Khadi in the past was preferred by most of the politicians and elderly lot. Now it's a fashion statement for a good number of youngsters too, particularly college-goers. It's ethnic and yet dignified appearance attracts good number of buyers for the season.
The best part of the fabric seems to be the comfort level that makes it worth splurging on. The material which was popular in the pre-independence days has not lost its charm in the current era too. With a little bit of innovative couture, khadi can make one feel cool and comfortable yet quite stylish.
Ponduru Khadi Bhandar emporia in the city have an array of khadi fabrics in both bright and sober shades. Hand-woven saris, dress material, contrast-bordered dhotis and textile seem to be flooding the market.
Double-yarn weaving fabrics are the most sought-after clothing now-a-days, said A. Koteswararao of Ponduru Khadi Bhandar in Poorna Market.
“The speciality of the material is that the entire separation of the yarn for weaving is done by hand.
Yarn made with the help of fish jaw is much finer than the normal weaving. The finer the fabric, the lighter the material gets,” he said.
Khadi yarn spun with fish jaw costs around Rs.800 to Rs.1000 per metre whereas the normal hand-woven yarn costs from Rs.100 to Rs.1000. While most of the shop owners say that white and off-white are fast moving colours in khadi, ‘Kora' colour with contrast border is in fashion.
Fabindia has a collection of ethnic kurtas in khadi and one can also find the fabric at Ponduru Khadi Bhavan and Guntur Chenetha Vastralayam at Poorna Market.
“I try to buy sober plain khadi material and get it stitched with sleek and bright hem for kurtis.
This particularly goes well with jeans and is my preferred wear for summer,” said K. Madhu, a college student. The hand-spun fabric has now become fashionable wear among many youngsters.
