Kala Cotton : The Future Fabric from Kutch

by Drishti Juthani
August 30, 2022
4 min read

by Drishti Juthani
August 30, 2022
4 min read

Kala cotton is a type of natural organic cotton that is also known as "Zinda cotton" or "Alive cotton." This cotton can survive on its own in the scorching heat of summer when temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, and in the chilly winters, without the need for any fertilizers for survival and growth. In addition to being fully organic and eco-friendly, it provides a source of income for farmers due to its durability and low investment requirements. Natural yarn is produced in kora (plain white), and additional strands are dyed to weave designs and fabrics in vibrant natural colors. Kala cotton is best suited for weaving modern designs with a touch of tradition.

Where Is It Grown In India?

Kala cotton is only found in Gujarat's Kutchh district. The land is well-known for its mesmerizing white rann, kite festivals, beautiful embroidery, and fabrics. As rightly said by Shree Amitabh Bachchan "Kutchh Nahi Dekha Toh Kuch Nahi Dekha."

Kutch receives relatively less rain, and this cotton grows well in the tough weather conditions in Kutch. In comparison to more industrially farmed cotton, Kala cotton is genetically highly pure and well suited to thrive in Kutch. Kutch receives between 300 and 400mm of rain per year on average, which is sufficient to produce Kala cotton. Kala cotton in Kutch has built a comprehensive and realistic supply chain involving farmers, ginners, spinners, and weavers from marginalized areas to turn raw cotton into exquisite hand-woven textiles after years of trial and improvement of spinning and weaving processes.

Why Is Kala Cotton Better Than Normal Cotton?

There is a significant difference between regular cotton and Kala cotton. Regular cotton will keep you warm in the summers. But, Kala cotton not only keeps one cool in the summer but also warm in the winter. That's why it's best for the Indian weather! Kala cotton is distinguished by its capacity to be incredibly gentle to the skin. Kala cotton is therapeutic in persons with skin conditions like psoriasis, which causes red, itchy, scaly spots on the skin.

Is Kala Cotton The Future Of Fabric?

Kala cotton is a 100% organic fabric that is free of chemicals and toxins. During the growing process, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are employed. It is entirely reliant on rainfall. Because no fertilizers are used, the cloth is of the greatest quality. In contrast, hybrid and BT cotton cannot be cultivated without the use of pesticides.
Biodegradable- When you toss away clothes, it either ends up in a landfill or the ocean. Wherever it travels, mounting pollutants and non-biodegradable garbage follow it for all eternity. However, Kala cotton items promote ecological living. This material is completely biodegradable and recyclable.
Food Cycle- Kala cotton is not only used to produce garments, but it also has an impact on the food chain in several ways. There are no hybrid seeds in Kala cotton. There is only one form and no hybrid. As a result, it both preserves and enriches soil fertility. Cottonseed oil is included in a variety of foods. It is also utilized as a source of fat in many households. We can assure a safe food chain that includes clothes by cultivating cotton organically.
Lasting softness- Kala cotton is softer and more durable. Because it undergoes minimal processing and contains no chemicals, the fabric does not deteriorate with time. So, in addition to being softer than other materials, Kala cotton items have longer survival.
Ethical Trade- When you purchase a Kala cotton product, you are directly supporting fair wages for farmers. We are well aware of the hardships of farmers who are living in extreme poverty. Fairtrade is the only ethical option as all the efforts and manual labor must be acknowledged and rewarded.
Sustainable fashion - Consumers understand the importance of indigenous textiles and the true worth of the product. Customers are willing to pay if the weaving is unique and fashionable, and the garments produced are both classic and functional. There are beautiful Kala cotton sarees, dupattas, and fabrics available on iTokri that customers love and buy multiple times due to their unique intricate designs and sustainability.

Kala Cotton Is The New Cotton

Kala cotton is a highly elegant and beautiful fabric. It is frequently used in European countries in clothes such as pants, shirts, dupattas, scarves, and so on. The fabric is often made from handspun yarn that has not been breached. Kala cotton is renowned for spiritually enlightening and raising the soul because of its close relationship with handspun yarn and handloom.

There has been a significant decrease in the use of this cloth. About 2000 weavers in Kutch made their living by weaving and selling Kala cotton fabrics and items in the 1990s, just 600-700 still do so today. However, it has lately been reintroduced as a viable sustainable fabric option in the fashion sector.

We wish to show the world how great it is as a craft by incorporating it into our designs and helping Kutch weavers. I hope you are now aware of the benefits of wearing Kala cotton items. Wait no longer to try out Kala cotton products from the best handicraft store in India!