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Traditional Indian textiles are finding a new expression in menswear. Chitra Balasubramaniam illustrates how.

- Chitra Balasubramaniam

If you thought that a bright peacock-blue ikat could only be a sari, think again; can’t it be stylised into a neat kurta or achkan for men? Colours or weaves hitherto considered a part of a woman’s wardrobe now sit comfortably in a man’s too. The humongous change not only adds a traditional dash to a man’s wardrobe but also provides room to designers to play around with fabrics, weaves, and colours. Thus, the earlier talk of traditional Indian weaves, in connotation to saris alone, can be called passé. Menswear made using traditional Indian weaves was once restricted to dhotis and kurtas. In kurtas, embroideries from Lucknow, some zardozi, and kantha work were apparent; shawls stood out with pashmina-based jamawar and kani. However, with many facets of traditional textiles undergoing change, a lot of ethnic Indian weaves are being adapted as apparel for men. Gone are the days of pastels or basic colours of black, brown, and maroon. The name of the game now is bright hues—from purple to turquoise and everything in between.