibly accessible and responsive service for those of us shopping from afar. I receive prompt assistance via WhatsApp/IG DMs for everything from measurements and sizing to shipping updates, returns, and even fabric care.
Small Scale Production of Modern Designs: Brands usually only produce in small quantities, or make-on-order. An antithesis to the mass production seen in fast fashion. I especially love the strong emphasis on working with local artisans (blockprinters, for e.g.) that make items that can seamlessly integrate into oneโs existing wardrobe no matter your personal style.
Ability to Customise Fit: Because of the small-scale production, a significant value-add of Indian brands is their capacity to customise. Whether they are adjustments for a perfect fit or a collaboration on design elements, personalisation is often readily available. This means you can get bespoke pieces that perfectly align to your individual style and fit. Some brands charge a nominal fee for this, while many offer it gratis especially if you are a return customer.
Use of Natural Fabrics and Quality Materials: India boasts a long-standing tradition of producing natural fibers or sustainable fabric, as well as high-quality leather and jewellery. Living in perpetual summer, I gravitate towards labels which focus on breathable and comfortable materials like linen, cotton and tencel, which are ideal for various climates, but no less the warmer months wherever you are.
Well-Priced with International Shipping: If I haven't convinced you yet, consider the pricing! Indian-made brands are often comparable to, or even better priced than, Zara. And you certainly won't be paying Doen or Dries prices for comparable designs here, making these beautiful, high-quality pieces incredibly accessible.
Bari Dress from The Jodi Life
My top picks for your summer wardrobe
It was tough, but I've narrowed down my extensive list to my top ten favorite sustainable, small-scale Indian brands. If you're interested in more, or have a specific request, just let me know and I can share an even longer list. Without further ado, here they are in no particular order:
The Jodi Life: unique silhouettes, bold colors, and handcrafted in blockprint. Check out the Noa and the Nama. They make great shirts too (labelled as menโs but donโt let that stop you).
Khara Kapas: literally meaning โpure cottonโ. They focus on comfortable, minimalist designs with patterns hand-drawn by their artist-founder, Shilpi. They are easy to care for - I have pieces that have lasted hundreds of washes. My current favourites are the skorts and this co-ord set (which I have on here!)
The Summer House: elegant pieces made in organic cotton pieces that are great for work. Classic designs that will remain in your wardrobe for a long time. Love this and this.
Kilchu: Contempory leather sandals made by Rajasthan leather-makers at next to nothing prices. They "produce-on-order" but deliver swiftly. I have the Bauhaus; and love the look of these. Ps Asta talks about Kilchu in her packing post here:
Mati: contemporary designs in hefty cotton. Their pieces range from the dramatic to the subtle. Check out this and this (I have in two - yellow below).
Love the World Today: One for the kids (with matching outfits for the family). They prioritise hand blockprints and handloom fabrics, producing only a handful of collections each year. Obsessed with this and this.
Gully Labs: the sneakerhead in me is obsessed with these Made-In-India kicks. Handmade in Gurgaon with high-quality materials. They have stellar customer service. Check this and this wild pair.
Saphed: all about the linen. I am hoping they bring their bedsheets and other manchester back but in the meantime see this dress and this shirt (mine below is bespoke)!
NorBlackNorWhite: This dynamic brand is known for their bold, fearless, and unconventional designs. Their pieces are statement-making and speaks to my maximalist soul. Look out for their new collection with Nike. I have this Auntie tee (hehe) and think these shorts are very cool.
The Olio Stories: contemporary, handcrafted jewellery with a South Asian lean. Primarily in sterling silver or brass in gold plating, semi-precious stones, and enamel work. I like this cuff and these featherweight earrings.
Kilchu sandals; Tibi skirt (on sale in this colourway); Bassike Circle T
There you have it: my curated list of understated yet exceptional Indian-based fashion brands doing good things in this space. They perfectly blend rich handicraft with modern design, champion sustainable and ethical practices, and offer personalised service that's rare these days. I hope this has inspired you!
Edited to add: I'm still thinking about the gorgeous Colombian brands
shared. It's a powerful reminder to broaden oneโs perspective of the incredible beauty and inspiration found globally, something US-brands nor fast fashion can really truly replicate.
By no means, is my appreciation limited to Indian brands and any reference to Indian is interchangeable with the broader South Asian diaspora of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. For today though, my post is limited to brands who are based in India.
You had me at Doen without the price tag โค๏ธ.
As someone who is half Punjabi/Australian with four generations of family in Malaysia and having lived in California for years, its nice to know there is someone else out there that can relate to the multicultural confusion!
This is an incredible list, thank you! Please keep it coming ๐