5 Most Popular Fabrics of Indian Ethnic Wears We Indians are proud of our colours and clothing. We prefer to dress up like no one else, and who knows how many different fabrics are native to our culturally diverse country. There are, however, a few basic materials that are utilised in all states and for all forms of apparel, whether Indian or western. And we all have a lot of them in our closets: cotton, silk, crepes, georgettes, chiffons, jute, and so on.
Be it sarees or suits, dresses or pants, Our fabric choices are as vivid as our culture and our colors. The choice of fabric depends on the OCCASION AND UTILITY. Here is a quick guide to all the basic fabrics that we use in our everyday and not so everyday-
COTTON
This fabric, of course, reigns supreme for everyone during the summer. It’s light, airy, cool, and comfortable to wear. Cotton fabric can be used for most shapes and designs, and it may also be combined with other fabrics to create better and more versatile fabrics like Chanderi, twill, voile, plaids, and more!
Cotton and its blends are the most popular fabric choice for everyone all over the world. Cotton suits are very popular in India owing to long summer months and the versatility of the fabric. From casual to formal, cotton clothing are a must have for every one!
SILK
The mere thought of silk conjures up images of luxury. Silk fabric has a sumptuous feel to it and is regarded as unique. Silk drapes well, which is why it lends itself to being used in a variety of apparel items. When used to make sarees and lehengas, it looks fantastic. Silk clothing is highly popular throughout the festival and wedding seasons since it instantly gives any outfit a more formal touch. Always store your silk in a cool dry and dark place so the sun and moisture does not effect it.
GEORGETTE
Silk is used to make pure georgette, while nylon and polyester are used to make counterfeit georgette. Because of its beautiful, smooth, and delicate appearance, it is a favoured cloth among ladies. Georgette is a light-weight, crinkled, and sheer fabric with a bouncing appearance.
Georgette is your best buddy if you’re looking for something clinging and flowing. With its crepe-like texture and its unusual strength when compared to its counterparts, Georgette is widely favored for springy and lively gowns and dresses. The tendency of the fabric to drape very well makes it an apt choice for many women who love the soft silky yet comfortable look.
CHIFFON
The word “chiffon” is derived from an Old French word that means “rag.” Chiffon is a silk, cotton, nylon, polyester, or rayon-based fabric. It’s usually sheer, with a subtle sheen and a basic weave. This fabric is commonly used in evening and formal wear because it drapes smoothly and gives gowns and dresses a floating effect. It’s also infamous for being tough to deal with due to its slick texture. Most fabric stores carry several forms in varying colors and prints. Silk chiffon is the most prized, since it has a rich shimmer and slick texture. Chiffon is a dreamy fabric used to create flowy anarkali gheras and light sarees.
VELVET
Velvet like silk is one of the ostentatious fabrics which is elegant and has always been associated with royalty. It feels soft on the skin, shiny yet not too bright and its rich look has dazzled royalties all over the world. Velvet was once worn only by the rich as it was very expensive but now it has become a common fabric that is very delicately used with other fabrics to create scintillating outfits. Velvet yokes with other flowy fabrics and velvet blouses are a winter staple for sure.
All types of velvet can be effectively dyed with deep colors and are most popular in dark shades that highlight the rich pile of the fabric. Silk/rayon blend velvet is most often used for flowing dresses and evening wear which emphasize its soft drape.