When it comes to handmade textiles, no country can rival the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship that dates back more than 2,000 years. The handloom industry is one the biggest industries in India, supporting our artisans across the country who are keeping the traditional art of handloom alive and relevant to the taste of fashion-forward individuals.

When people think of handlooms, they typically think of elaborate ethnic wear. In the honor of National Handloom Day, we bring to you a drop down list of uber-stylish ways to incorporate handlooms in your work wardrobe.

Ikat printed Shirt from Taavi:

An exemplary weaving technique that thrives in parts of Odisha and Telangana, Ikat is a beautiful textile made up of complex patterns that are formed by employing resist dyeing on the yarns prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric. As the zenith of the textile renaissance in nineteenth-century Central Asian urban centers, Ikats have remained timeless in fashion.

Style tip: Pair this crisp Shirt from Taavi with some denims for that comfy-yet-trendy office #OOTD

Bandhani printed Dress from Anouk:

While the Khatri community of Gujarat are known as the pioneers of the Bandhani print, this intricate textile art form dates way back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Usually available in bright colours, the Bandhani print is known for its signature pattern – small white dots.

Style tip: This blue bandhani dress from Anouk is perfect for a team outing or to even beat the Monday blues in style!

Banarasi Silk Coord Set from Abhishti:

Originating from the city of Varanasi, Banarasi silk – known for its luxurious, regal, and an unmatched example of fine artistry – was glorified in the Mughal era, with its intricate weaving and designing craftsmanship.

Style tip: Typically known for its motifs and prints, this understated ivory co-ord set from Abhishti with subtly woven zari transforms from day to night outfit effortlessly.

Chikankari Palazzos from Saadgi:

Chikankari is believed to have been popularised in India by Nur Jehan, wife of the Mughal emperor, Jahangir and Persian nobles who would visit the Mughal courts. Synonymous with the city of Lucknow, it is an intricate and elegant art of embroidery pursued patiently with a needle on a fabric.

Style tip: These straight fit Chikankari palazzos paired with a shirt of your choice screams formal meets cute.

Bhujodi Shawl from Taavi:

Of the weaving traditions which flourish near the town of Bhuj, the collaboration between Rabari and Vankar communities is perhaps the best known for handcrafting their ethereal traditional Bhujodi shawls.

Style tip: This elegant shawl can uplift any outfit and gains bonus points for helping you brave the office AC.

Kalamkari printed Shirt from Taavi:

From the regions of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Kalamkari is an age-old type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, wherein motifs are inspired by folklore and are hand-painted using the tool of kalam directly onto the fabric.

Style tip: This much-adored art form deserves a place in your wardrobe and what better than this awesome Kalamkari shirt from Taavi that gives men’s formal wear an all new meaning!

Indigo Nehru Jacket from Taavi:

With a name that means ‘the Indian’ or ‘from India’, the colour indigo is woven tightly into Indian history. As the first nation to turn indigo production into an international trade, ancient India produced some of the finest and most luxurious indigo dyes and fabrics of all time.

Style tip: Predominantly available in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, this ‘blue gold’ still finds itself in many wardrobes with its old-world charm such as this offbeat Nehru Jacket.

Chanderi Kurta from Indo Era:

A traditional ethnic fabric, Chanderi, is characterized by its lightweight, sheer texture and luxurious feel. The fabric borrows its name from the small town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, where traditional weavers practice the art of producing textured sarees in cotton and silk decorated with fine zari work.

Style tip: With the festive season around the corner, this dapper Chanderi Kurta from Indo Era is ideal for those super fun celebrations at work.