Black & White Handloom Ikat Cotton Dress Material (2 Piece)

This is a 2 piece unstitched dress material in handwoven ikat cotton — a 2.5 metre top length and a 2.5 metre dupatta, ready to take to your tailor. The top is black, carrying white ikat butta set in even rows across the fabric. The dupatta reverses it: a white ground woven with black triangle ikat motifs over fine black stripes, closing with a plain black end panel and black tassels. A bottom is not included, so you can choose your own pant fabric.

Fabric and weave

Both pieces are 100% cotton, handwoven on a loom. The pattern is ikat, which means the yarn is tie-dyed before it ever goes on the loom — the design is built into the weave rather than printed on top of it. That is why ikat motifs have soft, feathered edges. The slight blur is the mark of the technique, not a flaw.

Two colours is the hardest test of ikat, because there is nowhere to hide. With no third shade to soften the join, every motif edge either lands where it should or visibly does not. The feathering you can see along each triangle and each butta is the dyed yarn meeting the loom — the same effect a machine print reproduces as a hard, clean line.

Because this is handwoven, small irregularities in the weave are normal, and the two pieces may vary very slightly in shade.

What you receive

• Top fabric — 2.5 metres, black handloom ikat cotton with white butta
• Dupatta — 2.5 metres, white handloom ikat cotton with black triangle motifs, a plain black end panel and black tassels
• Tassels are attached at the dupatta ends
• Bottom fabric is not included

How to wear it

Black and white is the one combination that never needs to be matched to anything. That makes this the most practical set in our dress material range — it goes to work, it goes to a meeting, it travels well, and it moves into an evening without changing. The dupatta reversing the top's colours is what keeps it interesting rather than plain.

For the bottom, plain black is the obvious and correct choice, and gives you a long unbroken line with the dupatta as the only pattern. White is the crisper, more summer-facing option. If you want to break the monochrome, a single deep colour — maroon, indigo, bottle green — works beautifully as a pant, because black and white will hold any colour you put against them. Avoid a second print.

This is where oxidised silver looks its best. Terracotta, wood or a strong single stone also work, precisely because the outfit is not competing for attention. Gold is the one to think twice about here — it warms a set that is designed to stay cool. One statement piece.

Before you stitch

We recommend dry cleaning the fabric before the first wash. Cotton can shrink a little, so take both pieces to your tailor exactly as they arrive and let them measure before cutting. How much fabric your kurta needs depends on your height, the length you want and your sleeve style, so it is worth a conversation with your tailor before the scissors come out.

Care

• Hand wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent
• Dry cleaning is recommended for the first wash
• No bleach, no harsh chemicals
• Wash dark and light colours separately
• Do not soak, wring or twist the fabric
• Line dry in the shade — direct sun fades cotton faster
• Warm iron only

Shipping and returns

Free shipping on all prepaid orders within India. Cash on Delivery is available across India with a ₹150 cash-handling charge. Orders are dispatched within 1 working day and usually reach metro cities in 2–3 days and other cities in 5–7 days. Returns are accepted within 5 days of receipt with an unedited parcel-opening video; exchanges within 3 days, in original condition and packaging.

Questions buyers ask

What exactly is included in this 2 piece set?

You receive two pieces of unstitched fabric: a 2.5 metre black top length and a 2.5 metre white dupatta with black triangle motifs, both in handloom ikat cotton. A bottom or pant fabric is not included.

Is this real handwoven ikat, or a printed design?

It is handwoven ikat. The yarn is resist-dyed before weaving, so the pattern exists inside the fabric and appears on both sides. A printed imitation sits only on the surface and looks noticeably paler on the reverse. On a black and white piece the difference is easy to see — printed motifs have hard edges, woven ikat motifs feather.

What is the fabric made of?

Both the top and the dupatta are 100% cotton.

Does the dupatta come with tassels?

Yes. The black tassels are already attached at both ends of the dupatta — nothing needs to be added by your tailor.

Will 2.5 metres be enough for my kurta?

The top fabric is 2.5 metres. Whether that is enough depends on your height, the kurta length you want and your sleeve style, so please confirm with your tailor before cutting.

Should I wash the fabric before stitching it?

We recommend dry cleaning before the first wash rather than washing it at home. Cotton can shrink slightly, and dry cleaning first avoids a surprise after the kurta is already stitched.

Will the black run onto the white?

This is the set that needs the most care in the first few washes, because both shades sit in the same dupatta. Wash it separately in cold water, never soak it, and keep it away from other clothes entirely. Dry cleaning the first time is the safest route. Line dry in the shade.

What bottom fabric should I pair with it?

Plain black is the obvious and strongest choice. White is crisper and more summer-facing. A single deep colour such as maroon, indigo or bottle green also works well, because black and white will carry any colour placed against them. Avoid a second printed fabric.

Is this an everyday set or a festive one?

It is the most everyday set in our range. Black and white goes to work, to a meeting, and out for an evening without needing to be changed — and it does not have to be matched to anything.

Do you deliver Cash on Delivery?

Yes. Cash on Delivery is available across India, with a ₹150 cash-handling charge. Prepaid orders ship free within India.

Can I return it if it doesn't suit me?

Returns are accepted within 5 days of receiving your order, with an unedited video of the parcel being opened from start to finish. Exchanges are accepted within 3 days, with the fabric in its original condition and packaging.

A note on colour

Slight colour variation can occur because of camera settings and lighting. Black photographs flatter than it looks in the hand, and the white can read warmer or cooler depending on the light. Returns and exchanges are not accepted for this reason alone — which is exactly why we are happy to show you the fabric on a video call first.