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During the 17th and 18th centuries, India exported vast quantities of textiles throughout the world. The influence of India's textile export may be judged by the number of textile terms in use today which have Indian origins: chintz, calico, dungaree, gingham, khaki, madras, pyjama, sash, seersucker, and shawl are just a few..
By far the most prized of Indian fabrics during this time period was Chintz, a cotton fabric usually having a large-scale, floral pattern applied by mordants (a resist dyeing method). For the finest chintz, the design was actually painted on the fabric, not printed. The colors were fast (they didn't fade or wash out). Chintz was used for both apparel fabrics and home furnishing fabrics (drapes & bedspreads) (Irwin and Brett, 1970). Kashmir Shawls
In the mid-18th century a new accessory was introduced to the fashionable European woman's wardrobe which remained fashionable for almost a century. This was a shawl produced in Kashmir which is located in the northern part of India bordering the Himalayan Mountains. The shawls were originally brought to England by the East India Company, as well as by travelers bringing home gifts.
The finest shawls were woven from the very fine and soft hair of a Kashmir mountain goat. (This is the fiber we know today as Cashmere.) The Kashmir shawls were handwoven entirely by men. One or two men would work 2-3 years to produce one shawl. Thismade the shawls very expensive (A Kashmir shawl at that time cost the equivalent of a mink coat today.). However, they were in such great demand that European manufacturers quickly began efforts to try to imitate them. A good source of shawl images and info is Victoriana.
Kashmir and paisley shawls can be identified by the use of a certain design motif which in India is called the boteh.After European textile manufacturers began imitating the shawls, the motif began to be called a paisley, after Paisley, Scotland, one of the largest producers of imitation Kashmir shawls (Reilly, 1987).
Banyans
The phenomenon of the banyan, a gentleman's loose, long jacket or gown in the 1800's, illustrates combined Japanese and Indian influences. Trade with Japan was open from 1543 to 1640, and then closed until 1854. During the time that Japan was closed to trade, Japanese kimono made their way to Europe via Dutch traders who were the only ones to have access Japanese ports. Because of the rarity of kimono in the western world, it became a valued commodity. Demand quickly exceeded supply. The scarcity of the kimono enhanced its popularity and led the Dutch to manufacture banyans in India where they were highly involved in textile trade and export.
The banyan was a loose, full kimono style in the early 18th century, but later evolved into a more fitted style with set-in sleeves, similar to a man's coat. It was known as an Indian gown, nightgown, morning gown, or dressing gown. First used as a type of robe, it was originally worn for leisure and in at-home situations; but came to be worn as a coat out-of-doors, in the street, or for business. Many gentlemen had their portraits made while wearing banyans. They were made from all types of fabrics in cotton, silk, or wool (Cunningham, 1984).
For gentlemen, this was a long robe or gown which replaced the tight coat and waistcoat (vest) worn in public. Trade with Japan and India affected the demand for gowns made in the kimono style. The Dutch East India Company was the only trade group to have access to Japan durign this time period. The demand for these garments became so great that the Dutch eventually began manufacturing them in India through their locations there. The Indian Saree (a.k.a. Sari, Seere, Sadi) boasts of oldest existence in the sartorial world. It is more than 5000 years old! It is mentioned in Vedas, the oldest existing (surviving) literature (3000 B.C.) Patterns of dress change throughout the world now and then but, the Sari has survived because it is the main wear of rural India. 75% of the population (now a billion as per official estimate) wear versatile sari. We can certainly call this cloth versatile because it could be worn as shorts, trousers, flowing gown-like or convenient skirt-wise--all without a single stitch!
Saree (original--Chira in Sanskrit, cloth) is of varied length. From 5 yards to 9.5 yards tied loosely, folded and pleated, it could be turned into working dress or party-wear with manual skill. For day today dress of middle class women, 5-6 yard sari is comfortable to manage household chores. Working class tucks the same length above the ankles and if they have to work in water or fields, they would tuck the front pleats between the legs to the back, and tie the upper portion round the waist. This left them free movement of hands and legs.
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What differences exist between 19th century and 20th century clothing?
One big difference between 19th Century and 20th Century clothing was that women made their own clothes in the 19th Century and in the 20th Century most of the clothing worn by all was purchased from stores. The very wealthy of the 19th Century had designers and slaves make their clothes.
What kind of clothes were worn during the Boston tea party?
Some, but not all were dressed as Indians.
What did the medieval women wear?
Jackets and bodices and long skirts, made of wool and/or linen. Under those clothes they often wore a shirt or vest that was changed and washed regularly (the other clothes were rarely washed). Bras are an invention of the 19th century and were not worn then; underpants or something like that were at best worn one week in the month.
What is a collapsible hat worn by theatre goers called?
The collapsible hat, very common in 19th century theatres, was called an OREMA.
What clothes were worn in colonial New York?
they wore deer skin clothes.
Clothes worn in india during 19th century?
Sarees
What were the clothes worn by Indian girls in 19th century?
White Saree and clothes made of fire or cotton
What differences exist between 19th century and 20th century clothing?
One big difference between 19th Century and 20th Century clothing was that women made their own clothes in the 19th Century and in the 20th Century most of the clothing worn by all was purchased from stores. The very wealthy of the 19th Century had designers and slaves make their clothes.
What was the clothes worn in first century Palestine?
The clothes that were worn in first century Palestine were probably sandals, sashes and robes.
What clothes are worn in 21st century?
All types of clothes are worn in the 21st century including jeans, shirts, and shirts. Dresses and suits are also worn.
What were the type of clothes worn in 20th century in India?
saree
How did Cherokee Indians get their cloths?
Most of the clothes worn by the Cherokee Indians were either made from skins or plant fibers.
What clothes were worn during leisure in nineteenth century?
leaf made dresses
What kind of clothes were worn during the Boston tea party?
Some, but not all were dressed as Indians.
What did the medieval women wear?
Jackets and bodices and long skirts, made of wool and/or linen. Under those clothes they often wore a shirt or vest that was changed and washed regularly (the other clothes were rarely washed). Bras are an invention of the 19th century and were not worn then; underpants or something like that were at best worn one week in the month.
What did medieval women wear?
Jackets and bodices and long skirts, made of wool and/or linen. Under those clothes they often wore a shirt or vest that was changed and washed regularly (the other clothes were rarely washed). Bras are an invention of the 19th century and were not worn then; underpants or something like that were at best worn one week in the month.
Name of short gaiter of cloth worn to cover the instep and ankle in the late 19th Century?
spat
