Ikat is more than just a weaving technique—it's a living tradition, woven into every thread and carrying centuries of cultural heritage. This ancient art form, believed to have originated in regions like India, Indonesia, and Central Asia, stands out for its complexity and beauty. The term “ikat” comes from the Malay-Indonesian word "mengikat," meaning “to tie,” and it refers to the laborious process of resist-dyeing the yarns before they are woven into fabric. Unlike typical dyeing methods that colour the fabric after it's woven, ikat involves binding sections of the yarn with a resistant material, then dipping it into dye baths, creating intricate patterns in the yarn itself before weaving begins.
The magic of ikat lies in the slightly blurred, soft-edged patterns that appear as a result of this pre-weaving dyeing process. This subtle imperfection—where the boundaries of colour are never rigid but fluid—is a testament to the craftsmanship and skill involved. Each piece is unique, with no two patterns exactly alike, as the artisan’s hand is evident in every fabric.
At Otherwise, we deeply value the precision, patience, and expertise that ikat demands. Every ikat piece in our collection is crafted by artisans who have honed this craft through generations, often spending days or even weeks preparing the yarn and weaving the fabric. These artisans play a crucial role in preserving a centuries-old tradition, ensuring that its beauty endures in a modern context.
The ikat process is the epitome of slow fashion. It resists mass production, focusing instead on quality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of handmade creation. Each ikat garment is one-of-a-kind, carefully made with an attention to detail that fast fashion simply cannot replicate. This aligns perfectly with our values of sustainability and slow fashion—garments made to last, crafted with care, and steeped in tradition.
When you wear an ikat piece from Otherwise, you’re not just wearing a beautiful, handcrafted garment; you’re wearing a piece of history. You’re celebrating the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and contributing to a more sustainable fashion future. Our ikat designs marry the old with the new, bringing ancient techniques into your modern wardrobe in a way that honours both tradition and innovation.
Explore our ikat pieces and discover how each one tells a story—of craftsmanship, heritage, and sustainable fashion.
