Fast fashion may allow for easier access to new clothing items, but it can also lead to the fast purchase, wear, and throwaway of clothing. When it comes to fashion that has thought behind it, opting for better fabric and traditional Indian textiles can be an easy first move.
The textile is one of India's rich heritage; India has natural dyes, traditional designs, hand spinning and handloom weaving methods. Many of these fabrics have great value not only from a visual standpoint but also in terms of craftsmanship and versatility as well.
This beautiful textile story includes traditional Indian textiles and hand block prints that are a part of the culture in FakiraFab. These fabrics can add character and craftsmanship to the basic wardrobe, from cotton fabrics to prints inspired by Ajrakh.
For those who are looking to ditch the fast fashion mentality, here are seven Indian fabrics and textiles to explore:
1. Hand Block Printed Cotton
Hand block printed cotton is one such option that can be used for an everyday wardrobe.
It is done by cutting out designs from wood blocks and applying the designs on cloth by hand. The prints are made by careful positioning of the block, the application of the colours and repeated printing.
The traditional Indian printing styles like Ajrakh, Bagru, and Sanganeri are famous for their unique designs and handmade look.
The great thing about hand block printed cotton is that there may be some slight differences in colour, alignment and print. This is one of the reasons for the uniqueness of handmade textiles.
What are the advantages of hand block print cotton?
- Comfortable for everyday wear
- Suitable for Indian and contemporary outfits
- Available in many traditional patterns
- Easy to style in different ways
- Each handmade piece has its own character
Hand block printed cotton can be used for making kurtas, dresses, shirts, skirts and sarees, dupattas and even for home decor and other do it yourself projects.
If you are looking to create a more unique and well thought out clothing collection, online hand block print fabric is a wonderful idea.
2. Ajrakh Fabric
One of the traditional textile printing styles of India is Ajrakh, which is mainly related to the Kutch region in Gujarat and the rest of the tradition of textile printing in Sindh-Rajasthan.
Geometric patterns, repetition and complex color palettes of indigo, red, black, white, and earth tones are often characteristic signs of Ajrakh.
The traditional Ajrakh production may include multiple washing, dyeing, resist and block printing processes. The process is detailed, and that's one of the reasons for the distinctiveness of Ajrakh Textiles.
Why choose Ajrakh?
For those who prefer traditional Indian textiles that have a strong identity, Ajrakh is a great option to consider.
Ajrakh Fabric can be used for:
- Sarees
- Dupattas
- Kurtas
- Shirts
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Jackets
- Bags and accessories
A beautiful Ajrakh fabric can be used to create a beautiful outfit that can be used for several occasions, as compared to buying outfits for several occasions, based on trends.
3. Khadi
Another major aspect of Indian textiles is Khadi. In the traditional way of production, khadi is spun from hand spun yarn and woven into hand-woven fabric.
The texture is slightly uneven, and it has a natural look, which makes it a unique material. Khadi comes in various fibres and weights, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from lightweight fabrics to more sturdy attire.
Why consider khadi?
If you're looking for a natural texture in your fabric, then Khadi is a good choice.
It can be used for:
- Kurtas
- Shirts
- Dresses
- Sarees
- Jackets
- Trousers
- Home textiles
Sometimes the simplicity of beauty is khadi. Can be worn in a traditional way with Indian accessories or in a modern way with contemporary silhouettes.
4. Handloom Cotton
For those who prefer breathable and comfortable Indian textiles, handloom cotton is another viable option.
Handloom fabrics are woven on handlooms, as opposed to mass-produced fabrics which are created using only industrial methods. There may be some variation in texture and appearance in the weaving process.
Handloom cotton is especially beneficial to the common wear as it can be comfortable and versatile.
What are some ways to dress up handloom cotton?
A simple hand loom cotton fabric can turn into:
- A comfortable kurta
- An everyday saree
- A relaxed shirt
- A summer dress
- A co-ord outfit
- A fabric used in the home that is lightweight.
Wearing clothes for multiple occasions with a versatile fabric can also help prevent the urge to buy clothing due to the following of a trend.
5. Mulmul Cotton
If your preference is softness and a lightweight feel, then mulmul cotton is a feature to look at.
