Fashion Forward (Gingham Print)

Gorgeous Gingham: Rediscover This Classic Print in New-Age

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Sport the sober gingham print this summer in its reinterpreted versions to cut an impression with confidence and flamboyance.

 

BY PRAMITA BOSE


Factoid

Etymologically, the term gingham originates from the Malay word ‘genggang’, which means separate or striped. History has it that the first traces of gingham were found in England in the 17th century, courtesy of the Dutch settlers. From the mid-18th century onwards, gingham manufacturing in Manchester shifted its gears from the erstwhile sober stripes to the more modern and contemporary check designs.

Fabric File

Gingham usually comes in an array of eye-catching cosy fabrics. “For our collection Tea party at Urī, we used breathable fabrics for gingham, ensuring comfort and durability. The gingham print is featured in organic cotton like linen, cotton flax, voile and crushed cotton, all crafted with biodegradable natural fibres that align with our commitment to ethical fashion,” informs designer Mrunalini Rao, also the founder of her clothing brand Urī Living.

Noticeably, gingham is most frequently made from cotton because it is soft, breezy, airy and easy to care for, thereby making it ideal for casual wear and home décor. “However, it can also be found in several other fabrics, depending on the intended use and the desired characteristics of the material. Some of the other materials that gingham is made from consist of cotton blends, linen, silk, flannel, polyester, rayon or viscose. Overall, gingham is adaptable and can be found in a clutch of fabrics to suit diverse styles, seasons and uses,” lists fashion designer Pankaj Soni.

Women’s Wardrobe

Gingham’s versatility allows it to be crafted into a slew of silhouettes. Tiered dresses with balloon sleeves, strappy dresses, oversized shirts, shirt dresses, fit-and-flare dresses with ruched sleeves and reversible jackets are options galore to explore gingham to the hilt. This provides an effortless style with a lightweight, spirited, bouncy and yet a refined touch.

Gingham is a flexible pattern and its dynamism can be used to fashion a vast range of outfits for women, offering them an aesthetic choice. A few popular options are gingham dresses, tops, skirts, pants and shorts, jumpsuits and rompers, accessories, outerwear, gingham shoes and so on.

Route to Europe and Asia

Gingham was formerly referred to as striped fabrics traded from Southeast Asia to Europe in the 17th century. Over time, European weavers started making their own versions, thus turning the stripes into the chequered pattern that we now know as gingham.

“India has also had a long history of weaving fabrics with checks and stripes, similar to gingham. While the classic gingham pattern became popular through European adaptation, its roots can be linked to various global textile traditions,” claims Rao, talking us through its history.

Ageless Appeal

Gingham is still relevant in today’s times and its continued rage in 2025 can be attributed to several factors, namely its “ageless influence, tempting-yet-sophisticated quality, fashion resurgence, sustainability and cushy traits, era-defying trendiness, social media impact, seamless nature to mingle and match, etc.,” sums up Soni.

“We just completed the first quarter of this century and gingham’s superhit charisma is intact even in the current year as a time-honoured asset. It is a perfect fit for every wearable canvas, varying from easygoing summer dresses to stylish, funky outfits. It works for every season, any given reason and never really goes out of style!” raves Rao.

Evolution of Gingham

From its plain inception, gingham stood the test of times and slowly but steadily, metamorphosed into a fashion fad. Its mutable character makes it a real precious gem with an old-world magnetism yet unforgettably a prized possession of the upmarket swish set.

“Over the years, it has been accepted and embraced in fashion arenas bigtime, especially in Europe, where its chequered pattern became a symbol of casual elegance. Today, gingham is an in-thing with much chutzpah and is celebrated for its grace, purity and reinvented look,” wraps up Rao.

Salad Days to Fashion Diktat

Gingham’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent fashion statement is a fascinating tale of evolution, adaptability and cultural influence. How it made its way into the world of high fashion is determined by a clutch of factors. Take a look below:

Origin as a Practical Fabric

The name “gingham” is derived from the Malay word “genggang”, meaning “stripes” or “checked.” The fabric was simple, affordable and easy to produce, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Adoption in European Fashion

Gingham began to emerge in Western fashion during the 18th and 19th centuries as it was embraced for its practicality, affordability and versatility. By the Victorian era, it became a favourite choice for children’s clothing owing to its soft, breathable nature as well as its ability to withstand frequent washing.

However, it wasn’t until the 20th century during the rise of American casual wear that gingham truly gained traction as a fashion statement.

Hollywood Influence and the 1950s

The turning point for gingham came in the 1950s when it became a symbol of American chic. One of the key moments in this transformation occurred when Audrey Hepburn wore a gingham dress in the iconic film Funny Face (1957). Hepburn’s effortless elegance and the stylish simplicity of the gingham dress helped cement the fabric as a fashionable choice for women.

Gingham in High Fashion

Over the years, designers began experimenting with gingham on the runway. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was used in mod fashion and bohemian styles, adding an element of youthfulness and rebellion to the pattern. Designers like Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent incorporated gingham into their collections, elevating the fabric from a humble, utilitarian textile to a high-fashion statement.

Gingham continued to have moments in the spotlight through the 1980s and 1990s, often used by designers like Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier, who gave it a more sophisticated, modern spin.

Modern Revival

In the 2000s and ahead, gingham saw a fashion revival, especially in the 2010s and continues the curve in 2020s too, as part of the vintage-inspired trend that at first sight seems to be frozen in time like those long lost moments permanently etched in one’s sepia-tinted memories. It’s become a regular feature in runway shows, street style and celebrity fashion, with many high-fashion brands, including Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Dior bringing gingham back into the fold, often paired with modern cuts and bold colours.

Gingham in Pop Culture

Gingham’s frequent appearances in pop culture and media, including fashion blogs, Instagram and TikTok, continue to fuel its status as a fashion statement.

Enduring Popularity

Today, gingham is no longer just a functional, utilitarian fabric but a bold, fashion-forward choice. It’s seen in everything from dresses and skirts to shirts, blouses and even accessories like scarves and bags. Its ability to evoke a sense of old-world charm while still looking modern and fresh makes it a favourite among designers, fashionistas and trendsetters alike.

In conclusion, gingham’s transformation from a practical, everyday fabric to a fashion statement is a testament to its versatility, enduring appeal and timeless allure. It continues to evolve, influencing high fashion while remaining accessible and relevant across different styles and subcultures. Be it in vintage-inspired looks or contemporary designs, gingham’s timeless magic and approachable pattern ensure its place as a mainstay in fashion like a sparkling jewel.

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