Five methods to include tanning in your daily routine

Handloom tant fabric has been a significant part of Bangladeshi culture for centuries, with a rich history and diverse range of fabrics beyond just the traditional shari. The handloom industry in Bangladesh produces a staggering 47.474 crore metres of fabric annually, covering 28% of the country’s total clothing needs. From jamdani in Dhaka to silk in Rajshahi, handloom fabrics play a crucial role in the textile industry.

Modern-day women are increasingly opting for one-piece kurtis and three-piece sets made from handloom fabrics, showcasing the versatility and appeal of tant fabric. Boutique houses and stores offer a wide range of options, including kurtas, two-piece sets, stoles, and three-piece salwar kameez sets for women, as well as fatuas, panjabis, and lungis for men.

Designers add value to handloom fabrics by incorporating vegetable dyes, different prints, batik, block prints, and embroidery. Additionally, tant fabrics like khadi are not limited to clothing but are also used to make exclusive curtains, bed sheets, upholstery, and other household items.

Each region in Bangladesh produces unique handloom fabrics, influenced by factors like geographic location, weather, and water sources. The yarn used in weaving varies in texture, resulting in distinct fabrics from places like Demra, Dhaka, Tangail, Cumilla, Narsingdi, Sirajganj, and Rajshahi.

The famous Tangail shari, known for its cotton fabric, owes its popularity to the perfect combination of humidity and temperature near the river Dhaleshwari. Weavers have been exploring different regions in Bangladesh for centuries to find the ideal conditions for weaving specific types of fabric.

Apart from traditional sharis, handloom tant fabric can be incorporated into various aspects of lifestyle, including clothing, accessories, and home decor. Here are five ways to include handloom tant fabric into your lifestyle:

1. **Shari**: Traditional six-yard tant sharis feature intricate motifs inspired by nature, with popular designs like bhomra (bumblebee), tabij (amulet), and chandmala (garland of moons). Boutique houses and online platforms offer a wide range of tant sharis, including Dhakai jamdani, muslin, silk, and Monipuri cotton sharis.

2. **Lungi and Gamcha**: Chequered lungis and gamchas are essential elements of Bangladeshi men’s wardrobes, with heritage weaving techniques from regions like Kumarkhali in Kushtia. Handloom lungis and gamchas offer a traditional touch and are ideal for various occasions.

3. **Upholstery**: Tant fabric is also used to create exclusive curtains, bed sheets, pillow covers, and table mats. The upholstery section offers a range of natural dyes and techniques like batik, block print, and tie-dye, making it versatile for home decor.

4. **Shawl**: Monipuri shawls and handloom shawls from Tangail and Bogura are popular accessories during the winter months, adding elegance and warmth to outfits. These shawls feature vibrant colors, temple motifs, and traditional weaving techniques.

5. **Kurta and Panjabi**: Modern women prefer comfortable and minimalist designs for everyday wear, making kurtas and panjabis popular choices. Boutiques and fashion houses offer a selection of cotton, silk, half silk, and khadi fabrics for kurta and panjabi sets.

Incorporating handloom tant fabric into your lifestyle not only supports the rich heritage of Bangladeshi handloom industry but also allows you to enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of these traditional fabrics in everyday life.