FIRST the earthy smell, the tinkling sound and then the raindrops falling down the face, cheer up one and all. One can see everyone beaming. It surely refreshes the soul. The dull evenings brighten up. The sunny smiles under the umbrellas are adorably cute. One would like to hum songs, go for long drives or have hot tea with samosas. The temptations are endless if left to the one’s imagination. In short, the monsoons just make you feel good...but this ‘feel good factor’ must match the other ‘FGF’, which stands for the ‘feel good fabrics’. The fabrics which let you breathe and brighten up your day. The fabrics which are comfortable and refreshing to the eyes, just like the rain.

Pure cotton is the best to beat the add-on humidity that comes after the rain. This fabric is tender and soothing for the skin. The next best option would be ‘cotton-rich fabrics’, which have 70 per cent cotton blended with the synthetic yarns to improve the wearability and easy maintenance of fabrics. Since pure cotton feels limp, because of the high moisture content in the air, the blended fabrics work well, as they are easy to iron and give a crease-free finish. These are suitable as corporate wear, as they satisfy the prime requirement of being presentable all the time.

With the rising percentage of working women, it is essential that they are comfortable in what they wear and not just dress up for the sake of it. Those opting for western wear, can choose cotton lycra blends. The high cotton content along with the stretch gives a smart fit to the dress. One must avoid fabrics like satins and georgettes, which have a high percentage of synthetic in them, or silks, which are purely winter fabrics. The basic collar shirts, formal kurtis and ‘cotton cords’ are some conservative options for office wear. Avoid pure leather shoes and carry an extra pair of socks for those heavy shower days. Keep your feet dry.

The weave of the fabric plays an important role. The light open construction with less number of yarns per inch increases the porosity of the fabric. The pores let the body sweat evaporate and bring down the body temperature. The close constructions in synthetics lock up the skin and suffocate the body in humid conditions. This can further lead to rashes and prickly heat in summers, when one is perspiring all the time.

Seersucker fabrics, cotton jerseys and cotton linen are good options for FGFs. Seersuckers have inherent wrinkles, are very comfortable and require no ironing. Both men and women can opt for this for their shirts. Cotton jerseys are knitted cotton, highly porous and soft — can be very flattering to woman’s figure. Cotton linen is a wonderful combination for summer. It looks cool and feels cool too.

One would have to restrict oneself to basic colours in the office. But, when out on a drive or for a family get-together, go for it the bright floral skirts or shorts, or pulled-up trousers or just basic denims. The footwear ought to be funky-coloured comfy floaters, and, of course don’t forget the raincoat and umbrella.

Oops...it’s raining again, got to choose the right FGF...!