Apparel April 2019 Apparel May 2019 issue | Page 46

FEATURE
SOUTH COTTON
CHECKS REFERRED TO
AS ‘MADRAS’ ARE VERY
POPULAR FOR SHIRTS
AND CASUAL WEAR.
cotton, and wrinkled cotton are all done with
small processing units, scattered around Delhi
and its neighbouring areas. South cotton checks
referred to as ‘madras’ are very popular for shirts
and casual wear. This fabric can be washed in
small lots to give it a rough, rugged look. Similar
treatment can also be done on velvet and satin. It
gives a unique touch and sheen to the fabric and
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work with stock lots. It brings down their cost,
and they can keep offering a newer, better range
of designs to their customers at very reasonable
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see stock lot or export surplus shops booming
across Delhi. The reason is that the price
realisation is higher when it is sold through retail
40
I APPAREL I
May 2019
shops. When a buyer picks up the entire lot, the
price is lower, while if it is sold to retailers, the
price is by the metre and not weight. The fabric is
used both for garments and interiors. Today, the
line between furnishing and garment is very thin.
There are several who use cotton fabrics which
are lighter and easier to maintain for furnishing as
well. The erstwhile description of furnishing being
heavy is done away with. Shantoon and velvet
find a place in the wardrobe of brides too. They
are being used to make the typical salwar-kurta
ensemble. It can be further embellished with zari
and embroidery to give it an elaborate look. One
can easily spot the bundles of export surplus
fabric. Unlike regular fabric which is available
wrapped around rods or bolts, these are just
folded and dumped. Also, the type of fabric
is usually different from that sold in regular
fabric shops.
Cotton fabrics are extremely popular and
continue to rule the roost along with shantoon,
cotton silk, polyester tissue, artificial silk and
more. These fabrics are interesting to work with
for boutique owners as they offer variety at a
lower price. Also, they need not be saddled
with production worries and can pick up what
they like.