What Is Ikat? Stylish Ikat Outfits To Add To Your Fashion Closet

Of the many styles of fabric and weaves that the Indian artisans have contributed to the world, one of the most chic pieces is the ikat. Easily one of the intricate fabrics and also one of the classier ones, wearing ikat has become prominent over time, and for all the right reasons. There is something about Ikat, a totally abstract design, blurry prints and no specific set of motifs, yet it is one of those fabrics that is evergreen. Ikat clothing is omnipresent, be it on fashion runways or in the wardrobe of the girl next door. The fabric looks just as beautiful as a kurta, a western dress, even pants and palazzos. So traditional, contemporary or western, whatever your style may be, adapting this multifaceted fabric, means no more fashion faux pas.

What Is Ikat?

Ikat has become extremely popular in recent years and been making a lot of noise in the Indian as well as the international fashion industry. To be precise, it is a trademark resist dyeing technique, where yarns are jumbled together and dyed in various hues and then woven together. The designs are made with vertical symmetry which results in a similar pattern on the sides. The core fabrics used for producing ikat are mostly silk and cotton.

Ikat comes in two forms i.e. single ikat and double ikat. Single ikat is used more not only in apparel but in home decor, accessories and even in furniture. In single ikat, the fabric is created by interweaving with single yarns whereas in double ikat, both vertical and horizontal thread is tied and dyed together according to a graphed pattern. In India, ikat is dominantly seen in three states - Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. However, it has grown to a worldwide presence. It has some of the best fashion designers from India and also Bollywood stars to thank for its immense popularity, who can't seem to get enough playing with the fabric.

Swirlster Selects Stylish Ikat Outfits For You

This Is How Bollywood Has Revamped The Ikat Fabric

1. Boho-Chic

The patterns and fabric of Ikat make way for Boho outfits that look glamorous and summer ready. Diana Penty lay perfect summer fashion goals with her easy-breezy kaftan with bold ikat prints accented with sequins hand embroidery.

2. Power Dressing

Have you ever thought that a traditional print would look so cool as a pantsuit? We love Bhumi Pednekar's stunning sartorial moments with a well-fitted suit that featured Ikat handloom silk. We are inspired by these boss looks by Ikat fabric.

3. Summer Pleasure

Ikat is such a versatile weave that it blends into all kinds of outfits. No matter what the season or occasion, fun, quirky and colourful prints work effortlessly. We love Alia Bhatt's maxi dress with colourful mixed prints. The dress featured colourful ikat designs with micro-pleating.

4. Wild And Radiant

The best note of the Ikat dyeing technique is the ability to dye various colours and weave all of them together, bringing a whole splash of colours that looks vibrant. Shilpa Shetty's ikat co-ord set will make you want more. The winning element of the outfit? The Ikat print in various hues of pink, that made the look such a memorable one.

5. Ethnic Resplendence

The thing we love the most about Ikat is that it is as diverse as it gets. Madhuri Dixit's strappy Anarkali features traditional ikat printmaking for a regal look. The hand-woven garment is a testament to the traditions of the past.

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