Khadi is a hand spun or hand woven cloth. Khadi or ‘Kaddar’ as it is called in ‘Sanskrit’ was an integral part of India’s Swadeshi movement that was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in the 1920s. Khadi symbolizes the freedom struggle of India and even today many of the politicians in Kerala and other parts of India prefer Khaddar dhotis, pajamas and shirts to machine-made clothes. You can say that Khadi is the true fabric of India.

In the recent years, veteran and ace Indian fashion designers have been promoting khadi.

Originally, khadi cotton used hemp as its raw material. Today, Khadi is offering fabrics like silk, poly fabrics, woolen and silk cotton (mixture of silk and cotton).  Previously, khadi used earthy color tones. Nowadays fashion designers are trying out dyes in striking colors like neon green and shocking pink along with turquoise, orange and the likes.

Khadi is keeps the wearer warm in winters and cool in summers.  Khadi is comfortable to wear because it is woven in such a manner that maximum air permeates the body through the fabric. No wonder it’s called as a breathing textile and is the most favored fabric in the hot summer months. This fabric gets easily crumpled and has to be starched with each wash to keep it firm and stiff. The small weaving defects in these fabrics are what they say, gives it its identity and individuality.

Lets See Some Collections Of  Khadi

Vidya Balan in one of Sabyasachi’s Khadi Saris. The plain white saree embellished with gold border is paired with a jet black full sleeve designer blouse. It has gold sequin motifs on the shoulders. This was one of her Indian outfits at Cannes Film Festival 2013. The traditional stud earrings of intricate floral design and the multi-stranded crystal necklace complete her feminine look.

“It has a quiet dignity that is absent in mill-made fabrics. It also stands for the fact that luxury is not something you can get by simply throwing money at it. Luxury is a state of mind. And khadi represents all that,” says Sabyasachi. Sabyasachi Khadi saris are more expensive than his regular designer sarees and these are most sought after by women who want simplicity and elegance.

Khadi Skirt and tunic in new pastel shades by the designer Wendell Rodricks. He showcased his khadi apparel at an international run away in Februaury 2014.

Wendell Rodricks who was invited to open the world’s largest organic fair at Nuremberg in February 2014 showcased his mind blowing designs. His hand-woven and eco-dyed fabrics in new pastel shades made an impact at this international gathering.

Khadi silk purses and sling bags for the brides. These khadi bags and purses have used multi-colored silk thread, golden zari and semi-precious stones. The dabka work and the embellishments makes it an ideal part of Indian bride’s trousseau.

Khadi is not restricted to kurtas, pajamas and saris. You will find that khadi silk curtains, cushion covers are entering many homes. Handbags, purses and footwear are also available in a variety of hues and shades. The other khadi products include table clothes, table runners, sofa covers.  Designer khadi products are in great demand in India and abroad. The credit goes to all the Indian fashion designers who have been promoting this beautifully textured, sensuous and skin friendly fabric. A meter of khadi cotton would cost you under INR 50 in the local market but a designer khadi scarf will be around INR 4000.

Khadi Sarees 

Buddha on Khadi Sari. This earthy colored cotton saree has a hand painted Buddha on its pallu and lotus flowers on the pleats. This is an ethnic and ideal sari to be worn at a hot summer’s day gathering. Team it with a pair of flat peep-toes, a bunch of glass bangles and a simple silver ear drops to complete the look.

This is a typical Sabyasachi design. The ivory Khadi sari with zardosi border can be matched with pair of kholapuri chappals and simple gold earrings and a single-strand gold chain with small pendant. Carry an off-white khadi clutch purse to complete the look.

Vidya balan is looking fabulous in the handwoven gray and blue combination sari embellished with Jhumkas and a bunch of earth color bangles making a style statement. She was attending The Front Row’s Diwali special episode with Anupama Chopra.

South Indian actress Rohini has draped this Mangala giri cotton sari. she has teamed it with few red color glass bangles and traditional jhumkas to match the print and border of the sari.

The hand-woven pinkish red saree features Naksha borders.This simple yet elegant sari can be worn for summer luncheons and evening get-togethers. Team it with simple silver jewelry and a pair of silver colored kitten-heels for that ladida look!

Silk Saris in Khadi

This Brasso Bhagal puri Khadi silk sari is ideal for all occasions. This ethnic wear looks amazing with a pair of Jhumkas, and a bunch of bangles.

Stunning and appealing Tussar khadi ghicha silk is dyed using vegetable dyes. The cream color sari has painted pallu depicting the story of lord Krishna during his childhood days. A pair of chandelier earrings and a pearl necklace is all that’s need to enhance the beauty of the wearer.

Hand woven silk saree by Rahul Mishra. The black body and gold brocade coordinated with hand woven peplum jacket blouse is ideal for any occasion. Here the model is wearing a flat heeled sandals.

Green Paithani Sari with Woven Peacocks on Anchal, Hand-woven in Gadwal. The rich pallu of mango and peacock design is ideal for occasions such as marriages. Team it with traditional Indian jewelry- Maang tikka, traditional jumkas and a necklace from temple jewelry collection.

Khadi  Wear for Summer

Khadi dress by Bibi Russell from the Kolkata Fashion Week, September 2009. This simple summer dress in shades of green and purple teamed with a bunch of multi-colored bangles is the perfect summer dress. High-heeled shoes and a sling cotton bag will complete the look.

Khadi black and gold kurta with colorful geometric print sleeves. The oval collar and princess line up to the hem are the highlights of this kurta. Pair it with pink color churidar bottom and duppata. A pair of flat heeled open-toed sandals will work wonders with this outfit. Keep the embellishments simple. A pair of trendy hoop earrings and bangles of various hues to match the kurta will do.

With veteran fashion designers like Ritu Kumar, Rohit bal and many others supporting and promoting khadi, this freedom fabric is likely to go the distance.