The ultimate guide to mastering resortwear this summer

There’s something about resortwear—the airiness, the ease, the instant vacation state of mind—that makes it feel less like a trend and more like a rite of summer. As temperatures climb, flowing fabrics, flowy silhouettes, and prints that look like souvenirs from distant shores become survival essentials.

While you may daydream about sun-drenched boutiques in Mykonos or Ibiza, let us assure you—the most covetable pieces are being dreamt up much closer to home. Stitched in ateliers that champion slow fashion, storytelling, and that uniquely Indian flair for crafting beauty with soul, this is the new language of leisure. Passport optional.

For when the ocean calls

Float through summer looking like you just stepped off a sun-drenched coastline in La Paz ensembles. The textures and tones of the resortwear draw from the quiet rhythm of the coast and a deep love for artisanal craft. Equal parts soulful and sustainable, La Paz makes vacation dressing feel like a gentle poem.

Our top pick: A breezy sarong cinched over a bandeau bikini, paired with strappy sandals and a carefree smile. Bonus points for salty hair and a wide-brimmed hat tilted at just the right angle.

For your sun-drenched alter ego

If your holiday moodboard reads somewhere between bohemian goddess and free-spirited art collector, Saaksha & Kinni should be on your radar. Vibrant prints, flowing chiffons, and meticulous micro-pleating are the leitmotifs of their resortwear collections. Inspired by the ancient Adalaj Stepwell in Gujarat, the palette runs deep: terracotta oranges, sun-baked yellows, water blues, and pops of celebratory crimson. 

Our top pick: A swishy printed kaftan over swimwear, stacked bangles up the arms, and big sunglasses. This is not a time for minimalism.

For golden hour glamour

Flowing maxi dresses, lush prints, and the kind of tailoring that feels both relaxed and red-carpet ready, Ranna Gill has it all. The fabrics move when you do, the cuts flatter without trying too hard, and it's all very casually glamorous. 

Our top pick: A dramatic printed maxi and barely-there sandals, with a gleaming clutch.

For effortless island elegance

In a world obsessed with the loud and flashy, Verandah proves that quiet can be the ultimate luxury flex. Their artisanal prints, buttery silks, and sustainable fabrics feel like a love letter to slow living. No wonder their pieces have become a staple on The White Lotus, because when you’re sipping cocktails under a cabana, you want your clothes to whisper sophistication, not scream for attention. Rooted in Indian craftsmanship but glazed with a modern, minimal polish, Verandah is for those who believe true glamour doesn’t need a megaphone.

Our top pick: A draped tunic, unfussy leather sandals, and gold hoops. 

For the ones painting outside the lines

 

If your idea of a holiday wardrobe is less "blend in with the cabana" and more "be the view," Esha Lal Swimwear is your ticket. Her hand-painted botanical prints feel alive—all lush greens, saturated florals, and bursts of joyful colour. Crafted from regenerated ocean waste and organic cotton, these pieces are as much about making a style statement as they are about saving the planet. Even the tags bloom into basil if you plant them. 

Our top pick: A printed bikini under a gauzy shirt or a breezy wrap, oversized shades firmly in place. Best accessorised with a cocktail in one hand and a sense of playful rebellion in the other.
 

Lead image: Verandah

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