The costume heritage of India is steeped in history and the different cultures that invaders brought into the country. Since time immemorial the fabrics that have been used in the making of garments have been pure, authentic and acquired from nature. However, the industrial revolution in India created the scope of mass manufacturing garments, along with the prospect of using synthetic fabrics for creation. Perhaps the biggest difference between natural and synthetic fabrics is their production and sales cost. Using artificially produced fibers in the production of the textile, the cost of acquiring and weaving these fibers is a lot less than that involved in natural fibers. Contrary to popular belief, synthetic fabrics look lustrous, gorgeous and stunning when designed and cut-out well, making them superbly popular among younger demographics. Moreover, the use of synthetic fabrics is a lot more environmentally viable, which is one of the biggest reasons for the ever-increasing popularity of these textile types. One of the biggest prerequisites for creating an ensemble in synthetic fabric is an established production industry which requires ever-evolving technology that can create some of the best drapes and falls in ethnic garments.
The current uses of synthetic fabric in Indian ethnic wear are vast and varied. Right from Indo-Western wear tunics and kurtis to ethnic wear salwar kameez, lehenga cholis, sarees, men’s sherwanis and kurtas, can all be found in synthetics. Besides aesthetic appeal, synthetic fabric properties include strength and durability, which is better and more advanced than that of natural fabrics. For this reason, women from around the country prefer buying daily wear garments in these textile types, as frequent use will not diminish their appeal and appearance. Of the many synthetic fabric types, quite a few of them are also very easy to dye and do not run color. This in turn adds to the popularity of outfits in these fabrics.
One of the biggest revolutions in the Indian textile industry was the creation of Art Silk or artificial silk. Among the most preferred types of synthetic fabric, especially for sarees, Art Silk lends an easy and flowing drape as opposed to natural silk which tends to be a lot stiffer and taut. In the market, the coarser looking varieties of Art Silk with Warli prints are very popular. The graininess of the fabric complements the earthiness of the print perfectly. Dupattas as well as unstitched salwar kameez pieces are also easily available in the market. Besides Warli, nature inspired motifs are also among the more popular prints on this fabric.
Crepe is also among the top-sellers in the Indian market. Women from around the country have shown preference for crepe ethnic garments because of the shine and luster of the fabric. It makes for perfect party wear as it can be accessorized with heavy ornaments that contrast the lightness of the fabric. Moreover, since the weave of crepe is pretty close together, the scope for embroidery and embellishments on the garment is also high. In fact, lehenga cholis made from crepe are sold in high numbers throughout the year.
A synthetic fabric that is known for its versatility is Cotton-Poly. As the name suggests it is made from a blend of cotton and polyester and is used extensively to make sarees and salwar kameez. These ensembles can be worn at formal events and venues as well for informal, party occasions as they can be printed upon as well as embroidered on. The fabric is more absorbent than many other varieties of synthetic fabrics, thus making it a favored material for the summer seasons in India; although it can be worn throughout the year.
Viscose is also among the most sought after types of synthetic fabrics and is very versatile in its use. Popularly sported at casual events, viscose is light and ideal for a snug drape. Ranging from translucent to opaque in its appearance, the weaving of viscose can be tight or spread apart. This fabric is predominantly embroidered on and is thus preferred by women who are shopping for a casual party-like event.
Styling Synthetic Fabrics
As synthetic fabrics are generally lighter than natural fabrics like cotton or silk, the best way to accessorize a flowing fabric is to team it up with heavy jewelry and miscellaneous accessories.
For instance, a party-wear synthetic saree or lehenga choli with heavy embroidery on it can be set off with a metallic clutch. Conversely, one can also choose a jewel studded clutch to enhance the appearance of the embroidery on the garment.
Grand outfits such as lehenga cholis in crepe look great with Kundan jewelry pieces, especially if the lehenga choli is embellished with intricate zari work. The raw look of a Kundan necklace and earrings contrast the fineness of the zari embroidery while also adding glitter.
The current uses of synthetic fabric in Indian ethnic wear are vast and varied. Right from Indo-Western wear tunics and kurtis to ethnic wear salwar kameez, lehenga cholis, sarees, men’s sherwanis and kurtas, can all be found in synthetics. Besides aesthetic appeal, synthetic fabric properties include strength and durability, which is better and more advanced than that of natural fabrics. For this reason, women from around the country prefer buying daily wear garments in these textile types, as frequent use will not diminish their appeal and appearance. Of the many synthetic fabric types, quite a few of them are also very easy to dye and do not run color. This in turn adds to the popularity of outfits in these fabrics.
One of the biggest revolutions in the Indian textile industry was the creation of Art Silk or artificial silk. Among the most preferred types of synthetic fabric, especially for sarees, Art Silk lends an easy and flowing drape as opposed to natural silk which tends to be a lot stiffer and taut. In the market, the coarser looking varieties of Art Silk with Warli prints are very popular. The graininess of the fabric complements the earthiness of the print perfectly. Dupattas as well as unstitched salwar kameez pieces are also easily available in the market. Besides Warli, nature inspired motifs are also among the more popular prints on this fabric.
Crepe is also among the top-sellers in the Indian market. Women from around the country have shown preference for crepe ethnic garments because of the shine and luster of the fabric. It makes for perfect party wear as it can be accessorized with heavy ornaments that contrast the lightness of the fabric. Moreover, since the weave of crepe is pretty close together, the scope for embroidery and embellishments on the garment is also high. In fact, lehenga cholis made from crepe are sold in high numbers throughout the year.
A synthetic fabric that is known for its versatility is Cotton-Poly. As the name suggests it is made from a blend of cotton and polyester and is used extensively to make sarees and salwar kameez. These ensembles can be worn at formal events and venues as well for informal, party occasions as they can be printed upon as well as embroidered on. The fabric is more absorbent than many other varieties of synthetic fabrics, thus making it a favored material for the summer seasons in India; although it can be worn throughout the year.
Viscose is also among the most sought after types of synthetic fabrics and is very versatile in its use. Popularly sported at casual events, viscose is light and ideal for a snug drape. Ranging from translucent to opaque in its appearance, the weaving of viscose can be tight or spread apart. This fabric is predominantly embroidered on and is thus preferred by women who are shopping for a casual party-like event.
Styling Synthetic Fabrics
As synthetic fabrics are generally lighter than natural fabrics like cotton or silk, the best way to accessorize a flowing fabric is to team it up with heavy jewelry and miscellaneous accessories.
For instance, a party-wear synthetic saree or lehenga choli with heavy embroidery on it can be set off with a metallic clutch. Conversely, one can also choose a jewel studded clutch to enhance the appearance of the embroidery on the garment.
Grand outfits such as lehenga cholis in crepe look great with Kundan jewelry pieces, especially if the lehenga choli is embellished with intricate zari work. The raw look of a Kundan necklace and earrings contrast the fineness of the zari embroidery while also adding glitter.
