Let's look at some Bollywood icons who never seem to get their style wrong. Whether it's Arjun Rampal DJ-ing, Shahid Kapoor spotted at the airport, Anil Kapoor on vacation somehow looking cooler every year, or obviously, King Khan, who never, ever misses a beat when it comes to style. Notice what they all have in common?
Look closely and you'll spot that one extra layer they're carrying. And yes, we're fully aware it's peak summer in India. Well, Vogue is talking about it and the runways have confirmed it: Summer Layering is officially a thing.
Does This Layering Business Actually Make Sense for Us?
Fair question. Most Indian men have written off layering as something reserved for celebrities with an entourage carrying portable fans behind them or for countries that have winter all year round. Totally understandable.
But layering feels like a foreign concept to us because we've never really had the right layers to wear in summer.
That's exactly the gap CRAIG has been working on. Our overshirts, lightweight structured shirts and summer jackets are made from 100% cotton and designed specifically with Indian summers in mind (Yes, the heat, the humidity and those random surprise showers in between).
The Summer Layering Cheat Code
Now that we've busted the myths, let's understand what layering actually means during a hot season.
It could be a lightweight overshirt. An open shirt worn over a tee. Or even a summer jacket that replaces stiff blazers at work and still works after work. The key is choosing the right fabric.
Your layer should be 100% cotton so you don't feel like you're suffocating by lunchtime. Our layers are made from premium cotton that's breathable, stays structured through a busy day and keeps your look intact from morning coffee to late-night plans.
Here are the easiest ways to layer:
Over a Tee
Wear your layer over a T-shirt. Go with a graphic tee for casual plans and a solid tee if you're dressing for work or something slightly more polished.
Over a Tank Top
When it's genuinely hot but you still want to look sharp, throw a layer over a tank top. Honestly, this should be your go-to laid-back look - you're never too hot and you'll always look 10/10.
Button It Up and Wear It Like a Shirt
This works especially well with overshirts. You get a more structured silhouette, fewer creases and the flexibility to wear it tucked or untucked depending on the occasion.
It’s honestly that simple: just one extra layer and you've got endless outfit combinations.
Where to Start With Layering? Our Founder's Picks
Now that you know how to layer and create different looks, it's time to add a few premium cotton layers from CRAIG to your wardrobe. And if you need a place to start, here are our founder's favourite picks.
Beige Jacquard Overshirt
This 100% cotton overshirt deserves a place in your summer rotation. Just look at that colour. Then look closer at the woven jacquard detailing. It's not loud, but it's definitely not blending into the crowd either. It quietly communicates style, taste and confidence. Wear it with white linen trousers or your favourite denims and you've instantly got multiple summer outfits sorted.
Galaxy Printed Shirt
Picking a favourite from our printed shirt collection wasn't easy. But if we had to choose just one, it would be this. The camp collar gives it that extra bit of attitude, while the lightweight fabric drapes naturally and keeps you cool through the day. Button it up like Gurfateh Pirzada or wear it open over a tank top. Either way, expect someone to ask where you got it from.
Peachy Jacket
Some occasions call for looking sharp…a client meeting, a pitch or meeting her parents for the first time. Most guys automatically reach for a blazer or a sport coat? But then again, most guys are pretty predictable. But now you, this Peachy Jacket is for you. Its light summer colours feel fresh without losing its masculinity, while thoughtful details like fabric-covered buttons and patch pockets will help you make a good impression.
The Final Layer
For years, we've skipped the opportunity to look sharper because we assumed 40-degree weather and layering couldn't coexist. And honestly, that made perfect sense. At least until CRAIG entered the picture. So layer up. We've spent a lot of time making summer layering work for Indian men and we're pretty confident we've cracked it.
