What is Kalamkari fashion? Which garments use Kalamkari prints and how is it trending?

Kalamkari is a traditional hand-painted or block-printed fabric from Andhra Pradesh (Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam) — with mythological, floral, and figurative motifs rendered in natural or chemical dyes.

Two traditions:

• Srikalahasti style: Entirely hand-drawn using a kalam (pen) — intricate freehand work, primarily mythological scenes
• Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) style: Block-printed Kalamkari — more geometric and floral, faster production

Kalamkari in wholesale garments:

• Kalamkari cotton sarees — ₹400–₹1,500 (authentic), ₹200–₹600 (digital print imitation)
• Kalamkari kurti — ₹280–₹700
• Kalamkari dupatta — ₹200–₹600
• Kalamkari print fabric by meter — ₹100–₹350

Trend status 2026: Growing steadily — benefits from the broader artisan/heritage fashion movement. Digital print Kalamkari is mainstream in Surat catalog wholesale; authentic hand-drawn Kalamkari from Srikalahasti is a premium niche.