Why Chikankari Isn’t Expensive — It’s Exquisite
When someone sees the price tag on a hand-embroidered chikankari kurta for the first time, it's natural to wonder, why is chikankari costly? But step a little closer, feel the threads, and you'll realise you're not just looking at clothing you're holding centuries of artistry.
Chikankari is more than just embroidery; it's a cultural legacy stitched into every fabric, a slow art form that has gracefully resisted the pressure of industrial shortcuts. The beauty lies not just in the end product but in the quiet intensity of the process
History of Chikankari
Its roots trace back over 400 years to the Mughal courts, where it was believed to be introduced by Empress Noor Jahan. Influenced by Persian aesthetics, early chikankari featured delicate floral motifs, architectural inspirations, and garden scenes. Originally done with white thread on fine muslin, it was a symbol of elegance worn by royalty and aristocracy. Over centuries, chikankari has remained an embodiment of grace, evolving with modern needs while still reflecting the soul of its origins. It's a cultural legacy stitched into every fabric, a slow art form that has gracefully resisted the pressure of industrial shortcuts. The beauty lies not just in the end product but in the quiet intensity of the process.
What Makes Chikankari Costly?
The journey of a chikankari garment starts with the artisan, not machines. Every motif is drawn by hand, then patiently embroidered using one or more of the 40+ traditional stitches that define the artform. Some pieces take over 50 hours to complete.
Up to 40 hand-embroidery techniques are used, such as bakhiya (shadow work), phanda (knotting), and keel (petal work).
Every design is hand-sketched before stitching begins, no digital templates or auto-guides involved.
Artisans, many of whom are continuing family legacies, spend days, sometimes weeks, perfecting a single piece.
It’s slow fashion in its purest sense. And in a world that produces over 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, according to Earth.org, investing in a craft like chikankari feels even more meaningful.
According to Google Trends data from the past two years, search interest for "hand embroidery" and "Indian craftsmanship" has steadily risen, particularly around festive seasons. This indicates not just growing curiosity but a global appreciation for handmade, artisanal work like chikankari.
Why Is Chikankari Considered Luxury?
Luxury, at its core, means something rare, thoughtful, and timeless. And that’s where luxury chikankari fits in.
Each piece is unique not just because of design, but because human hands leave tiny, unrepeatable nuances.
The motifs often echo Mughal-era artistry, drawing inspiration from gardens, architecture, and ancient poetry.
The production process involves no shortcuts from sketching and stitching to quality checks, every step honours the tradition.
In an industry increasingly built on digital patterns and machine-made symmetry, true luxury is defined by human irregularity, the kind that adds soul. And that’s what chikankari delivers.
Why Is Chikankari Worth the Price?
You're not just buying fabric, you're investing in the hand-embroidery value that can’t be rushed or reproduced by machines.
Every stitch represents patience and precision, which is why the final garment feels personal and meaningful.
A well-maintained chikankari piece doesn’t just last seasons it can last decades, often becoming a family keepsake.
Choosing chikankari supports over 10,000 artisans who rely on this craft for their livelihoods.
The Ministry of Textiles reports that India's handicraft exports crossed ₹30,000 crore in 2023, with embroidery-based products contributing significantly. When you purchase chikankari, you aren't just choosing a timeless garment, you're investing in India’s cultural economy.
Why Chikankari Pricing Can Vary
Not every chikankari kurta is priced the same and there’s a reason for that.
Genuine, hand-stitched pieces cost more than machine-made imitations, which lack the character of authentic work.
The intricacy of the design, fabric quality, and motif coverage (like full-body vs. neckline embroidery) all affect pricing.
Custom-designed or limited-edition pieces that include legacy motifs and premium finishes naturally fall on the higher end.
What you’re paying for isn’t mass production. It’s craftsmanship, design hours, and material quality. Think of it less as shopping, more as collecting.
How to Care for Chikankari Garments
If you’re investing in luxury chikankari, it only makes sense to treat it with care. And the good news? It’s simpler than most people think.
Use cold water and mild detergent for gentle hand washes. This helps retain softness and color.
Avoid wringing or twisting the garment. Press out excess water and dry in a shaded spot to prevent fading.
For detailed or dual-thread pieces, opt for occasional dry cleaning to protect the embroidery.
With proper care, chikankari doesn’t fade, it flourishes. It softens with time and begins to feel like second skin. That’s the true return on investment.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Expensive. It’s exceptional.
The next time someone asks, "Why is chikankari costly?", ask them to run their fingers along the embroidery, to trace the curve of a buti, to count the hours behind each loop of thread.
What you’re really paying for is a story, a cultural art form, passed through generations and protected by those who still believe in the beauty of slow craftsmanship.
And that’s what House of Chikankari has committed itself to. Every kurta, every Kurta Set, and every Dress carries not just a pattern, but a purpose. It's not just fashion it's preservation.And that’s what House of Chikankari has committed itself to. The brand has a simple goal to preserve an art form and empower the artisans who make it thrive. What started as a two-woman initiative during a national lockdown has now grown into a movement uniting over 10,000 artisans and building a community that believes in handmade craftsmanship.
House of Chikankari partners directly with artisan clusters to ensure fair wages, authenticity, and ethical sourcing. The brand’s collections are carefully curated to reflect the depth of traditional embroidery while making it wearable for the modern Indian wardrobe. Every kurta, every Kurta Set, and every dress carries not just a pattern, but a purpose. It's not just fashion, it's preservation.
When you choose chikankari, you're choosing heritage over haste. And that choice is always worth every rupee.
FAQ
1. Why is chikankari considered luxury?
Answer : Because every step from sketch to stitch is manual and intentional. The rarity, cultural depth, and effort behind it elevates chikankari beyond everyday fashion.
2. What makes chikankari expensive?
Answer : It’s the time, skill, and heritage in each piece. Every motif is handcrafted, with no machines involved. Add natural fabrics and you get a price that reflects the work.
3. Is chikankari worth the price?
Answer : Yes. You’re getting timeless beauty, long-term durability, and a connection to India’s rich textile story. It's a wearable legacy.
4. How to care for chikankari garments?
Answer : Hand wash gently, dry in shade, and avoid the machine. Use dry cleaning occasionally for more delicate pieces.
