Neel Kasavu - Hand Tie-Dyed Organic Indigo Shirt

Neelam takes its name from the Malayalam word for indigo, the dye that gives this shirt its depth. Woven from pure cotton by the Chirakkal weaving society in Kannur, the fabric is dyed entirely by hand using organic indigo, a process that leaves each piece with its own quiet variation in tone.

The tie-dye clusters scattered across the sleeves and hem are made using the traditional hand-tie method, where sections of cloth are bound before dyeing to resist the indigo and leave behind these constellation-like patterns. No two shirts come out exactly alike.

At the back, a single line of hand-worked cross stitches runs down the spine, a quiet detail that speaks to the hours of handwork behind the garment rather than announcing itself loudly. Finished with an olive contrast trim at the cuffs and hem, and a woven placket tape in the collar.

This is not a shirt made in a day. It is woven, dyed, tied, and stitched by hand across several stages, by artisans who have worked this craft for generations in Kannur.

• 100% pure cotton, handwoven by the Chirakkal weaving society, Kannur
• Dyed entirely with organic indigo
• Hand-tie dye technique, pattern varies slightly on every piece
• Hand cross-stitch detail along the back yoke seam
• Contrast olive trim on cuffs and hem
• Short sleeve, classic collar, button-front