Linen: Politicians Get Their Fashion Quotient Right With Linen | Pune News

Pune:Demand for linen had jumped north over the last couple of months since it was the favorite fabric for politicians and bureaucrats this election season.Contesting candidates and party workers were topping their fashion game for public appearances with campaigns and phases of voting going on, currently. Fashion designers, who were in charge of designing election looks, said linen was definitely the flavor of the season.Linen was a breathable fabric and highly absorbent, and best suited for the sweltering summer heat that candidates were being subjected to during rallies.Politicians had defined their presence at rallies with their clothes and accessories From tailored bandhgalas to cotton saris — from tailored bandhgalas to cotton saris “Trendy is out for candidates and workers. Most of them are going with a basic kurta-pajama look which will appeal to the common people. Lining is a big favorite. Politicians prefer white, off-whites, pastel shades like light yellow and beige,” said Bangalore-based fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla. Many of his clients were politicians from Bangalore, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Telangana.Fabric and fashion retailer and linen manufacturer Raymond said volumes of linen fabric had increased by over 20% since 2023 end. “Most of the volume growth has been in white linen and cotton-linen blended fabric. We believe that some of the growth in demand is election-linked. There has been an increase in demand for linen kurta-pajama sets and outlets are doing good secondary sales,” said Vikram Mahaldar, chief business officer, Suiting and Shirting, Raymond.The increase in demand for linen came at a time when prices of linen had increased by around 50% over the last year or so. “Linen is imported from China and Europe, and the global shortage has led to an increase in prices,” said Dindigul-based M Prabu, founder and ED, Balavigna Weaving Mills, which supplied to local players like Ramraj Cotton and MCR. The price of linen fabric depended on the blend and thread count.Designers said most candidates opted for a mid-range linen or linen-blend fabric for public appearances. Mumbai-based Madhav Agasti was one of the most sought-after tailor and designer for India’s top politicians. “Linen and even Khadi are being worn by most politicians this year. We have designed kurta-pyjamas and linen jackets in light colours,” he said. Many candidates were also opting for Khadi jackets and kurtas. A senior official from Khadi and Village Industries Commission said that there was a 15% year-on-year pan-India surge in purchase of Khadi.Women candidates preferred handloom saris and weaves made by local artisans. In a candid chat with TOI, NCP’s Supriya Sule had said she wore saris bought from local weavers in different parts of the country.