The 2017 summer brings in beautiful bright shades of cotton and khadi clothes which include floral motifs and stripes that have always been in a huge demand in the markets during summers. The branded shops of Patna have been exclusively following the trend set up by Union textile minister Smriti Irani's last year's #IWearHandloom campaign.

Designer Jayshree, who runs a boutique in the city said that breathable materials are wanted in summer months. Cotton or mul fabric maxi dresses, paired with canvas shoes and silver junk jewellery for a boho chic look, are finding many takers this season. Block prints and 'kalamkari' are also being well loved. Georgette and chiffon have already been tried and tested previously and this time cotton is leading the fusion front.

Hemlata Shekhawat, director of Srijani, an NGO associated with the production of handicrafts and handloom lifestyle products, said they are trying to help weavers, who were not getting much work with inception of power looms.

She added that people’s perception is changing slowly. They have been opting for skin-friendly materials like khadi or cotton. Over the years, the demand for handloom materials has increased. They expect the sales to go up this year as Patna is celebrating centenary of Champaran satyagrah which will have sentimental attachment towards khadi.

Shreya, a third year student of NIFT-Patna said brands have adopted handloom fabrics like khadi and cotton and fused them with western designs. In latest twist, Madhubani paintings, warli art and prints have also made an appearance on Indo-western dresses.

She added that with summer shades of yellow are in, Ox blood red has made a comeback. Dramatic sleeves are a thing this season. The high demand for hand woven and handloom materials will provide an edge to the handloom industry this summer.