Clothes- musings from the 80- 90s

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Why do we wear clothes?

Yes, a very silly question to ask!

The first reason in history was to protect yourself from adverse weather and climatic conditions. So we draped ourselves in block printed cottons and silks to save ourselves from the harsh sun and allow the air to cool you off, through those filters of layers. I always remember the image of Neel- Aal (indigo- madder dyed cloth in the Indus Valley Civilization) that Shri Rajeev Sethi evokes in every presentation that he made; for the cause of saving the traditional textiles of the country.

One doesn't know how it happened, but it must have been the saddest time in history- when clothes became to be associated with izzat or honor and therefore lajja or shame. It was the time, when we became us and them, and the boundaries only went on to fortify themselves. Since then, so much of energy has just been spent on creating new ways of izzat through clothing, and more energy spent on maintaining that izzat. 
It must have been very important for both men and women to condition themselves and keep a certain part of their brains occupied, only for this purpose.

In my very large family, so many have earned their livelihood (and a lot of money), through the powerloom imdustry. Obviously, it was OK to shift to newer materials like polyester, chiffon and other mixed synthetic materials. Cotton and Silk became expensive and occasional- clothing. (A silk dress cost anything from 3- 5k, and was only meant for weddings and other big occasions).

Cotton sarees and dresses required starch (remaining water in which rice is cooked) and elaborate processes. (Revive starch powder, introduced by Marico industries was a huge time saver, but was not as good as rice starch). While rice starch spread evenly and subtly over the fabric, Revive was very stiffening and would leave white patched across. Major discussions centred around the amount and process amongst the women folk in my vicinity.

Cotton is best suited for the summers. While the women folk wore synthetic sarees, the men turned to so many variables of cotton shirts, each better than before. The starched cotton shirts, with the new post-liberalization era money, exuded such an aura about those uncles, who had also worn their share of synthetic and polyester shirts. Cotton shirts, and therefore, the uncles, were both cool and hot at the same time.

What are your memories about those days? Let 

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