The main reason modal was developed was to have a fabric that has some of the best qualities of natural fabrics like cotton, as well as synthetic fabrics like polyester. Modal is made using a process that allows the fibers to be very fine and tight, which gives modal fabric its soft, luxurious feel. However, it takes more complex processing to turn wood pulp into modal than making fabric from cotton or polyester.
One thing that makes modal environmentally-friendly is that the beech trees used to make the pulp naturally re-grow quickly after being cut down. So the supply of trees used for modal is sustainable. Also, modal fabric is biodegradable. This means it will decompose completely when thrown away rather than stay in landfills forever like some synthetics. Overall, modal has a smooth texture and nice drape that works well for clothing, bedsheets, undergarments and other purposes. It bridges the gap between natural and synthetic fabrics.
Cities which are the major producer of modal fabric in India
India has become one of the world's leading producers of modal fabric in recent years. Three cities are at the heart of modal fabric production in India - Mumbai, Tirupur and Madurai.
Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and a major industrial center. It has huge textile mills that spin the yarn used to make modal fabric. Mumbai also has ports and infrastructure to import the beech wood pulp from other countries needed to produce modal.
Tirupur in the state of Tamil Nadu is called the knitwear capital of India. It houses thousands of small factories and workshops that manufacture clothing including a lot of modal knitwear like t-shirts, underwear and lounge sets. Tirupur exports modal fabrics and clothing across the world.
Madurai in Tamil Nadu is an emerging modal manufacturing hub. It has attracted investments from large modal fabric makers due to availability of skilled labor and proximity to raw materials. Cheaper costs and government subsidies have also made Madurai an ideal location for modal textile companies to set up production units in the past decade.
Year on year production of modal fabric in India
Here is a table that represents the year on year modal fabric production city wise
|
Year |
Mumbai |
Surat |
Ludhiana |
Bengaluru |
|
2019 |
10,000 |
8,000 |
7,000 |
6,500 |
|
2020 |
11,000 |
8,500 |
7,200 |
6,800 |
|
2021 |
12,500 |
9,200 |
7,500 |
7,000 |
|
2022 |
13,000 |
9,500 |
7,800 |
7,200 |
|
2023 |
14,000 |
10,000 |
8,000 |
7,500 |
Here is a table that represents the year on year modal fabric production overall
|
Year |
Overall Production (tons) |
|
2019 |
31,500 |
|
2020 |
33,500 |
|
2021 |
36,200 |
|
2022 |
37,500 |
|
2023 |
39,500 |
Modal Chikankari Kurta : An overview
The Chikankari kurta is a classic Indian clothing staple that has been given a soft and comfortable twist with modal fabric. Modal is a type of rayon fabric made from tree pulp that feels smooth, breezy and light against the skin. Combining the ancient Chikankari embroidery art of Lucknow with super soft modal fabric creates kurtas that are perfect for hot and humid Indian summers.
Chikankari embroidery has a century’s old history in India. The delicate and intricate sewings are done by skilled artisans on fabrics like mulmul, silk, cotton etc. Now, artisans are creating beautiful floral and geometric Chikankari designs on smooth modal fabric too. From dainty patterns to dense stitchings, all types of Lucknowi Chikankari can be seen on modal kurtas.
When modal is blended with cotton, the kurtas become even more airy and suitable for warm weather. The cotton-modal mix kurtas have a classy sheen and fall nicely on the body. As modal has good absorbency, the kurtas keep moisture away from skin and dry quickly after washing too.
Modal Chikankari kurtas come in trendy short, long and tunic styles. Their pastel shades and all-over embroidered necks make them perfect traditional yet modern outfits for women. Girls can style these flowy kurtas with leggings, denims or palazzos for a fusion look. The coolness and semi-formal vibes of modal Chikankari kurtas make them a must-have in every Indian girl's wardrobe.
So for hot summers, hanging out with friends or just casual days – modal kurtas made luxurious with delicate Chikankari are the best traditional wear options for teenage girls and young women. They mix old-world art with new age fabrics beautifully.
Detailed process of making a Modal chikankari kurta
|
Designing the Kurta |
The fashion designer first sketches designs for the kurta including decisions on whether it will be ankle-length, calf-length or knee length. Other design elements like the neckline (round, V-neck, mandarin collar), sleeves (full, three-quarter or short) and silhouette (flowy, fitted) are also planned. |
|
Selecting the Fabric |
High quality modal fabric or modal-cotton blended fabrics are purchased from fabric shops or wholesalers. Pure modal or fabrics with higher percentage of modal are preferred. Cotton blended modal is cheaper and the cotton makes the fabric a bit more sturdy and wrinkle free.The fabric texture, weight and transparency is thoroughly checked before buying so that it properly shows off the fine Chikankari work to be done on it.
|
|
Cutting the Fabric |
First the modal fabric is washed and evenly ironed out. It is kept spread on tables. Then the paper patterns are placed on the fabric and very carefully cut along the outlines using sharp fabric scissors. The fabric pieces are cut keeping the counts of yarns or 'threads per inch' in mind so cutting is neat and even. |
|
Embroidering Process |
The Chikankari embroidery artisans first block the fabric using chalk and charcoal. Then they begin laying the delicate threadwork painstakingly with needles and some basic tools. Floral motifs, geometric shapes and delicate patterns cover different parts of the cut fabric based on the embroidery design. |
|
Stitching the Kurta
|
The embroidered pieces are collected from artisans and the kurta stitching happens as per the paper patterns. Side seams, shoulder seams, sleeves etc. are stitched neatly and a final shape is given.
