Khadi and natural fabrics: You can never have enough of fine quilting, a distinctly Indian design language

Khadi couture embraces the timeless charm of quilting, blending handcrafted comfort with modern elegance. A revival where tradition meets contemporary style.(Image: Terra Luna)

There’s something deeply comforting about slipping into a quilted jacket when the air turns crisp. It’s that perfect in-between of cozy and chic, where fashion meets function. In the world of fast fashion, quilting is usually synonymous with bomber jackets, down jackets, parkas and the usual winter suspects that range from lightweight to heavy-duty options.

Sure, they’re fashionable and practical for the cold, but the minute you step indoors, you can’t wait to peel them off. Now step into the world of homegrown fashion, and you’ll see quilting being re-imagined entirely. Turning to Khadi and natural fabrics by using fine quilting as a design language, style gurus are opting for quiet sophistication that’s distinctly Indian.

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The quiet luxury of quilted Khadi:

There’s something beautifully grounded about quilted Khadi -- its matte texture, its subtle sheen, and that gentle warmth that feels more like an embrace than insulation. As Stuti Dhanuka, Founder of the fashion label Terra Luna, puts it, “There’s something so special about quilted Khadi – it’s soft, breathable and it cocoons one in a very natural way.

You get the warmth and don’t feel heavy or boxed in. It’s the kind of quiet luxury you don’t need to try hard with. We use quilting in 2 ways – the first is fine quilting, to add texture and body to Khadi and the second is, as a warm layer or as an outerwear option. I love styling it with denims - it adds such beautiful texture to everyday dressing.”

Style your quilted outfits:

Think of quilted outerwear as your sartorial comfort zone -- easy to wear, easier to love. Dhanuka believes these are gender-neutral pieces, meant to be lived in rather than labelled. “Quilted sets in earthy colours make for great safari outfits. They are warm, comforting and seamlessly blending with nature,” she says. Its fashion that moves with you -- from morning coffee runs to evening catch-ups -- without feeling overdone or restrictive.

For everyday dressing, she suggests mixing things up, and says, “I love how quilted pieces in earthy tones instantly add warmth and texture without feeling heavy. You can layer a khadi quilted shacket over relaxed pants or a simple co-ord. A quilted vest over cargos or a shacket over shorts, it’s relaxed, versatile, and feels like it belongs to everyone.

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Go for sleeveless lightweight quilted gilet in earthy colours, which is pretty much an everyday top and it can be styled with a pair jeans or skirts. Due to the quilting, it never creases, thus remaining fresh from night to day. It’s an easy travel layer. Wear it over a tee or crisp shirt for cool yet cozy vibes.”

Sustainable, stylish, and so easy to love:

Khadi has long been celebrated as one of India’s most sustainable fabrics, but quilting gives it a new dimension — both literally and figuratively. The stitched layers add warmth, structure, and character, while retaining the fabric’s natural breathability. Plus, it’s low maintenance and the quilted Khadi pieces can be machine-washed at home, unlike down jackets that demand dry cleaning.