Cotton Pyjama Set: Indigo Orient

Description

This cotton pyjama set “Indigo Orient” is not only soft and thin but of high quality (100% cotton). It keeps you comfortable as well as relaxed. The use of indigo dye gives the product a unique color and enhances its softness and durability. This cotton pyjama is made using block print technique and indigo color. Block printing is a world-renowned textile printing technique. It comes from India and uses wooden blocks to print designs on fabric.

Our cotton pyjama set “Indigo Orient” comes in sizes S and M but let us know if you wish a different size.

What and Why Indigo?

Indigo is a plant-based dye, also known as indigotin, that creates an intense blue color when used to dye cloth. In this case, the clothing has been dyed using organic indigo dyes at low temperature (110 degrees Fahrenheit). This allows for natural variations in color to occur. The result is a beautiful contrast between the white background of the clothing and the indigo print on it. Indigo dye as such is made from a plant called Indigofera tinctoria. It is native to India, but now cultivated mainly in Indonesia, Japan, China, Africa, and South America. This plant contains an enzyme called indicanase which converts it into indigotin – the active ingredient of this dye.

What and Why Block-Print?

The art of block printing has been around in India for centuries. It is used mostly on textiles, such as the cotton pyjama made here, and is a very traditional way to make clothing. A wooden block is carved with the pattern and covered in ink. The fabric is then pressed onto the ink to create a print.

Because block printing is a slow process, it is not very common. Most people are satisfied with colorfast dyes that can be applied much faster than block printing, which requires careful preparation and precise timing. Colorfast dyes will fade over time, but with proper care, can last several years. Block printed fabrics, on the other hand, are usually much more permanent. The color will not fade for many years, even with multiple washes.

The process of making these pyjamas was very labor intensive. It took several days to carve the blocks and apply the dyes before cutting and sewing all of the pieces together. And yet they are much less expensive than many other luxury clothing items. It’s hard to capture in photographs just how bright the color is: The pictures actually look like they were taken in black-and-white! I’ve worn my pair several times now, and they are still as vibrant as when I wore them the very first time.

Check out our other block printed pieces: https://desifirangan.com/product/long-cotton-kimono-robe-oasis-palm/