Ikat is one of those fabrics that just feels special. Behind every piece is a crafting story that’s just as rich as the pattern itself.
At Lowie, we’ve worked ikat into a few easy-to-wear favourites, from a classic button-down dress to a relaxed shirt and an effortless skirt.
Here are five things you might not know about this beautifully crafted textile.
1. The pattern comes before the fabric
Ikat is a time-honoured technique where threads are dyed before weaving. Each yarn is carefully bound and hand-dyed in stages, with the pattern thoughtfully planned out in advance - almost like a puzzle waiting to be pieced together on the loom.
It’s a slower, more considered way of making, rooted in traditional craft techniques and real skill. The result? A pattern that feels alive, rather than applied. The Lowie pieces take a sustainable approach that focuses on longevity, quality, and care.
2. The name tells a story
Ikat comes from the Indonesian word mengikat, - meaning “to tie” or “to bind.” It’s a nod to the way each thread is carefully bound before dyeing, forming the foundation of this thoughtful, craft-led technique.
3. Its one of the oldest textile techniques in the world
Ikat has been practised for centuries across different cultures, each bringing its own distinct style and rhythm to the craft. It has long been made in India, where it remains an important part of traditional weaving communities and heritage craft. Our Lowie Ikat fabric has been made into a midi length shirt dress, short seleeved shirt and elastic waist skirt. The fabric was hand made in southern India, in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Evidence of Ikat-like techniques dates back hundreds, even thousands of years, with examples found across Asia, Central America, and Africa. Despite being so widely spread, the core process has remained largely unchanged: a testament to the skill and knowledge passed down through generations.
Today, Ikat continues to connect past and present - preserving traditional craft while finding its place in modern wardrobes.
4. Rooted in natural dyes
Traditionally, ikat was dyed using natural colours derived from plants, roots, and minerals - a more thoughtful and conscious approach to creating fabric. This connection to natural materials adds depth to the colour and reflects a slower, craft-led way of making that values both process and longevity.
5. Theres more than one way to make Ikat
Not all Ikat is created the same. Depending on how it’s made, the technique can vary - from dyeing just the vertical threads (warp Ikat), to the horizontal threads (weft Ikat), or, in the most intricate cases, both.
This final method, known as double Ikat, is the rarest and most complex - requiring incredible precision to align the pattern perfectly during weaving. It’s only produced in a handful of places around the world, including India, Indonesia, and Japan, making it a true mark of craftsmanship.
Historically, finely made Ikat was seen as a symbol of wealth and status, often worn by royalty or used in important ceremonies. In Central Asia, it was even known as “cloud fabric”, named for its soft, flowing patterns that resemble drifting clouds.
Shop our Lowie Ikat dress, shirt and skirt here.
