India, Sept. 21 -- A white cotton shirt is hardly a luxury in a hot and humid country like India. For centuries, white cotton dhotis, kurtas and gamchas have been the preferred garments across much of the country, barring the Himalayan and some north-eastern regions. What we view today as a cultural tradition most likely began as a natural response to heat and sweat. White, being reflective, helps keep the body cool, and cotton offers breathability. Over time, this simple practicality has been carried forward into modern clothing, giving us the Indianised version of the western staple-the humble white shirt.

No man's wardrobe feels complete without at least one pure cotton white shirt, versatile enough for casual, formal or festive wear....