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5 Homegrown Labels Redefining The Printed Shirt Aesthetic

Riya Sharma

A classic Indian shirt has been deemed a wardrobe staple for almost all of us . Be it a hand me down from your sibling, or a quick steal from your dad closet, a statement shirt is all the rage .

Gear up for this summer of soaring temperatures in a light and breezy shirt that lets you pull off any social setting with a laidback yet funky edge to your look.

Here’s a mix of our favourite homegrown brands marrying modern silhouettes and Indian fabrics to nail the ultimate shirt this season . Take your pick!

I. WUNDERHAUS

Urging the average Indian to broaden the sustainable perspective, Keda Madula, the founder and designer of Puducherry brand Wunderhaus’s collaborative effort with architect-turned-artist M Kalaivani of the brand 56th Day brings you the ultimate summer shirt that embodies sustainable fashion and global appeal.

With carefully crafted pressed leaf motifs and lunar signs against a distinct blue, the collection’s basic colour palette of ecru and madder makes it an ideal summer staple.

Check out the brand’s collection here.

II. NAALGO

Handwoven, ethical and conscious is how Naalgo describes itself.

The nascent label dabbles extensively in exploring Indian fabrics and modern silhouettes to make clothes that are effortless with a strong sensibility towards colours and patterns. The fabric mediums for the shirts are sourced from the weavers of Telangana and tailored at a local shop in Hyderabad.

Be it funky block prints, some fun patchwork action or the standard checkered shirts, a Naalgo shirt is definitely an uncontested closet essential.

Check out the brand’s collection here.

III. NAR MAADA

Nar Maada is a traditionally modern homegrown clothing brand that works on various hand block printing techniques found in India such as Ajrakh, Bagh, Dabu, and Kalamkari amongst others. Consequentially, the brand sources its fabric from different artisans across India.

The concept behind the brand is derived from the well-known Chinese philosophy of yin yang or contradictory forces complementing each other which reflect in its traditionally modern ethos and timeless silhouettes.

Take your style quotient up a notch with a fine tailored Nar Maada shirt known for its breathable fabrics and vintage appeal.

Check out the brand’s collection here.

IV. JOHARGRAM

If you’re looking for an ethical and sustainable streetwear brand, then Johargram by Ashish Satyavrat Sahu is the one to look out for! Aiming to popularise the traditional Jharkhandi textiles, the label marries street-wear aesthetic and indigenous textiles of Jharkhand to curate short kurta shirts that sit well with modern Indian attire. Cop a Johargram shirt to experiment with bold prints and Indian fabrics throughout summer 2021.

Check out the brand’s collection here.

V. 145 East

145 East designs and creates unique garments with the most humble textile of them all: the gamcha. But don’t be fooled, you won’t be disappointed with the quality or style of their masterpieces. Grab a 145 East shirt this summer to indulge in a feel-good silhouette that incorporates sustainable production and traditional handloom that keeps the spirit of conscious consumerism alive. Feel rejuvenated and light in the summer2021 shirts by the label.

Check out the brand’s collection here.

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