Elevating Men's Fashion with Handloom Fabrics: A Style Guide
Handloom fabrics are often associated with sarees, leading to the misconception that these textiles are primarily for women and mostly woven into sarees across various Indian craft clusters. This is far from the truth. Handloom fabrics are also an important part of Mens fashion. Any handloom or weaving setup produces textiles that can be crafted into a wide array of garments, including sarees, dupattas, stoles, scarves, dhotis, and sarongs. Most handloom clusters in India create versatile fabrics that can be tailored into any garment, for men or women. The adaptability of Indian textiles means any fabric can be transformed into any type of clothing. Therefore, limiting handlooms to just sarees is unnecessary. By wearing and promoting handloom fabrics, we help preserve this important cultural heritage as well.
This guide highlights specific handloom fabrics suitable for men’s garments, aiming to introduce you to the rich world of Indian handlooms.
Pochampally Ikat Fabric
Ikat, meaning "to bind or tie" in various Indonesian languages, is a resist dyeing technique creating beautiful geometric patterns on fabric. The yarns are dyed and then woven into textiles. Pochampally Ikat, primarily produced in Pochampally village, Telangana, is a versatile fabric available in silk and cotton. Its geometric patterns make it ideal for men's kurtas, shirts, bundis, Nehru jackets, and even ties and pocket squares.
Handblock Prints Fabric
India is renowned for its handblock printing crafts such as Ajrakh, Dabu, Bagru, Bagh, Kalamkari, and Sanganeri. A Nehru jacket or bundi in these block prints paired with a plain silk or cotton kurta is perfect for festive occasions. Block printed kurtas also look striking. Block printing is done on both handloom and non-handloom fabrics in cotton and silk.
Odisha Ikats
Odisha, like Telangana, has its own varieties of Ikats, including Sambalpuri, Pasapalli, and Nuapatna. Odisha Ikats are known for their intricate designs and diverse patterns, featuring geometric motifs, wildlife, tribal figures, and elements from Odisha’s architecture. The Pasapalli fabric, with its checkerboard design inspired by ancient gambling games, is a classic example.
Dhotis from Bengal, Odisha, and Southern India
Berhampuri dhotis from Odisha, woven in silk and cotton, feature traditional designs and are considered heirlooms. Salem cotton dhotis from Tamil Nadu, traditionally white or off-white with ornate gold borders, are perfect for festive occasions.
Maheshwari, Mangalgiri, and Chanderi Fabrics
While often associated with sarees, these fabrics are also suitable for men’s garments. Available in pure cotton, silk, and silk-cotton blends, they often feature small zari borders, making them ideal for festive kurtas.
Khun Fabrics
Shared between Maharashtra and North Karnataka, Khun fabrics traditionally used for women’s blouses are now used for various garments. With geometric motifs and zari borders, Khun fabrics are excellent for Nehru jackets, paired with off-white or cream kurta-pyjama sets.
Jamdani Fabrics from Andhra Pradesh
Known for their Khadi and Muslin Jamdani textiles, Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam and Godavari districts produce light, comfortable, and elegant fabrics perfect for festive or regular wear long kurtas.
Handloom Muffler
Mens Muffler add an interesting element to any outfit. A men's muffler, commonly known as a scarf, is a versatile accessory used to keep warm and add style to an outfit.
Solid and Plain Silk Fabrics for Kurta-Pyjama Sets
Tussar & Kosa Silk: Cultivated in Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, Tussar and Kosa silks are perfect for winter festivities due to their textured and slightly coarse nature.
Eri & Muga Silk
From Assam, Eri silk is fine and dense, suitable for cooler climates. Muga silk, with its natural golden lustre, is highly revered and worn during holy occasions and festivities.
To conclude with..
To experience the beauty of handloom fabrics firsthand, explore our curated selection of handloom fabrics suitable for men's garments at Indiahandmade and discover the perfect fabric for your next outfit.
