Beyond the Trends: Where To Shop For Authentic Handcrafted, Artisanal Clothing

In today’s world of fast fashion, India’s heritage offers a unique, sustainable alternative filled with heart and soul. Indian craftsmanship is deeply rooted in its rich culture, with each region having its own handicraft style. These artisanal clothing showcase styles that reflect generations of tradition, skill, and artistry. 

From the bold ikkat patterns of Telangana to the delicate chikankari embroidery of Lucknow, handcrafted clothing in India keeps a legacy of art and dedication alive. 

In this blog, we’ll explore where you can find these beautiful, authentic, handmade pieces crafted with care by artisans who put their passion into every detail. Choosing artisanal clothing not only celebrates India’s cultural heritage but also supports a sustainable way to dress, one that will last for years to come.

Why is Artisanal Clothing Worth the Investment?

Artisanal clothing is not just about choosing your heritage and culture. There are several practical and functional benefits to choosing handicraft clothes.

1. Uniqueness: 

Each piece is often one-of-a-kind as it is made by hand. Buying artisanal clothing gives you a unique look that stands out from mass-produced fashion.

2. Cultural Heritage: 

Artisanal clothing reflects the rich history and traditions of the artisans’ region, making each item a wearable piece of cultural art.

3. Sustainability: 

Handmade, slow fashion has a lower environmental impact compared to fast fashion. It makes it a more eco-friendly choice.

4. Supporting Artisans: 

Purchasing these pieces directly supports skilled artisans. Your small step helps preserve traditional crafts for future generations.

5. Timeless Style: 

Artisanal clothing often features classic designs and craftsmanship that never go out of style, making it a valuable addition to your wardrobe. Trends may come and go, but handicraft clothing will always remain timeless.

 

Different Types Of Handcrafted Clothing At House Of Chikankari 

Check out the various authentic Handicrafts available at House of Chikankari:

1. Kashmiri Embroidery

Kashmir, the heaven on Earth, is known for its natural scenic beauty. Now imagine the same beauty right in your wardrobe. This is possible with the Kashmiri embroidery “Aari”, which is known to depict nature in its own style. 

Kashmiri embroidery comes from Kashmir and is known for its detailed floral and nature-inspired designs. Artisans use fine needles or hooked tools to create delicate patterns, usually in vibrant colours, on soft wool or silk fabrics. 

It’s famous for its intricate beauty and timeless charm. From Kashmiri Aari kurtas to Pashmina shawls, Kashmir is full of rich heritage and handicrafts that are a must-try for everyone.

2. Chikankari

From Deepika Padukone to Tripti Dimri, you can spot an actress or celebrity in a chikankari kurta every now and then. This is because the beauty and delicate designs of Lakhnavi chikankari can win anyone’s heart. 

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style from Awadh (modern-day Lucknow), using light fabrics like cotton or muslin to create subtle, elegant patterns. This craft includes floral and vine motifs that are hand-stitched onto the fabric, giving it a soft and airy look.

It’s a classic choice for both casual and formal wear, making it a favourite among stylists and celebrities.

3. Zari Work

From Bollywood movies to wedding couture, zari work has been a part of rich Indian fashion for ages. 

Zari work uses metallic threads, usually in gold or silver, to give fabrics a luxurious, sparkly touch. You’ll often see this style in sarees, lehengas, and festive outfits, adding a rich and shiny vibe perfect for celebrations. With roots going back centuries, Zari work is still loved for how it instantly makes any outfit feel extra special.

4. Hand-embroidered 

You must wonder, what makes hand-embroidered clothes better than machine-embroidered ones? After all, machines are supposed to be more efficient! 

But if you place a machine embroidered and a hand-embroidered kurta next to each other, you will see that the one made by skilled artisans has much more neatness in the work. 

Not only this, hand-embroidered clothes are unique because no two designs can ever be the same. So, when you opt for a hand-embroidered kurti, you are choosing a timeless piece that only you have! 

5. Ikkat

Ikkat is all about that dreamy, handcrafted vibe, with each fabric boasting vibrant, slightly blurred patterns that make it one-of-a-kind. 

The magic happens in the dyeing process, where threads are carefully dyed in sections before hitting the loom, creating soft, geometric shapes that almost seem to dance across the fabric. The colours are rich and bold, with each piece looking a bit different from the next, thanks to the hand-dyeing. 

It’s that perfect mix of artistry and tradition, giving Ikkat fabrics a unique, almost watercolour-like beauty that stands out in any wardrobe.

6. Handblock Printed

Known for its colourful and detailed prints, handblock printing is especially popular in regions like Rajasthan. Handblock printing is a craft where artisans use carved wooden blocks dipped in dye to print designs onto fabric. Each colour or part of the design has its own block, creating intricate, layered patterns. 

You can find hand-block prints in sarees, dupattas, and kurtas.

Conclusion

It is important to embrace our culture and heritage and choose handcrafted clothes. But how do you differentiate between authentic handcrafted clothes and fake ones? Fortunately, there is a solution for you.

At House of Chikankari, you can find authentic traditional Indian handicrafts. House of Chikankari is a trusted destination for any Indian artisanal clothing; from chikankari kurtas and Ikkat kurtis to Aari embroidery kurta sets, you can find all authentic pieces at an affordable price. 

From short kurtas for men to ethnic kurtis for women, we have it all. Check out our versatile collection of Indian ethnic wear for women and men.