The Silk Road Wardrobe: How to Wear Ikat and Adras Today

Long before they appeared on international runways, ikat silks were woven by hand in the Fergana Valley. Today they are one of the most exciting ways to bring heritage into a modern wardrobe.

What are ikat, adras and atlas?

Ikat is a resist-dyeing technique: threads are tied and dyed before weaving, which creates the softly blurred patterns. Atlas is pure silk; adras is a silk-cotton blend with more structure. The town of Margilan is famous for its workshops, where you can watch the process.

Five ways to style it now

An ikat jacket over a white tee and straight-leg jeans
A silk ikat skirt with a fine black knit
An adras blazer as the statement in an otherwise neutral outfit
An ikat scarf tied to your bag for a pop of colour
Ikat accessories: earrings, a clutch or a hair scarf

Let the print be the hero: pair it with solid neutrals and simple jewellery.

Buying responsibly

Hand-woven ikat takes days to make. Buy directly from workshops and local designers when you can, and ask about the fabric. Real silk feels cool and has a gentle sheen.

Cover photo: Adras ikat “Doiragul”, by Panpanchik, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

The AZIZANOVA Letter