KHADI: 5 Questions You Wanted Answered

In a world increasingly leaning toward fast fashion, synthetic fibers, and mass production, there’s something grounding and profoundly meaningful about Khadi. It’s more than just fabric—it’s a movement, a legacy, and a conscious lifestyle choice. From Mahatma Gandhi’s spinning wheel to today’s eco-conscious wardrobes, Khadi has held its place with quiet strength. Yet, many still have questions. What makes Khadi special? Is it practical? Why does it often cost more?

Here are five commonly asked questions about Khadi—answered in depth.

1. Are Khadi Products Good?

In short: Yes, they’re excellent—and for many reasons.

Khadi, also known as khaddar, is a handspun, handwoven fabric usually made from cotton, silk, or wool. Its quality lies in both the craftsmanship and the ethos behind it. Each piece of Khadi involves hours of labor-intensive effort—from spinning the yarn on a charkha (spinning wheel) to weaving it by hand on traditional looms.

But beyond the handmade charm, Khadi fabric is known for:

• Durability: With proper care, Khadi lasts longer than many machine-made fabrics.
• Breathability: Khadi cotton allows excellent air circulation, making it ideal for sensitive skin and fluctuating climates.
• Sustainability: Since it’s handspun and handwoven, Khadi consumes far less energy than machine-made fabrics. It supports rural artisans and promotes slow fashion.
• Aesthetic Value: Khadi has a raw, textured beauty that modern textiles often lack. Every imperfection is part of its charm.

So, yes—Khadi products are not just good. They’re timeless, ethical, and practical.

2. Can Khadi Be Worn in Summer?

Absolutely! Khadi is one of the best fabrics for Indian summers.

Cotton Khadi, in particular, is highly breathable and naturally cooling. Its handwoven texture allows for better air circulation, helping sweat to evaporate more easily. Unlike synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture, Khadi keeps the skin dry and comfortable.

What makes it even better for hot, humid climates is that it’s often made using natural, azo-free dyes (like those certified by GOTS). These dyes are gentler on the skin and don’t cause allergic reactions or rashes that synthetic or chemical-heavy fabrics might.

Even Khadi silk blends, often worn during festive seasons, are lighter than traditional silks and far more comfortable to wear for long hours.

If you're planning your summer wardrobe and value comfort, sustainability, and style, Khadi should be at the top of your list.

3. How Is Khadi Made?

The making of Khadi is a story of tradition, labor, and love. Unlike power-loom fabrics, Khadi is created manually, in a process that supports rural artisans and small-scale weavers across India.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

1. Harvesting and Cleaning Cotton: Raw cotton is harvested and cleaned to remove seeds and impurities.
2. Carding: The cotton fibers are combed to align them, making them ready for spinning.
3. Spinning: Artisans use the traditional charkha to spin the cotton into yarn.
4. Dyeing: The yarn is then dyed using natural or certified-safe dyes (many brands today, including Saha, use GOTS-certified azo-free dyes).
5. Weaving: Once dyed, the yarn is woven into fabric on handlooms, operated by skilled weavers.
6. Finishing: The fabric is washed, sun-dried, and ironed before being sent for tailoring or sale.

This process is both labor-intensive and eco-friendly. It uses minimal energy and produces very little waste, making Khadi a shining example of sustainable fashion.

4. When Was the Khadi Movement Started?

The Khadi Movement began in the early 20th century, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It was part of India’s freedom struggle and was intended to promote self-reliance and Swadeshi (local production).

Gandhi saw Khadi not just as cloth, but as a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule. During that time, India was importing British textiles while its own weavers suffered. Gandhi urged Indians to boycott foreign goods and spin their own yarn using the charkha. The act of spinning Khadi became an act of political defiance and national pride.

Khadi represented:

• Economic independence from colonial exploitation
• Revival of traditional Indian crafts
• Unity across caste and class barriers

Even after independence, the legacy of Khadi has continued. Today, it is championed not only for its cultural heritage but also for its relevance in the global conversation on sustainable living.

5. Why Are Khadi Clothes Expensive?

At first glance, Khadi might seem more expensive than factory-produced cotton garments. But once you understand what goes into making it, the pricing begins to make sense—and even feel fair.

Here’s why Khadi clothes cost more:

• Handcrafted Labor: Every Khadi product involves hours of hand-spinning and hand-weaving. You're paying for the time, skill, and effort of an artisan.
• Small-Scale Production: Unlike factory fabrics made in bulk, Khadi is made in limited batches, ensuring exclusivity and reducing waste.
• Fair Wages: Ethical Khadi brands support livelihoods in rural India, paying artisans fair wages instead of outsourcing to exploitative labor.
• Natural Dyes and Materials: Using GOTS-certified dyes and organic fibers is costlier but better for your health and the planet.
• Longevity: Khadi garments tend to last longer, making them a good investment in the long run.
• In essence, you’re not just buying a piece of clothing—you’re supporting a tradition, a family, and a sustainable way of life.

Conclusion: Why Khadi Still Matters

Khadi is more than a fabric—it’s a statement. A statement of simplicity, of sustainability, and of soul. As the fashion world moves toward more conscious consumption, Khadi stands tall as a fabric of the future, rooted in the past.

Whether you’re looking for organic baby clothes, breathable summer wear, or ethically made cotton garments, Khadi offers a meaningful alternative.

So the next time you see a handspun Khadi kurta or a soft cotton Khadi dress, remember: it’s not just cloth. It’s a piece of history, a slice of sustainability, and a symbol of care—for people and for the planet.

References:

• Gandhi, M. K. (1921). The story of my experiments with truth. Navajivan Publishing House.
  (For references to the Khadi movement and Gandhian philosophy)
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission. (n.d.). About Khadi. https://www.kviconline.gov.in
  (For definitions and official descriptions of Khadi and its modern context)
• Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. (2020). Annual Report 2019-20. Government of India. 
  (For statistics and insights into the Khadi industry in India)
• Roy, T. (2000). The Economic History of India, 1857–1947. Oxford University Press.
  (For historical context around the Khadi movement and textile economics)
• Sinha, M. (2018). Khadi: A Fabric of Indian Independence. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com
  (For insights into the cultural and historical significance of Khadi)
• The Better India. (2019). Why Khadi Is Expensive & Why You Should Still Buy It. https://www.thebetterindia.com
  (For reasons behind the cost of Khadi and its sustainable value)