Chikankari, the beloved hand embroidery form from the charming streets of Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, has long captured the hearts and imaginations of women all over India. The word Chikan quite literally translates to embroidery, however, there is so much more to it than the humble needle and thread. It can be considered an art form in its own right. Crafted with much precision, passion, and patience, Chikan is typically done on stunning, breathable fabrics such as cotton and muslin, which are perfect for the Indian weather.
Over the years, Chikankari has been used to fashion several garments, however, none have risen to as much prominence as the trendy Chikankari kurtis. Chikankari Kurtis are quite the rage right now, and with good reason. These elegant pieces ooze sophistication and grace. Popular among college girls and fashion enthusiasts alike, Chikan kurtis makes a style statement like no other. So what is it about Chikankari kurtis that is so distinctive and special? Read along with us to find out.
Unrivaled Comfort:
Since the base of Chikan work is usually lightweight and airy fabrics like cotton and muslin, Chikankari kurtis are exceptionally comfortable and provide an ease of wear like no other. These kurtis keep you cool as you go about your day or even if you are dancing away at your besties’s sangeet. Perfect for the hot and humid climate of the Indian subcontinent, these kurtis will ensure your comfort all day long.
Perfect for all Occasions:
One of the best features of the Chikankari kurti is how versatile it is. These kurtis are naturally glamorous and elegant, making them perfect for any occasion. You can style Chikan kurti with jeans and some embroidered sandals, and your college look is all set. On the flip side, if you want to seem dressier, then pair them with a pair of palazzos and accessorize with some silver oxidized jewellery, and you are all set to rock that office party. A Chikankari kurti will also look amazing as you enjoy festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, etc. Apart from this style, your kurti with some heavy silver jewellery like chokers and bangles and your look will be perfect for weddings.
Support for Local Artisans:
Chikankari is hand embroidered with a lot of hard work by the local artisans. These artisans, who according to us don’t get enough credit. Twirling around in your Chikan work kurti might just be a fashion statement to you, however, these embroidered kurtis are actually the bread and butter of many. Hence, by shopping for Chikankari kurtis, you not only look effortlessly stylish but also do your part in preserving this ancient embroidery technique.
Handcrafted Excellence:
In the day and age where everything is mass produced and one fit is owned by thousands of other women, stand out by opting for a handcrafted Chikan style kurti. Not only are these garments a testament to the expert craftsmanship of the Lucknowi artisans, but you can also be sure that no single piece is like the other. Step away from fast fashion and add a culturally significant piece to your wardrobe.
An Eco-friendly option:
With the talk about fashion wastage and a need for sustainable options being at the forefront, Chikankari kurtis are a breath of fresh air. Hand-embroidered on sustainable fabrics such as cotton and silk, these kurtis minimize wastage. They are also woven on traditional handlooms, thus conserving electricity. Hence, we can safely say that you would be doing your bit for the planet by shopping for a Chikankari embroidery kurti.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity:
The embroidery form of Chikankari is centuries old but is still making fashion waves to this date. Thus, the essence of this beautiful art form is timeless. Seamlessly blending traditionality with modernity, these kurtis are encapsulated in grace, tradition, and chicness. Wear a Chikankari kurti today, and add that graceful hint of tradition to your look.
Versatility in Styling:
The best thing about Chikankari kurtis is that they are very versatile in style. You can style them both in an Indian way or a western way. You can also style them up or style them down. You can play around with bottoms, accessories, makeup and hair to come up with a look that is completely you. These kurtis offer that amazing freedom of expression that is rarely seen with other garments.
Tips for Selecting the Best Chikankari Kurti
Examine the fabric thoroughly: To ensure that you are purchasing the real thing and not its dupe, carefully look at the fabric. Authentic Chikankari is exclusively done on fabrics like cotton, muslin and silk.
Check the pattern: A genuine Chikankari kurti will have neat, closely formed, invisible stitches. If you feel the embroidery pattern doesn’t look well formed, then skip purchasing the product.
Look for versatility: Chikankari kurtis are quite the investment and we are sure you would want to wear it multiple times, albeit styled in different ways. Hence ensure that the kurti that you are opting for will go with a number of different style options.
Thus, Chikankari Kurtis are regal, timeless, and beyond sophisticated. Add one to your closet today and see magic happen.