The Shopping List No. 23: Block Print Summer

Block prints hold a place of pride in India as it’s an ancient craft of dyeing and coloring fabric using wooden blocks. Block print fabric is a work of art that is created through a complex process. 

The blocks are made using wood and are hand carved in a variety of intricate designs. They are then soaked in oil for 10-15 days to soften the timber before the printing begins. Once the blocks are ready, they’re dipped in the color and then pressed on the fabric, including cotton, gauze and silk. This process is repeated over and over until the length of the fabric is complete. The fabrics are then left to dry in the sun and then steamed, washed, and dried in the sun before the garment is made.

Like many beautiful pieces that are perfected by craftsmen, modern labels try to replicate the look on the cheap which diminishes the specialty and beauty of the pieces. Once again, this is why buying vintage is so special. It not only supports the history of the craft, but you’re acquiring a truly unique piece. Because of this, Indian block prints garments tend to be pricier but they are worth it, in my opinion. THey are so beautiful in person, feel comfortable throughout the year – especially summer, and are timeless pieces you’ll reach for over and over again. 

My curated finds:

• Vtg 70s India Block Print Dress Angel Sleeve Indian Floral Gauze Festival Maxi, $315
• Vintage 70s Indian Top Blouse Sheer Cotton Gauze Floral Block Print Boho Hippie, $225
• Vintage 1970s Sheer Cotton Gauze Indian Blue Block Print Hippie Boho Dress, $174
• Vintage 1970’s India Block Print Wrap Skirt ,Boho Hippie Wrap Skirt, Reinforced Slit at Waist, $36
• 70’s HIPPIE BOHO BLOCK PRINT INDIAN COTTON DRESS SZ S, $99
• Vintage Indian Wood Block Print Hand Printed Tablecloth Linens, $85 
• Vintage 70’s India Gauze Block Print Cotton Indian Skirt Boho Festival Womens, $48
• Vintage 70s Indian Gold Floral Block Print Dress Kaiser India Gauze Midi, $189
• VINTAGE BLOCK PRINT INDIAN CRINKLE COTTON GAUZE MAXI SKIRT DRAWSTRING WAIST, $22
• 90s Boho Red Indian Block Print Tunic Top, $44
• Vtg 70s ADINI Indian Cotton Gauze Block Print Midi Dress, $245
• Vtg 70’s Block Print Indian Dress Red Floral Design Cotton Sleeveless sz S, $130
• Vintage 70s Indian Top Blouse Sheer Cotton Gauze Floral Block Print, $159
• Vintage 1960s Indian Block Print Maxi Dress Halter Style Hot Pink, $75
• Vtg 70s Indian Dress Midi Dress, $429