Colorful India sarongs, pareos draw attention

The latest sarongs and pareos from India are offered in an array of vivid prints and bright colors.

Typically worn in beaches, many new models come with tropical-inspired designs, including palm trees and marine life. Jungle, floral, animal, slice of life, paisley, swirl, ethnic, abstract and geometric patterns are also common. A number of pieces reflect regional heritage such as those of Hawaii, Australia, Indonesia and Morocco. Some releases feature a large central design with contrast-color borders.

New Delhi-based Aiwit Fashion offers sarongs and pareos that feature manually printed bhandej, a native Rajasthan artwork.

Several pieces from Mumbai's United Exports (India), meanwhile, have burnt-out brasso prints.

Orient Export's selection includes pieces with Jodhpuri art. The company is based in Uttar Pradesh.

Patterns and other details are applied via silk-screening, or rotary, block, reactive, brasso or digital printing. Overall printed versions are more popular than solid-hued models.

As regards colors, makers are mixing pastel shades with traditional hues. Combinations of nude, black, white, metallic green, coral pink, blue, orange or yellow are often adopted. A number of suppliers also use azo-free dyes.

India's selection of sarongs and pareos are available in halter dress and skirt types. Most are embellished with fringes, beads or embroidery along the borders.

Makers utilize breathable fabrics such as cotton, rayon and viscose. Polyester is also adopted because of its wrinkle resistance. The textiles can be blended, and may come in chiffon and georgette constructions. Lycra and silk versions are likewise offered.

Uttar Pradesh-based Ethnic Craftart uses 100 percent viscose, cotton, polyester and rayon for its models.

India-made sarongs and pareos are quoted at $1 to $6. The type of fabric, prints and embellishments are the main price differentiators.

Low-end releases are skirt-style pieces in T/C with traditional silk-screened or block-printed designs. These go for $1 to $2.

Midrange versions utilize cotton, viscose, rayon, polyester or a combination of two or more of these fabrics. Some pieces are blended with silk. Models come in halter dress and skirt types with rotary or reactive prints, and bead fringes. Prices are $2.10 to $4.

High-end sarongs and pareos are made of silk, which may be mixed with satin or Lycra. These are available in chiffon and georgette constructions. Designs are often digital-printed. Many releases are adorned with sequins and bead fringes, and list at $4.10 to $6.

View a comparison table of sarong & pareo suppliers on GlobalSources.com