Balinese Robes

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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - What are traditional methods for making handmade robes?

Traditional methods of hand crafting robes vary by region, culture, and historical context. Two common techniques that allow artisans to create luxurious, wearable, highly-detailed robes are hand-painting and hand-stitching. In Bali, where the practice of making robes by hand has been passed down for generations, the traditional method of batik is a signature style. The Batik Tulis, for example, is a technique that utilizes wax-resistant dye that is then applied directly to the cloth. It is an intricate, patient process that can produce extraordinarily detailed pieces. Batik Cap is another classic technique where a copper stamp is repeatedly pressed with the wax-resistant dye onto the cloth. This process creates patterns on the garment that are then dip-dyed to saturate color into the unwaxed parts of the robe. Both batik techniques produce unique pieces that represent the incredible talent of our artisans in Bali.

+ - What are the most popular designs for handmade robes?

Each region puts its signature mark on its handmade robes. In Thailand, for example, designs featuring geometric patterns and labyrinth motifs are trending. These patterns are hand-woven to create a ruched texture that highlights the intricacy of each garment. From Bali to Java, our artisans have seen their batik motifs become customer favorites. These wearable canvases feature both hand-painted and hand-printed designs, making for vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow for artisans and customers to showcase their individuality.

+ - What robes are most comfortable?

The fit, feel, and fabric of a robe should transport you to a place of rest and relaxation. Novicas handmade robes exude comfort, because artisans attend to every detail with painstaking care. Robes made from silk, cotton, or rayon can provide high levels of comfort and versatility. One should look for breathability, absorbency, and versatility when purchasing a robe. Additionally, hypoallergenic fibers, like cotton, can provide comfort to those with sensitive skin. Whether one is looking for a lightweight fabric or a lavishly-woven robe, every handmade piece from Novica artisans brings an expressive twist to new styles and a fresh take on the classics.

+ - How do I care for my handmade robe?

Handmade robes are fine, delicate pieces. These garments require a bit more care when it comes to laundering. Hand-washing in cold water always produces the best results. For machine wash, one can use cold water and the delicate cycle. Avoid twisting or harshly handling the fabric, and never use intense heat settings while drying the robe. Air drying while the fibers are laid flat will help to prevent excessive wear on the fabric, as well as preserve the vibrancy of the robes colors. Always dry a batik or hand-painted robe in the shade.

+ - What is the historical background behind traditional robes?

The journey of the traditional robe throughout history is meandering and culturally specific. Here are just a few of the important stops along the way. In Japan, kimonos are an adaptable garment that have been a staple of cultural fashion since the Heian period. The robes from Bali are influenced by the classic Japanese kimono and yukata. The kimono is crafted with silk and worn over many layers in the winter while the yukata is a summer garment made with a single layer of cotton. Both of these styles reflect the artisans' take on a traditional style. In prehistoric Rome, robes were used to identify social status and to signify special ranks within communities. And by the 1700s, dressing gowns were a fashionable piece in the western wardrobe.

+ - What are the most popular materials for making robes?

The most popular materials for crafting handmade robes are natural fibers such as silk and cotton. Because silk is a light-weight, water-resistant fiber, it provides the wearer a sense of luxury and comfort. Rayon is a natural-based material made up of an organic compound derived from cotton extract or wood pulp. This fiber is extremely durable, breathable, and cost effective. Cotton is celebrated for its comfortability and elasticity, and it provides excellent insulation. These fibers make for garments that exude luxury and relaxation.

Featured Reviews

Hand-stamped batik rayon robe, 'Spiritual Center'

Nancy

Sep 24, 2024

Lovely robe

The colors are soft and muted, making this robe ideal to keep things mellow. I am going on vacation in November to a tropical area and think this item of clothing will fit right in! It is very well made.

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Rayon batik robe, 'Daylight Eden'

Estella

May 15, 2019

Even Prettier Than Expected

I really did not expect it to be such a nice piece of art. It is very comfortable. It came in a batik package that is another piece of art. It is kind of exciting tracking its arrival from another country (some would call it deferred gratification. The thank you note from the artist also included how to say some phrases in her language. The only suggestion I have is I wish it included how to take care of the robe so I don't have to look it up.

A Nice Morning Robes!!

Best Friend Gifts!!

Extra Long Robe

Long Summer Robes

Women's batik robe, 'Turquoise Ocean'

Zeljka

Oct 23, 2017

Comfortable Elegance

The robe is so comfortable - it's the first thing I put on each morning and I feel hugged. The design is unique and playful, yet the colours are somewhat subdued, so it is an eye catcher with its style and elegance rather than screaming colours. This is the second robe I got from the same artisan (the other is the Misty Javanese Forest) and probably not the last one. Love them both!

Colorful Patterns

Comfy Robe For Pool

Cute House Coat!

Gorgeous. Unusual. Quality. Dramatic.

Featured Artist

Desak Nyoman Parwati Batik robes and decor accents

(679)

"I have built my career step by step. I started by asking my neighbors to come to my place to look at my collection...."

Update, Jan. 2021“My name is Desak Nyoman Parwati, and I was born in Gianyar, Bali, in 1972. I like singing, sports and organizing. People say I am a... read more

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