Fabric Used in India

India is a vast country. Various types of fabrics are used in India. But some of them are widely used in Indian fashion. Fabrics are a big part of Indian culture. It influences the fashion industry worldwide. Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics in India. Due to its numerous properties, the use of cotton is very common in the clothing industry. Other fibre materials like wool and jute might not be so commonly used, but their influence has not gone away yet.

These fabrics are developed in India and then used in different household materials. Jute is widely used in the making of rugs. Due to their naturalness, these fabrics do not harm or threaten the environment.

Cotton

Cotton is the most popular and widely used fabric in India. Due to its versatility and affordability, it is known worldwide. It is lightweight, comfortable, and, most importantly, organic. This increases the use of cotton on a massive scale. As it is directly made from the cotton plant, it doesn’t harm the environment in any way. Cotton is best to wear in hot and humid climates.

This is one of the biggest reasons for the wide use of cotton in India. After the production of cotton, it is then woven or knitted into clothes. China, India, and the USA are significant producers of cotton worldwide.

Reasons

• Organic Fiber: Cotton was first cultivated in the Indus Valley civilization and has grown rapidly since then. Cotton is used in the production of various things. It is very comfortable to wear, which is why it is often worn in the summer. Cotton is also the parent of various fabrics like satin and polyester.

• Sustainable: Cotton is a natural fibre and is very sustainable for the environment. Cottonseed is separated into three products: oil, meal, and hulls.

Silk

Silk is a natural fibre that is produced by the silkworm. It is widely used in India in day-to-day life. Silk is very soft and lustrous. The lustrousness of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fiber, which happens due to the refraction process.

The light hits at different angles and produces various colors. India and China are the top producers of silk worldwide.

Reasons

• Texture: Silk has been used in India for a very long time. The biggest reason behind this is that silk is a symbol of purity and resembles the rich culture of India. The texture of the silk is very soft and shiny, which gives a sense of luxury to the Indians.

• Production: Silk is among the most expensive fibers. In India, silk is produced in six states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and J&K. The majority of the silk is produced in southern India.

Wool

Wool is another fabric that is widely used in India. It is often worn during the winter or in a cold climate. Wool is abundantly produced by sheep's fur. Although it is not produced much in India, countries like New Zealand, Australia, and China are the top wool producers.

But it is highly used in Indian fashion.

Reason

Production: Wool is produced by sheep. India has a high number of sheep, which helps produce wool. Wool is used in manufacturing carpets and rugs and is used in large parts of India.

Jute

Jute is another organic fabric made primarily in India. Jute is produced from the jute plant and has a meagre price. Jute helps produce sacks, bags, and storing ropes, which are highly used in India. In India, jute is referred to as "vegetable fabric" due to its naturalness.

Raw jute is widely used in the textile, paper, construction, and automotive industries.

Reasons

• Cheap: One of the biggest reasons for the highest use of jute in India is due to the price of jute. Jute is very easily available and very cheap. It is used in every house in India. In India, sacks are widely used, allowing jute to be widely used.

• Biodegradable: Jute is the second-most natural fibre after cotton. This increases the use of jute at a very high level in India.

Linen

Linen is a stronger and more absorbent fabric that is widely used in India. Unlike cotton, linen is made from the flax plant, which is very difficult to produce, which makes it a little more expensive than cotton. In India, linen is highly used in the fashion industry to make various garments.

It is very strong and doesn’t stretch easily. Linen provides coolness to the body, so it is preferable to wear it in the winter.

Reasons

• Versatile: Linen is very versatile and absorbent. It dries quicker than cotton. Linen is easy to use in the making of various clothes and looks beautiful. Along with this, linen is very comfortable to wear. This is one of the biggest reasons for the high use of linen in India.

• Cool: Linen is the most fantastic fabric of all. It is very refreshing to wear, making it ideal for India's hot temperatures. Linen is breathable and lightweight. Along with this, linen is also used in the Indian clothing industry for creating shirts and tunics.

Conclusion

The farm-to-fashion journey is something that genuinely changes the use of any fabric. Various fabrics are used and produced in India. The textiles, from silk to woolen sweaters, are different in their styling and usage but are part of the culture and traditions.