We live in a generation where every season brings some new trend. They say that the fashion industry is fickle and changes every day, but in a world like that, one material has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most used: cotton. Cotton has managed to stay relevant for ages. Most people’s wardrobes have cotton apparel in them.
The enduring popularity of this fabric has more to it than just comfort or tradition. So why is it that cotton never goes out of style?
Beyond just being comfortable, cotton has always been popular because it represents legacy, workmanship, and cultural identity.
In a tropical country like India, especially in a humid state like Bengal, cotton is the epitome of comfort. A majority of our seasons consist of tepid temperatures that require people to wear breathable and light fabrics, and there’s nothing as comfortable and freeing as cotton. Bengal’s history is very tightly intertwined with cotton threads.
Cotton fabrics remain a favourite amongst everyone because of the breathability they provide. Mothers prefer cotton apparel for their kids as it is one of the only materials that does not cause any rashes or sensitivity.
Cotton isn’t just perfect for casual everyday wear; it's also ideal for formal and festive occasions. Designers have created elaborate and fabulous silhouettes using cotton. The versatile nature of cotton makes it a classic choice for many traditional designs and modern cotton apparel. Bengali sarees like the Dhakai Jamdani, Tangail sarees, or Tant sarees use cotton to create beautiful patterns.
Artists have used many materials throughout history to create art, using materials like stone, wood, and cotton to make artistic masterpieces. The artistry of weaving cotton sarees is ancient, and people have been expressing themselves with the medium for as long as we have been alive. Weaving local folk tales on cotton to mythological tales and legends, cotton is a fabric that's perfect for such elaborate projects, and the result is always a sight to behold.
Cotton has long been the preferred fabric for these traditional weaves because of its ability to be woven into exquisite designs. Wearing a cotton saree celebrates Bengal's workmanship, legacy, and the rural communities that uphold these age-old traditions, making it more than just a style statement.
Cotton is a naturally renewable and biodegradable resource. Unlike synthetic materials that need to be made in labs and cause large amounts of waste and pollution, cotton is a resource that grows naturally and can be made ethically with handlooms to cause the least amount of waste. Cotton is a natural fibre, which makes it a sustainable choice for anyone who is looking for eco-friendly fashion.
Apart from all these reasons, cotton apparel is a medium that designers are constantly experimenting with and adapting to suit modern tastes and trends. Blending traditional techniques with modern styles. Cotton apparel, especially cotton sarees of Bengal, is light and easy to drape. These drapes have been catching the attention of the younger generation, who have been embracing old techniques and bringing back traditional methods.
Cotton apparel is ideal for every occasion, from casual outings and home wear to formal gatherings.
Not just sarees, but cotton pyjamas, kurtas, stoles, and dhotis are integral to everyday wear in Bengal. Cotton is a fabric that will probably never lose its appeal. Remains of cotton have been found in the oldest civilisations and will continue to be found in the future.
The classic cotton serves as a helpful reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of maintaining cultural history as we traverse the fast-paced world of current fashion. Cotton ethnic clothing has a special place in Bengalis' hearts, whether worn during Durga Puja or on a laid-back summer day, indicating that some things, like cotton, are always in style.
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