The Face Of Sustainable Fashion: Khadi, The Ethical and Swadeshi Fabric
By Khushi Madan
Khadi is a handspun, handwoven natural fabric — usually cotton — that dates back to the Swadeshi Movement of the 1920s. Once a revolutionary symbol of independence, it’s now a revolutionary symbol spearheading the ethnic side of the sustainable-fashion movement. Let’s see how khadi became the darling fabric of India.
The evolution of khadi
Khadi was initially valued for comfort, back when our ancestors needed something to protect them from the cold in winter and keep them cool in summer — which is why it’s still such a versatile fabric. It was once considered the go-to fabric for politicians and rural communities, but it has since evolved into a marker of style too. Where the market once offered only the raw cotton weave, we now have varieties of khadi cotton blends such as khadi silk and khadi wool, plus a boom of khadi pop-up shops at fairs, college fests, flea markets and exhibitions.
Even famous label designers have infused this fabric into exclusive, high-class khadi collections, and brides have started including khadi in their trousseau. Receiving more attention than ever, it’s also supporting our country’s handloom industry to a great extent.
Styling khadi
With its historical baggage and status as a symbol of sustainable fashion, styling khadi in this modern age can be tricky — but designers who advocate sustainability have paved khadi’s way into the trend market. Where khadi was once limited to coarse-textured kurtas, shawls and trousers, the product range has expanded to shirts, dresses, shorts and more. Designers have infused it with prints and handicraft methods like phulkari, kalamkari and warp print, as well as embroidery and appliqué, while blends like khadi silk, khadi jacquard and khadi wool have given khadi apparel a further boost. Here are some fresh ways to bring it into your wardrobe.
Khadi dupattas
A wardrobe staple — pair them with your salwar kameez, a kurta and jeans, or a classy suit set.
Khadi sarees
Perfect for those who crave elegance. Antique oxidised jewellery, in both gold and silver, makes the perfect accessory for khadi sarees.
Khadi luxe accessories
Khadi doesn’t stop at clothes — it extends to accessories too. If you dress classy, a statement khadi clutch is a must-have; you can also pair everyday outfits with khadi tote bags or khadi shoes for an ethnic yet quirky, contemporary vibe.
Khadi embroidery and appliqué
A subtle way to sport khadi and make it a fun part of your life. You can always add modern elements to your khadi outfits, which is exactly what makes it so versatile — a khadi maxi with bohemian motifs, an off-shoulder kurta, khadi scarves, and the list goes on.
This humble material is now a prime member of sustainable luxe fashion, and it’s forecast that a few years down the line it will become an expensive, exclusive luxury, given that it’s a handmade article. If you love natural weaves, our guide to cotton silk is worth a read too.