Mulmul is a soft and lightweight fabric that is often used for fine cotton. It is well known for its softness and is often used as a fabric for warmth during hot weather.
What is the reason why mulmul cotton is a useful fabric to be used in the garment industry?
It is light, thus appropriate for casual wear which includes:
- Dupattas
- Kurtas
- Dresses
- Sarees
- Tops
- Scarves
A simple cotton fabric can also be customized to the colors, prints, fit and style you want. This is a good advantage over buying trendy clothes at a regular interval.
6. Linen
Linen is produced from the linen fibres of a plant and is naturally textured and breathable.
It is particularly favored for garments for warm weather since it is light in weight and gives a comfortable appearance.
Remember linen is a wrinkly fabric. These wrinkles are not all bad and a necessary evil to be avoided.
What are the uses of Linen?
For: Linen can be used for:
- Shirts
- Dresses
- Trousers
- Sarees
- Co-ord sets
- Summer jackets
- Home textiles
Linen is a useful fabric when you're looking for wardrobe pieces that are simple and timeless.
7. Hand Block Printed Dupatta and Cotton Accessories
It doesn't have to be changing your whole wardrobe to be sustainable. Small changes can be a practical approach at times.
Nothing can transform a basic outfit more than a hand-block-printed dupatta, scarf, or cotton item.
Take, for instance, a plain cotton kurta paired with an Ajrakh or hand-dyed dupatta for a different look without having to go out and invest on a new outfit.
Simple ways to reuse what you already own
- Add a printed dupatta to a plain kurta
- Style a hand block printed scarf with jeans
- Use leftover fabric for small accessories
- Turn an old garment into a new design
- Mix traditional prints with modern basics
This approach focuses on styling and reusing rather than constantly buying new clothes.
What Makes Indian Fabrics a Better Alternative to Fast Fashion?
Just because something is made of natural fibres or is handmade doesn't mean it's sustainable. The overall effect is determined by the way the fibre is produced, the dyestuff used on the fabric and the processing of the fabric, as well as the service life and care of the garment.
But traditional Indian clothes can help in changing the attitude towards clothing.
Instead of asking:
What's on the trend this time?
you can ask:
"Will this fabric last long enough for me to enjoy wearing it for a while?
That one change of mindset can certainly transform your wardrobe.
Why Hand Block Prints fit a Slow Fashion wardrobe.
Hand block printing is an exceptional technique to Indian textile, as the printing process gives space to craftsmanship rather than just print a design using a uniform industrial technique.
When the block print is small, the difference between a block's prints can make each piece feel unique.
The traditional patterned fabrics can be utilized to make outfits, as per your style at FakiraFab. You can select the material, determine the style of the clothes and have it tailored to fit the preferred style of the clothes.
This personalizes shopping for fabric.
Rather than buying an already-made piece that is what's in vogue, you can choose a fabric you really enjoy and create a garment you'll wear more often.
How to Build a More Sustainable Wardrobe with Indian Fabrics
You do not need to replace everything in your wardrobe at once.
The following are some basic modifications:
1. Include quality over quantity.
Rather than purchasing a number of cheap clothes, buy fabrics and garments that you truly love and can wear in a number of methods.
2. Choose versatile fabrics
Cotton, handloom cotton, hand block printed fabrics and linen can be used on various events.
3. Experiment with prints
An Ajrakh or hand block printed dupatta can give a whole new look to several simple sets.
4. Support traditional craftsmanship
Opting for traditional textiles means opting for fabrics that are linked with ancient Indian textile practices and design traditions.
5. Be careful in handling garments.
Your clothes can be worn for longer if you properly wash, dry, iron and store them.
Explore Indian Fabrics with FakiraFab
Sustainable fashion doesn't have to be boring. Indian textiles provide limitless options to put together gorgeous, comfortable and unique looks.
Whether it's hand block printed cotton or Ajrakh or traditional Indian fabrics, making mindful choices can help you break free from the treadmill of “fast fashion”!
The essence of FakiraFab is to infuse contemporary wardrobes with the beauty of Indian fabrics and traditional designs. Easier said than done, but selecting a favorite material for your outfit, dupatta or hand block print is an easy way to think more responsibly about your clothing.
Explore hand block printed fabrics and Indian textiles at FakiraFab and create something that feels personal, timeless, and uniquely yours.