Hand block printed sarees are a testament to the exquisite artistry of traditional Indian craftsmanship. Their intricate designs, vibrant colours, and unique textures set them apart from mass-produced textiles.
However, among the current trends of ‘fast fashion,’ what are the reasons for someone to choose a hand-block print saree? What can possibly be the reason for a customer to pay the extra bucks when there are much more affordable versions of the garment available?
Let’s explore this article till the end to find out!
Qualities That Make Hand Block Printed Sarees Exclusive
Hand Block Printing- The Element Of Exclusivity
The biggest element of exclusivity is the art of hand-block printing. This craft has been in practice for centuries and involves skilled craftsmen using wooden blocks to create complex and intricate patterns on fabric!
The real catch in the whole process is those wooden blocks. Skilled artisans carve intricate patterns on these blocks by hand and create unique designs ranging from geometric patterns to natural landscapes, and floral motifs.
Having said that, let’s move on and see what other qualities make block printed cotton sarees a wardrobe staple-
A Sustainable Choice
Since eco-friendliness is trending, let’s just start from that perspective!
Hand block printed sarees are an out-and-out sustainable pick. Here are the reasons-
- Natural fibres like cotton and silk are used as fabrics. These are highly biodegradable and have lesser environmental impacts than synthetic fabrics.
- Being a labor-intensive process, hand-block printing reduces the dependence on machinery, resulting in lesser energy consumption, lesser waste generation, and minimization of carbon footprint.
- Rather than synthetic dyes, natural dyes are preferred for hand-block printing procedures. This causes a substantial reduction in water pollution and is also more hygienic for the workers.
Top-Notch Comfort
A majority of hand block printed sarees are manufactured using natural fibres like cotton and silk. Unlike synthetic fabrics, these are well-known for their all-season comfort. As much as these fabrics can keep the breathability intact during summer, they are all-in to provide warmth in the winter as well!
That’s one of the primary reasons why hand block printed sarees can be great options for everyday workwear.
Unique Designs
The greatest catch of hand block printed sarees is their unique design language! You can never find two exactly alike prints which makes each of these garments an exclusive piece. So, whether it’s a Begampuri cotton saree or a Tussar silk saree, the unique and one-of-a-kind charm of hand-block printed sarees adds a touch of elegance to your look, and hence is a must-have addition to your wardrobe.
Support to the Community
Although fast fashion is the new fad, paying a good price for hand block printed sarees is considered an investment! Why? Because the money you pay for adding a piece of hand-block print classic to your saree wardrobe goes all the way to support a community of the most skilled craftsmen across India.
Added to that, the tradition of hand-block printing has been meticulously preserved through generations. So, whenever you purchase these fabrics, you become a part of the contribution that helps to keep this craft alive. It’s a way to support and appreciate the cultural heritage of the craft!
Highly Durable
Hand block printed sarees offer seamless durability! First of all, the high-quality manufacturing procedure ensures that the drapes remain sturdy and can effectively endure any wear and tear.
Secondly, the usage of natural dyes makes these fabrics hold their original colour well enough. This makes sure that the sarees retain their colour and sheen for a longer time, thereby making it a great addition to your wardrobe.
Maintenance Tips
Surprisingly, even after falling under the category of boutique sarees in Kolkata, maintaining these drapes is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can preserve the beauty of these elegant pieces of drape-
- Use a mild detergent (preferably a ph-neutral one). Harsh detergents might strip away the natural oil, causing the colours to fade out.
- Avoid soaking these fabrics for too long to make sure that the colour doesn’t bleed. Be mindful of this, especially during the initial washes.
- Direct exposure to sunlight can also cause the colours to fade out. So, consider drying the fabric in a shaded area.
- Be especially mindful while ironing. Keep the iron at low to medium heat, and if you can remember, iron on the reverse side of the prints to protect the colours and the design patterns.
Wrapping It Up
Hand block printed sarees are not just a piece of drape. It’s an example of the finest of Indian traditional craftsmanship, and a testament to the beauty of our cultural heritage. From intricate designs to vibrant colours, and unique textures to seamless durability, these sarees are a true celebration of our rich textile tradition. Get your hands on a piece of this exclusive craft at reputed boutiques like Dora By Phoenix. Search with ‘Kolkata sarees online’ and explore their online store to find your pick.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
