Cotton and linen both beat polyester in a heatwave. They behave differently after the first wash and the first commute.

Cotton: soft, washable, everyday

Hundred-percent cotton bottoms soften with wear and take a regular machine wash. They wrinkle less than linen and hold colour well if you wash darks separately in cold water.

Linen: airy, textured, higher maintenance

Linen feels cooler on skin but creases the moment you sit. It is lovely for holidays and brunch, less so if you need a crisp 9-to-6 look without an iron.

Veljia’s everyday pick

For school runs, offices without strong AC, and long travel days, cotton palazzos and trousers are the practical default. Keep linen for slower weekends.

Shop the idea: browse Veljia palazzos and trousers, then filter by colour to build the outfit from the bottom up.