Crisp & Light Madras
Summer in Arizona can be hot, hot, hot. If you’re looking for something to wear that will not only keep you cool, but will look cool, try a youthful, preppy classic such as madras shorts or a skirt. With a skimpy t shirt and a pair of sandals, you’re good to go pretty much anywhere. This colorful, often loud plaid may not be recommended as office wear, (maybe for dress down Fridays). This is energetic, fun weekend attire and perfect for the blazing heat of the Arizona desert. So..What is Madras?? Usually referred to in the USA as a type of plaid, Madras is actually a lightweight cotton fabric that may be woven into plaid or sometimes jacquard prints. A very plain weave is used so the fabric is smooth and light to the touch. The yarns can be cotton, rayon or sometimes silk.
The actual fabric is manufactured in Chennai, India (formerly known as Madras). By law, plaid fabric may be called madras only if it has been manufactured in the state of Chennai, India. Because the fabric is thin and lightweight, it’s been used mainly for summer clothing. You can find it used for men’s and women’s clothing, especially sportswear, for example, shirts, jackets, dresses, and even handkerchiefs. These items can be found in the spring collections of stores like The GAP, J. Crew and the mail order catalogue, Land’s End. While visiting India, look for well made garments in the shops at the four star hotels Chennai. Sometimes you can buy the yard goods from a street vendor. Notice that many eastern Indians wear madras plaid garments. Madras plaid can be seen on men and boys throughout India and especially in Chennai. They’ll wear a button down shirt with something called a lungi, a piece of plaid fabric that looks like a wraparound skirt. This lungi can be worn to work and can also be worn on the beach. Wild clashing color combinations are the norm, the louder the better. You will also notice that madras plaid is never worn by women. Their beautiful sarees, each having a unique textile design and color, has never been made in Madras plaid. A word of caution to all who wash their own laundry; It’s ok to use warm water , however, don’t use bleach and be sure to wash dark colors separately. Depending upon your sense of fashion, garments may or may not need ironing.
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