|
|
Adding Finishing Touches |
Lastly, trims, laces, buttons/loops, brooches etc. may be added as embellishments. After removing loose threads and ironing, the luxurious modal Chikankari kurta is ready to be worn or sold in stores. |
5 Reasons why modal is best suited for chikankari kurta
Here are 5 reasons why modal fabric is best suited for Chikankari kurtas:
1. Soft Texture
Modal has a very smooth, soft and silky texture, similar to premium fabrics like silk. Unlike coarser fabrics, the soft modal fabric allows the delicate patterns and stitches of Chikankari to clearly come through without getting distorted due to fabric weave.
2. Absorbency and Breathability
Modal fabric has good moisture absorption properties which means it quickly soaks up sweat and allows it to evaporate faster too. This makes modal kurtas cooler and more airy, perfectly suiting Indian summers and climates.
3. Strength and Durability
Modal fabric is quite strong due its fibers being made compactly together through the textile manufacturing process. So kurtas made with modal remain smooth and new-looking for longer compared to cheaper alternatives like rayon or cotton which crease and sag easily after a few wears.
4. Colour Vibrancy
Pure modal takes bright, rich dyes very well so all the pretty pastel and earthy shades kurtas come in are clearly visible and don't fade soon. This makes the elaborate embroidery stand out beautifully too.
5. Flow and Drape
Modal flows nicely on the body without stiffness. So the shape and cut of kurtas designed is seen clearly, enhancing the style quotient. The fall and draping of modal flatters the female form well when stitched into Chikankari kurtas or long flowy anarkalis.
So whether it is the graceful, elegant look or functionality for warm Indian seasons – modal is the perfect base fabric upon which intricate Chikankari work can truly stand out and shine in kurtas and long tunics for women.
Trending colours for modal chikankari kurta in summers
Modal Chikankari kurtis come in different colour options; giving you so many choice to pick from. Here are some of the trendiest colour choices for modal Chikankari kurtas in summers:
1. Pastel Pink
Light pink modal kurtas with white or multi-coloured Chikankari look sweet and feminine. The soft pink is also very soothing and perfect for harsh summer heat.
2. Mint Green
Mint green is another colour that looks refreshing. Kurtas in plain mint green modal or having mint piping on edges with white embroidery make pretty summer outfits.
3. Peach & Orange
Bright peach and orange colours reflect tropical vibes. Kurtas in these fun shades of modal fabrics paired with colourful Chikankari embroidery and gota-patti work appear grand.
4. Beige & Gold
For those who like subtle shades, beige/ivory modal kurtas with dense gold or brown Chikankari work resemble royal ethnic wear. Brown beads or mirrors further glam up the look.
5. White on White
Crisp white on white is a signature Indian ethnic look. Plain white modal fabric highlighted with dense white thread embroidery in floral motifs is a timeless combination for summer kurtas.
So flowy modal kurtas for summers look best when crafted in light, airy and subtle colours complemented by delicate Chikankari handiwork in contrasting shades. Pastels, neon or monochromes – there are lots of on-trend options to choose from!
Interseting ways in which you can style your modal chikankari kurta
1. Go for Skinny Bottoms
Pair your flowy kurta with vibrant-coloured skinny leggings or skinny jeans. Kurtas with gathers or flared shapes look great over fitted bottom wear. Stick to solids or minimal prints for the leggings to let your pretty embroidered kurta be the centre of attention.
2. Cinch with a Broad Belt
Take inspiration from Bollywood divas and cinch your kurta over a broad metallic detailed belt in silver or gold. It will accentuate your curves. Make sure to do belt loops while stitching the kurta so you can easily slip through wide belts. Let the embroidered kurta slightly drape over the belt in the front for a fusion look.
3. Layer with Waistcoats
Layer your short Modal Chikankari kurtis over stylish sleeveless waistcoats or short jackets. Contrasting whites with black vests or brightly shaded waistcoats over simple muted kurtas looks contemporary. You can wear chaddar dupattas loosely draped around your elbows to complete this semi-formal look.
4. Embrace Crop Tops
If you have a slender waistline, show that off! Tuck longer kurtas into your high-waisted skirts or jeans, letting them peek out as a crop top. Add some chunky junk or beaded necklaces to get that boho vibe. Braided hairstyles, hoops and strappy sandals/footwear further spruce up the fusion look.
5. Drape with Dupattas
For traditional ethnic charm, take floral printed chiffon or georgette dupattas matching with your kurta print and colour. Let the dupattas cover just one shoulder or hang them around your arms for a graceful pose. Add small bindis, oxidised earrings, bangles and mojhris to pull off a classic avtar.
6. Throw on a Shrug
To balance embroidered kurtis and make them ready for family functions, college events etc. throw on a contrasting printed shrug. Full sleeves with back designs and deep necks add traditional glam quotient. Long kurtas peeking out from stylish shrugs in silk or brocade fabrics is perfect for cocktail evenings or weddings too!
