Madder Root Shirt – Naturally Dyed with Madder & Indigo
 
The Madder Root Shirt is a timeless blend of Ajrakh heritage and natural dye artistry, created using madder and indigo to achieve its rich red and deep blue tones. Crafted from certified organic Fairtrade cotton, this piece embodies traditional craftsmanship, sustainability, and effortless wearability.
The fabric is block-printed using multiple interlocking wooden blocks, ensuring a seamless, intricate pattern. The deep red hue comes from madder root, an ancient plant-based dye known for its warm, earthy vibrance, while indigo adds contrasting details. The fabric is then washed, boiled, and dried in the sun, setting the colour naturally.
 
The Art of Ajrakh Printing
Ajrakh printing is a 4,000-year-old textile tradition, originating in the Indus Valley Civilization and perfected by artisans in Kutch, Gujarat, and Sindh. This intricate craft involves:
Hand-carved wooden blocks, each responsible for a different layer of the pattern.
Resist printing, which preserves lighter areas before dyeing.
Multiple dye baths, where natural colours develop slowly through time-honoured processes.
A design like this requires three precisely interlocking blocks, ensuring the seamless alignment of motifs. The fabric is printed first and then dyed in natural madder baths, deepening its vibrant hues.
 
Thoughtfully Made, From Seed to Shirt
From selecting organic, non-GMO cotton to working with our master Ajrakh printers in Kutch, we oversee every step. The fabric is hand-printed and naturally dyed before being tailored, and then crafted in a small workshop where attention to detail and comfort come first. Each shirt is finished with handmade coconut buttons, reinforcing its organic aesthetic.
 
Why Choose the Madder Root Shirt?
Sustainable Materials: Made with organic, Fairtrade-certified cotton that is soft, breathable, and ethically sourced.
Heritage Craftsmanship: Block-printed and naturally dyed by Ajrakh artisans using time-honoured techniques.
Interlocking Block Technique: Achieved using three separate hand-carved wooden blocks, each layering a different element of the design.
Natural Dyes: Features madder root for deep red tones and indigo for intricate contrast, all derived from natural sources.
Handmade Coconut Buttons: Thoughtfully finished with natural coconut buttons, adding to its organic aesthetic.
Chemical-Free and GMO-Free: Free from synthetic dyes and genetically modified cotton.
Holistic Production: Thoughtfully crafted from seed to shirt, respecting both people and the planet.
 
A Special Note on the Design
The Madder Root Shirt showcases a classic Ajrakh pattern, created using three interlocking blocks for a highly detailed, layered effect. The madder red base, deep indigo contrasts, and naturally preserved resist-print details create a rich, earthy aesthetic that evolves beautifully over time.
Designed for versatile styling, this long-sleeve version has a straight-cut hem, casual collar, and an offset top button, ensuring both comfort and effortless elegance.
 
Sizing Information
Our shirts are designed with a relaxed fit for comfort and breathability. If you prefer a more fitted look, we recommend sizing down.
 
Chest Measurements:
Small: 42 inches
Medium: 44 inches
Large: 46 inches
XL: 48 inches
XXL: 50 inches
 
For the best fit, measure one of your own shirts at the widest point under the arms.
 
Wearing the Madder Root Shirt is about embracing the richness of handcrafted textiles, the purity of natural dyes, and the timeless appeal of Ajrakh craftsmanship.