Why Sizing Handloom Ethnic Wear Is Different
First-time buyers of handloom ethnic wear often make the same mistake: they order by the S/M/L tag and skip the measurements. That works fine for stretch jersey. It does not work for handwoven cotton.
Indian ethnic wear sizing is based on actual measurements in inches rather than standardised Western S/M/L sizing, which is why a ‘size M’ from one Indian brand may differ significantly from another. With handloom pieces specifically — SOL’s kurtha sets, co-ords, and dresses included — the cut tends to be relaxed and non-stretch, so the difference between a comfortable fit and a tight one can be as little as one inch.
The three measurements that matter most are bust, waist, and hips. For bust, wrap the tape around the fullest part, passing over the shoulder blades at the back, keeping the tape parallel to the floor — snug but not compressing, with just enough room to slide one finger underneath. This is the single most important measurement for kurtis, blouses, and most upper-body garments. For waist, measure at the narrowest point of your torso — typically about two inches above your navel — without sucking in your stomach; stand naturally and breathe normally. For hips, wrap the tape around the widest part, usually about 7–9 inches below your waist, with feet together and standing straight.
For co-ord sets specifically, the top and bottom often need to be sized separately. The top follows the bust measurement, while the bottom follows the hips — and if your top and bottom measurements fall in different size ranges, sizing up is usually the safer choice.
One more thing worth knowing before you order: if your measurements fall between two sizes, it is usually better to size up for a more comfortable ethnic wear fit. Handloom cotton does not give the way a knit fabric does, so a slightly roomier fit will always feel better across a long day than one that sits right on the edge.
Understanding SOL’s Handloom Cotton: What You’re Actually Buying
SOL’s pieces are made from natural, cruelty-free handloom cotton — and that description carries specific meaning for how the fabric behaves, both on the body and in the wash.
Hand-spun, hand-woven cotton fabric has an added value of being cooler, softer, and more absorbent — it breathes better than machine-made cotton fabric and has a textural beauty and visible character not present in machine-made fabric. Authentic handloom fabric often has minor irregularities in the weave that show these fabrics are hand-woven by artisans — slight variation in thread density, a texture that feels alive rather than uniform. These are not defects. They are the signature of the craft.
Handloom fabrics like cotton are excellent for summers and humid weather — soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool throughout the day. For the Indian climate across most of the year, this is a practical advantage that synthetic or mill-spun alternatives simply cannot match.
Buyers should also be aware of shrinkage. To ensure uniform dye penetration and to remove dust particles, cotton yarn and then fabric is washed several times during production — depending on this, shrinkage can range from 10–12% for fabrics. In practice, this means a garment may lose a small amount of length and width after its first wash. The solution is straightforward: follow the cold-water care instructions (covered in the next section), and if you are between sizes, go up rather than down.
SOL’s handloom cotton dresses and shirts are made using zero-waste practices and natural dyes, which means the colour palette tends toward earthy, muted tones — indigo, terracotta, natural white, sage. These natural pigments are beautiful but do require a little more care than synthetic dyes to stay vibrant, particularly in the first few washes.
Fabric Care: What to Do (and What to Skip)
The most common reason handloom cotton loses its character early is not wear — it is washing. A few adjustments to your laundry routine will keep SOL pieces looking and feeling their best for years rather than seasons.
First wash: For new cotton handloom fabrics, soak them in saltwater for about 15–20 minutes to lock in colours and prevent bleeding during future washes. This is especially worth doing with darker shades like indigo or deep terracotta. Always wash handloom pieces separately the first time, as natural dyes and yarns may release excess colour initially.
Ongoing washing: Cotton and handloom clothes should always be washed with care — for best results, hand wash using normal or cold water; if you prefer machine washing, choose a gentle or delicate cycle. Avoid washing these clothes with heavy garments like jeans or jackets, as rough fabrics can damage the weave. Strong detergents can be harsh on natural fabrics, causing fading, stiffness, or damage to the fibres over time — always use a mild detergent to keep the fabric soft and comfortable.
Drying: Direct sunlight can make colours fade faster, especially in handloom fabrics — dry cotton and handloom clothes in the shade, and turn the garment inside out before drying to protect the outer surface and prints. Whether cotton, silk, or wool, avoid twisting your handloom fabrics to wring out water. Press gently instead.
Ironing: Cotton and handloom clothes usually need ironing, but use the right heat level — iron on medium heat, preferably when slightly damp, and avoid placing the iron directly on embroidery or printed areas.
Stains: Instead of bleach or harsh stain removers, treat stains gently — wash stained areas immediately using mild detergent and water, as harsh chemicals can permanently damage cotton and handloom fabrics.
How often to wash: Frequent washing is not always necessary — washing cotton outfits after 1–2 wears is usually sufficient unless exposed to heavy sweat or dirt, as over-washing can reduce fabric lifespan. Between wears, you do not have to wash handlooms after every use — sometimes they only need a breath of fresh air; after wearing, hang the fabric in a shaded, airy spot for a few hours to let it breathe.
Styling SOL Ethnic Wear: Practical Starting Points
Handloom cotton has a quiet, grounded quality that makes it easier to style than most people expect. The texture does the work — you do not need to layer on accessories or chase trends to look intentional.
Kurtha sets: SOL’s kurtha sets are designed as complete looks, but the pieces separate well too. A kurtha worn over straight-cut trousers or slim palazzos works for office days; the same piece belted loosely over leggings reads more casual. For festive occasions, keep the set together and add one metal accessory — a pair of jhumkas or a simple oxidised bangle is enough against the texture of handloom cotton.
Co-ord sets: For co-ord sets and flowy silhouettes, waist and hip measurements are more important than bust — these styles usually have more ease and a relaxed drape. That ease is also what makes them so wearable. Wear the set as intended for a clean, complete look; or mix the top with a different bottom in a complementary solid colour. Natural cotton co-ords in earthy tones tend to pair well with kolhapuris, block-printed dupattas, or woven jute bags without looking overdone.
Dresses: A-line or shift-cut handloom cotton dresses work across a wide range of occasions — from a casual Sunday market to a semi-formal lunch. Consider seasonality: opt for darker prints in monsoon to hide stains, light pastels in summer to reflect heat, and rich tones in winter. For evenings, a thin cotton stole in a contrasting weave adds structure without weight.
Shirts: SOL’s handloom shirts are among the most versatile pieces in the range. Tucked into a high-waisted skirt or palazzos, they read ethnic; left untucked over slim jeans, they sit comfortably in the fusion space. The natural texture of handloom cotton means even a plain shirt in an undyed or lightly dyed fabric has enough visual interest to stand alone.
And a general note on colour: in 2026, Indian ethnic wear is driven by a shift toward daily comfort, sustainable fabrics, and versatile styles that move from office to occasion without effort. SOL’s palette — rooted in natural dyes and regional craft traditions — fits that direction well. These are not pieces you buy for a single occasion and store. They are made to be worn, washed, and worn again.