Indian silk: the quality of Oriental silk in typical Indian clothing

La seta indiana: la qualità della seta d'Oriente negli indumenti tipici dell'India
Indian silk, the gold of the Orient Indian silk is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. The history of this fabric is very ancient. Although silk processing was practiced in China since 3000 BC, the birth of silkworm farming is due to the Chinese empress Xi Ling Shi. Initially the silk robes were reserved for Chinese emperors, but soon became part of the wardrobe of the wealthiest social class. In a short time silk became a real luxury item, a symbol of well-being thanks to its beauty and lightness. The increasing demand for silk garments made this fiber one of the most important commodities for international trade, so much so as to achieve the industrialization of its production. The effort of the Chinese emperors to keep the practice of sericulture secret was in vain. Indeed, Chinese breeders began to move across the East, particularly between Korea, Japan and India. Thanks to the Silk Road, the precious fabric arrives in Europe. Although the Roman Empire knew and appreciated silk, sericulture began around 550 with the Byzantine Empire. Some legends tell of some monks under the orders of the Emperor Justinian who hid the eggs of the silkworms in the cables of some reeds thus bringing them for the first time to Constantinople. Many are the fabrics that are obtained from silk: taffeta, georgette, chiffon, organza, satin, lampas, brocatelle, velvet, damask, brocade, crepe, filaticcio and ermisino. Even today Indian silk is used to make the typical garments of the country. The most common female garment is the sari, a long band of fabric that ends with a decorated flap. It can be cotton, synthetic, silk or brocade. It can also present floral prints, geometric designs or be plain or hand-embroidered. Transparent and light saris are widespread in the Bengal region, but heavy saris also exist. Usually the sari is worn with the choli, a fitted bodice with short sleeves, and a starched cotton underskirt to fix the traditional seven folds with a practical safety pin. The sari varies according to the financial availability. Men, on the other hand, usually wear a light canvas shirt over the trousers or on the dhoti, a cotton cloth that is passed between the legs and then wrapped around the hips. Turbans vary according to different traditions. Therefore, Indian silk continues to be used to make the very elegant tunics and other garments of the tradition and culture of India. (Foto tratta da https://giorgiaboitano.com/)