Why Is Chikankari So Expensive?

Chikankari is one of India's most unique and traditional embroidery forms, originating from Lucknow. Each Chikankari garment, be it a short kurti for women or the aari work embroidery Chikankari kurta set, requires hours of meticulous work by skilled generations of artisans who have mastered this art.

However, people often doubt why these kurtis are so pricey.

This article discusses why the price of a Chikankari kurta is so high and what makes this particular piece of clothing so special.

Why Are Chikankari Dresses So Expensive?

Premium-quality Chikankari clothing speaks for its high finesse through its most intricate stitch, called Jaali. It's labour-intensive, which makes them pricey garments.

• Skilled Craftsmanship 

Chikankari is not just embroidery but an art form requiring over two to three years of training. There are over 40 types of stitches, and the artisans have perfected them all. Each stitch requires thousands of hours of work, sometimes even over several years of practice. That's why the skill level alone contributes to a pretty heavy price tag.

• Handcrafted Precision

In Chikankari, each piece is handmade; therefore, every design reflects uniqueness in itself. This is a labour-intensive process and very time-consuming since artisans painstakingly create every detail by hand instead of using a machine. Handcrafted designs possess a level of precision that mass production simply cannot achieve, adding to the Chikankari material price.

• Quality of Material

The material selection for the Chikankari kurta is carried out with great caution so that the quality and grace of the embroidery are not compromised. Cotton, georgette, organza, and silk are generally the selected fabrics, as their thin texture showcases the minute stitchings extremely well, enhancing the overall look. These are high-quality materials with durability and beauty, which makes the Kurtis pricey.

• Base Fabric

This decides the final appearance and longevity of the work. For example, high-quality cotton is airy and light in weight, which works perfectly during summer, while silk and georgette give a rich look. Thus, Chikankari fabric price depends upon these materials, significantly contributing to the overall cost.

• Complexity of Stitches  

Chikankari embroidery has many stitches, ranging from the most simple designs to very complicated works. The more complex a stitch is, the more time it requires for completion, and this increases its value. Some stitches, like the Murri or Phanda, demand great expertise and lots of time, so the value of each stitch increases.

• Variety of Colours in Embroidery

The price of Chikankari clothing is also affected by the variety of colours used in the embroidery. While the classic designs traditionally use white thread, the modern designs incorporate a spectrum of colours. Multicoloured Chikankari takes more material and time to execute, thereby raising the price of the Chikankari kurta.

• Type of Thread Used for Embroidery

The threads used in chikankari garments are mostly cotton, silk, or even zari for unique pieces. Silk and zari threads are expensive as they provide a soft shine and add a luxurious finish to the fabric. Therefore, they increase the price of the garment besides impacting its visual outlook. Hence, the cost of a Chikankari kurta is a bit higher due to these quality threads.

• Embroidery Taar Count

The count of taar or thread is the stitch density per square inch; in case the taar count goes higher, it means finer and denser embroidery that presents more intricacy and details, enhancing the durability as well as the beauty of the piece. Higher taar counts require more time and more effort to make; therefore, the overall Chikankari fabric price increases.

Conclusion

To put it in short, all the unreasonably high money that Chikankari dresses fetch is because of the proper delicate artistry, along with quality material and fine craftsmanship. Thus, the Chikankari material price, with each detail, will definitely justify such investment because these dresses are not only a clothing statement but also are representations of India's culture.

If you are looking for a real Chikan piece, House of Chikankari offers a wide range of authentic, intricately beautiful pieces that perfectly define this art form. Our range of short kurtas for women is just so gorgeous, perfect for women going to college or the office. 

The House of Chikankari offers authentic work on clothing items. Our winter collection for women includes woollen kurtis specially designed for chilly months. 

Shop from our exquisite collection, which will add a touch of class to your wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions on Chikankari Price

• Is Chikankari expensive?

Yes, Chikankari clothing is pricey because skilled labourers use the finest materials to handcraft every garment. The price is basically for the minute details and artwork in each garment.

• What is so special about Chikankari?

Chikankari is an embroidery that values intricate designs and stitches and its rich cultural heritage. This art's uniqueness, combined with a traditional touch, makes it a timeless piece and a must-have acquisition for any wardrobe.

• How can you tell if Chikankari is real?

Fine, intricate hand-stitching, traditional designs and superior quality of base fabric mark authentic Chikankari. Real Chikankari never comes from a machine and hence always has unique stitch patterns and the level of perfection that only handmade work can produce.