Style tips: How to incorporate Indian textiles into daily wear for everyday elegance

Incorporating Indian textiles into your daily wardrobe doesn’t require a drastic shift. It’s about making small, conscious choices like opting for a handwoven blouse instead of a mass-produced one, or wearing a natural-dyed dupatta with a casual outfit (Images: Dharki)

India’s textile heritage is as rich and diverse as its geography, with every region boasting its own distinctive weaving techniques, embroidery styles, and traditional fabrics. But while these crafts often shine during weddings and festivals, incorporating them into everyday wardrobes is still a challenge for many. The question remains—how do we celebrate our textile legacy without compromising on comfort or functionality?

Incorporating Indian textiles into your daily wardrobe doesn’t require a drastic shift. It’s about making small, conscious choices like opting for a handwoven blouse instead of a mass-produced one, or wearing a natural-dyed dupatta with a casual outfit. Brijesh Gupta, founder of the fashion label Dharki, believes the answer lies in adaptation. “It is very hard to predict which Indian textile will make a comeback, as each state has its own unique textile traditions. For example, Uttar Pradesh is known for Chikankari embroidery and Banarasi weaving, while in the South, you find Kanchipuram and Kochampalli weaves. Every region uses Indian textiles in a different way, influenced by its own cultural context,” he explains.

While some weaves are instantly recognisable like Chanderi, Ikat, or Jamdani, others like Phulia, known for its organic cotton weaving units in West Bengal, are gaining quiet recognition. “Personally, I find Banaras, Chanderi, and especially Phulia very interesting. In Phulia, you’ll find organic cotton weaving factories, which are quite impressive. Ultimately, it all depends on how you envision your end product after seeing the fabric in front of you,” Gupta adds.

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The key to everyday wearability is thoughtful transformation. He notes that while heritage fabrics like silk brocades have undeniable appeal, they don’t always fit into modern routines. Sharing his view for mass popularity of Indian textiles, Gupta says, “In my opinion, one cannot wear heavy silk brocades to the office, as the fabric is too rich and heavy for everyday use. However, the solution lies in redesigning fabrics for practical wear. For example, Kutch pure cotton can be transformed into a more breathable and lightweight fabric, making it ideal for office wear. These materials are perfect for everyday wear and can be used to create shirts, trendy cotton suits, or stoles for women.”

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That means reinterpreting traditional materials in lighter, more breathable formats that suit India’s predominantly warm climate. By doing so, designers can create a more fluid bridge between past and present offering garments that honour tradition while embracing the ease of daily life. In practical terms, this shift can be seen in the rise of cotton chikankari shirts for men, handwoven linen dresses, or even hybrid sets like kurta-pants made from soft cotton-silk blends.

For Indian fashion lovers, breathable materials like cotton and linen aren’t just practical but also ideal for styling. It’s about treating heritage not as an occasional indulgence, but as something to live with and wear every day.