Cotton Khadi

I’m sure you’ve experienced clothes getting worn out, fading or losing its shape over time. How fast clothes wear out largely depends on how they are cared for. Every item of clothing requires different kind of wash care and caring for clothes is often overlooked. Here are a few points on how to launder your clothes so they last for a long time. Hand wash: This is the best way to preserve your clothes as it is gentle on the clothes and it prevents fading. It is specially recommended that you hand wash delicate clothing. It’s generally best to knead the garment and avoid twisting and wringing of the garment. Wash in cold water: One of the best things you can do for your clothes is to wash them in cold water and air-dry them. Just like heat damages your hair overtime, it can wear out your clothes and make them fade a lot quicker. It can also make your clothes shrink, especially if they have elastic or spandex fibres that can be damaged by heat and cause the garment to l...

It’s the New Year and a time for many to make resolutions; could be to eat healthier, exercise more, wake up earlier or work harder this year. It’s also a good time to give our wardrobe a thought so as to make it conducive to the environment and simplify our day to day lives. I have personally owned a green wardrobe for the longest time and I feel that it is very satisfying. I am happy to share a few tips that could change your wardrobe and make life so much easier. Downsize: It’s the first step to owning a green wardrobe. There is no point in hanging on to clothes that don’t fit you or accessories that you haven’t used for a long time or don’t think you will use again. De-clutter your wardrobe and get rid of what you don’t want or need anymore. You can donate it to charity or put it up for a jumble sale. Downsizing can save up a lot of space and storage and give you a clearer idea of what you really need. Plan a capsule wardrobe: A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few ...

Each region in India has its own unique textile associated with weddings. Here are some of the finest wedding textiles in India. Banarsi sari: Originating from Varanasi, also known as Banaras, in Uttar Pradesh, it is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite and rich saris that are woven in India. Known for its elaborately ornate with heavy gold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk and opulent embroidery, the Banarasi sari is a popular choice for bridal trousseaus. They were introduced in India by the Mughals, and hence, Mughal inspired designs such as intricate intertwining floral motifs, net like patterns, architectural designs along with figures of animals in gold or silver are common. Depending on the intricacy of its designs and patterns, a sari can take from 15 days to a month and sometimes up to six months to complete. The price range of Banarasi saris depends on the intricacy of work. The pure Banarasi silk sarees start from INR 4,500 and can go up to lakhs because of...

With the festive season setting in, it’s a great time to bring out the sarees and dress them up in the best way possible. There is no doubt that the saree is the most versatile garment that can lend grace to its wearer. Over the years, the Nivi style has become an extremely popular saree drape. The Nivi drape is pleated and tucked in at the waist and the loose end, or pallav, of the saree is draped over the left shoulder, baring the midriff. But there are over a hundred other saree draping methods in India, each belonging to a different state, adopted by a different culture depending on the occupational, social and environmental status of the wearer. There was a time when the saree was worn by women of all ages and social standings, no matter what the occasion. Over time, this has changed due to lifestyle changes. There is no hard and fast rule to wearing a saree. Most traditional drapes are extremely comfortable. To add to it, most drapes do not require an underskirt or p...

We live in a country that is rich in its arts and crafts that have been inherited from a diverse history and varied culture. India is the only country that still produces traditional hand-woven textiles along with all the natural and organic processes involved. We can boast of embroideries, dyeing, printing and weaving processes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Each and every region of India contributes in creating a myriad of textile tradition. The hilly region of the country produces a rich variety of woollen textiles. The pashmina and shahtoosh shawls of Kashmir, shawls and woollen garments of Himachal Pradesh and other North Eastern states provide excellent examples of world famous woollen Indian textiles. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous woollen textiles produced in India that are sought after the world over. Pashmina: A fine type of Kashmiri wool, textiles made from it were first woven in Kashmir; which is probably the source of the wo...

With its shimmering appearance and smooth texture, silk has been enticing Indians for the longest time. In fact, India ranks as the world’s largest consumer of silk and the second largest producer of silk in the world after China. Known as Resham in eastern and north India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India, Silk has a long history in the subcontinent dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Silk is considered to be a symbol of royalty, and historically, silk was used primarily by the upper classes. The tradition of wearing silk sarees for marriages and other auspicious ceremonies is a custom in the north eastern state of Assam. In Assam, three different types of silk are produced, collectively called ‘Assam Silk’. These are Muga, Eri and Pat silk. Muga, the golden silk, and Eri are produced by silkworms that are native only to Assam. Muga Silk: Muga silk or the golden silk is not only nature’s gift to Assam, but also a symbol of rich Assamese culture. It ...

If there is one piece of clothing that unifies our country from North to South, it is the saree. The significance of sarees is perfectly timeless and unmatched. Its design is universal and limitless, referenced around the world for its drape, textile and history. It is versatile and adaptable to context, environment and culture, with its making directly tied to the livelihoods of millions of craftspeople. The existence of the saree can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BC, and is still worn by Indian women on a regular basis. A six or nine yards long unstitched fabric that can make any woman look elegant and graceful, it is the most versatile piece of fashion a woman can own. The Nivi drape is the most popular style of draping the saree, wherein it is pleated and tucked in at the waist and the loose end, or pallav, of the saree is draped over the left shoulder, baring the midriff. But did you know that there are over a hu...