Natural dye
Arecanut
Earthy brown
Source Areca nut Extract
Care This fabric is coloured entirely with arecanut dye, a plant-based pigment with no chemical fixatives — so a little extra care goes a long way in keeping its beauty intact. Hand wash separately in cold water using a mild, pH-neutral detergent, especially for the first few washes, as natural dyes may release a small amount of colour. Avoid soaking for long periods or using harsh detergents, bleach, or hot water, as these can fade the tone over time. Dry in shade rather than direct sunlight to preserve the depth of the brown hues, and iron on a low setting while the fabric is slightly damp. With gentle care, this fabric only grows softer and more beautiful with time — every wash is part of its story, not a sign of wear.
The process
This fabric comes from Sagara, a small town in Shimoga surrounded by areca nut farms. The dye used to color the yarn is made from chogaru, a natural liquid left over after processing areca nuts. Instead of throwing it away, artisans at Desi Trust use it to dye cotton yarn by hand, giving it warm brown and chocolate shades. The dyed yarn is then woven into fabric on traditional handlooms by women artisans in the region. No chemical dyes are used in this process. Every meter of this fabric supports rural livelihoods and turns farm waste into something beautiful and wearable. It's a simple example of sustainable fashion done the traditional way.