Yes, it’s official! Batik is back and it’s no exaggeration to say that the pattern is one of the biggest trends in summer counts. Stella McCartney, Chloé, Paco Rabanne, Christian Dior or Proenza Schouler: they all showed the pattern on the catwalks – and for good reason. The brightly colored dresses were already a fashionable expression for freedom and peace against conservative governments in the late 1960s, which makes them relevant again today.
Batik also stands for handicraft, creativity and individuality – everything that designers want to stand up for in times of fast fashion and disposable fashion. Childhood memories come up: Back then, T-shirts were lovingly handcrafted and then proudly displayed. The trend should convey these feelings again. Only the look has become more modern, the colors are less bright and shrill – and the materials also give the batik trend a fashionable update.
The batik shirt is getting competition
In addition to batik shirts and tops, the designers now also dip dresses , skirts, jeans, overalls or bags in the trendy tie-dye pattern. New here: thanks to the restrained color combinations, the looks do not exude a beach feeling. They look cool and casual – such as the denim overalls by Stella McCartney. Or the boxy, short jacket with matching pencil skirt by Cristiano Burani.
How to style batik now
For the office-suitable batik look, it is advisable to avoid bright colors and to combine neutral, muted colors into a batik part. Those who still find the look too “hippie” can rely on large versions of the pattern. Particularly popular: batiks in wide color gradients in pastel colors.
There is also a lot of variety in the materials and the stylish pattern is no longer only available in the cotton version. Batik blouses made of silk or velvet make the look classy in no time at all and do not allow any hippie associations to arise. Only the mix with other dominant patterns should be avoided better and in the office you should use classic combination pieces such as turtlenecks, blazers or suit pants.
Batik looks in everyday life
In leisure time, the looks can be more playful and casual. Eye-catching batik pieces are particularly beautiful when combined with jeans . They calm the look and exude the necessary touch of California beach feeling. Also popular: white denim, for example as a casual culotte , but also a white denim jacket makes an excellent batik shirt!
Batik – simple DIY instructions
Anyone who has now got a taste for it and wants to lend a hand should not hesitate for long. Batik is really fun – and guaranteed unique patterns that no other can wear. And it’s not just clothing that can be designed so individually – tablecloths or pillow cases are also given a unique look.
What you need for batik
- a garment or textile of choice
- Adhesive tape or parcel cord
- Textile paint plus fixing salt (e.g. textile color from Simplicol plus fixer)
- a bucket with about 5 liters capacity
- Disposable gloves
Batik – how it works
Screw in the textile to be dyed and wrap with masking tape or parcel cord as desired until an elongated parcel is formed. The covered areas later remain lighter or completely white. The tighter the tape, the greater the color difference!
Fill the bucket with approx. 4 liters of water (based on the information provided by the paint manufacturer). Add color powder and stir well. Add the glued garment and, if necessary, weigh it down with stones so that it remains covered. It should stay in the bucket for about an hour. The longer it stays in color, the more intense the color.
After the dyeing process, the garment must be placed in the fixer, which can be mixed in the same bucket.
After the fixing bath, remove the tape or package cord from the garment and wash it until the remaining water is clear. Let it dry – and enjoy the unique piece!
Did you know? The dyeing technique, which originates from Indonesia, is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So go on the buckets, get set, go!
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