Trend Alert: Batik Fashion

One of the Batik styles in Free People

Looking in the summer 2013 issue of the Free People catalog, I couldn’t help but notice a recurring theme (two, if you count the fact that all the models make the same face). Batik fabrics (pronounced buh-TEEK) seem to be a hot trend, and for a good reason. These beautiful, hand-dyed fabrics aren’t typically what you’d see in a super-trendy "younger" fashion catalog, but Free People has always showcased items with a bohemiam flare .

When I think Batik, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a swimsuit coverup, or one of the stores that sell them (I can think of quite a few here on Cape Cod), but I did a little research and found it was a whole lot more than just a pattern on a dress or shirt or skirt to wear on a beach day.

The process of designing the pattern

To really appreciate the inspired pieces see on the racks, here's some reference material:  Batik fabrics are hand-dyed and artfully hand-designed using a wax resist dyeing process. It originated in the Far East/Middle East, especially in countries like India, Malaysia, and Ukraine, and is still very prevalent in those places, today. Real Batik is hand-dyed and the amount of work that goes into the process is astounding.

Hand-printed batik shirt, Very Vineyard
$15 Wicked Thrift Cape Cod, 
West Yarmouth location (Shirt A)
Made in Indonesia! Beautiful batik button down shirt. 
Brown trim around the neckline, bottom, and sleeves. 
Flowy and comfortable. Intricate paisley-type pattern; swirly and gorgeous!

The steps involve dyeing a fabric, designing or stamping a pattern on it with hot wax, then dyeing the fabric again in a different colour. The wax works as a dye resist, because when the fabric is boiled (yes, boiled!), the wax melts away and the stamped pattern can then be seen. Not only is it an extremely difficult process, but it’s also incredibly time consuming. Originating in Java, this dye process is a favourite all over the world, especially in the Pacific islands and the Far East.

Recently, this type of fabric has been popping up all over high-fashion runways and magazines. It's a hot trend, especially for the hot days of summer,  and Wicked Thrift has a few Batik pieces to share with you in our store, this season.

Batik wrap dress, $12, Wicked Thrift Cape Cod
 Long, beautiful wrap dress! Zig-zag line pattern, w/sequins 
& bead accents.Perfect for a beach cover up!

These prints and patterns are a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe, whether you're headed to the beach or a fancy island resort.  Handmade fashion, like those made with Batik fabrics, are not only high style, but the amount of work that goes into every authentic piece makes it impossible not to appreciate how special it is.  The next time you’re out shopping, be sure to keep an eye out for these gorgeous prints, and don’t forget to stop into Wicked Thrift to see what styles we may have on the rack for you!

Batik Top, Reds Threads, $10, 
Wicked Thrift Cape Cod, 
 Way cool purple on purple button down tunic top! 
Breezy, beachy, and comfortable! 
Hand dyed vine pattern, gauzy and soft.