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Indigo block print is the quiet classic of Indian fashion – deep blue, soft off-white motifs and a handmade texture that looks just as right at the office in Toronto as it does at a family puja in Jaipur. If you want one Indian outfit that works almost everywhere, an indigo kurta set is a smart place to start.
What is indigo block print?
Indigo is one of the oldest natural dyes in the world, and India has been dyeing cloth with it for centuries. In Rajasthan, artisans combine indigo with hand block printing – carving motifs into wooden blocks and pressing them onto fabric by hand, one impression at a time.
There are two common ways the light motifs on an indigo fabric are created:
| Technique | How it works | What it looks like | |---|---|---| | Resist (dabu) | A mud paste is block printed onto the fabric before dyeing, so those areas resist the dye | Soft, slightly cracked motifs with a hand-drawn feel | | Discharge print | The fabric is dyed first, then a block prints a paste that lifts colour from the motif areas | Crisp light motifs on a deep blue base | | Direct print | Coloured dye is printed straight onto the fabric | Sharper edges, any colour on any base |
Because every impression is made by hand, no two pieces are exactly alike. Tiny shifts in alignment or depth of colour are a sign of the real thing, not a flaw.
Why indigo works so well abroad
- It is versatile. Navy and indigo sit easily with Western wardrobes – denim, camel coats, white sneakers, leather bags.
- It is office-friendly. Deep blue reads polished and calm, so an indigo kurta set works for a client meeting as well as a Diwali lunch.
- It flatters most skin tones. From fair to deep, indigo tends to brighten the face rather than wash it out.
- It photographs well. The contrast of blue and off-white looks crisp in both daylight and indoor photos.
Meet our indigo kota doria set
Our indigo hand block print kota doria kurta set is one of our most-loved designs. The kurta is pure kota doria – a featherlight handloom fabric from Rajasthan with a fine checked weave – printed by hand with a small floral buti. It has a soft cotton lining so it is not see-through, sheer kota sleeves, a square neckline and side slits.
The pants are cotton with a discharge block print in a leaf motif, and the kota doria dupatta has a block printed border, a fine zari edge and tassels. Three different prints that sit together in one family of blue – that layered look is what makes it feel special.
How to style an indigo kurta set
For the office: skip the dupatta, add a structured tote, small silver studs and loafers or juttis.
For a puja or festive lunch: drape the dupatta on both shoulders, add oxidised silver jhumkas and a potli bag.
For brunch or a day out: wear the dupatta loosely on one shoulder with flat sandals and sunglasses.
For winter abroad: a camel, white or grey long coat over indigo looks beautiful, with ankle boots or closed juttis.
| Occasion | Jewellery | Shoes | Dupatta | |---|---|---|---| | Office | Small silver studs | Loafers or juttis | Skip or scarf style | | Puja | Oxidised jhumkas | Leather juttis | Both shoulders | | Brunch | Silver hoops | Flat sandals | One shoulder | | Winter outing | Statement ring | Ankle boots | Folded under the coat |
Love blue? Our navy blue kota doria embroidered set is a dressier option for evening events. Explore more of our hand block print kurta sets.
How to care for indigo block print
- Wash separately in cold water for the first few washes – natural indigo can release a little colour.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach.
- Never wring kota doria; press water out gently and dry in shade.
- Iron on low heat from the reverse side.
- Over time indigo softens and fades gently, which many people love – it gains character with every wear.
Getting the right fit
Kota doria has no stretch, so the right size matters. Use your bust, waist and hip measurements – our guide on how to measure yourself takes two minutes. Between sizes? We stitch to your exact measurements with our free custom fit.
Frequently asked questions
Does indigo block print bleed? Indigo can release a little colour in the first few washes. Wash it separately in cold water and it settles over time.
Is kota doria see-through? Kota doria is light and slightly sheer, so our kurta has a cotton lining in the body. The sleeves are left sheer.
Can I wear an indigo kurta set to the office? Yes. Deep blue looks polished and professional. Skip the dupatta or wear it scarf-style for a cleaner look.
What is the difference between dabu and discharge print? Dabu uses a mud paste to resist the dye before dyeing. Discharge printing removes colour from a dyed fabric to create the light motifs.
Have a question about size or styling? WhatsApp us and a real person from our Jaipur team will help.
