Fabric is more than just texture or color.
It carries stories of how it was made, who made it, and the choices behind it. Understanding the difference between handloom and mill-produced fabric helps us appreciate clothing beyond the surface and make more conscious fashion decisions.
When shopping for clothing, fabric is often the first thing we notice. But beyond how a fabric looks or feels lies a deeper story of how it is made. Two of the most common types of fabric production are handloom and mill-produced (or power-loom) fabric. While both have their place in the fashion ecosystem, understanding the difference helps us make more conscious choices.
At ViryaByUrbi, fabric is never just a material. It is a decision.
What Is Handloom Fabric?
Handloom fabric is woven manually on a loom operated by skilled artisans. The process is slow, deliberate, and deeply rooted in tradition. Each metre of fabric reflects human touch, rhythm, and craftsmanship.
Because handloom weaving is done without heavy machinery, the fabric often has:
- Slight irregularities that make each piece unique
- Better breathability due to gentler weaving
- A softer feel that improves with wear
- Lower environmental impact, as it consumes minimal electricity
Handloom fabrics carry cultural heritage and support artisan livelihoods. They are not mass-produced, and that is precisely their strength.
What Is Mill-Produced Fabric?
Mill-produced or power-loom fabric is manufactured using automated machines in large quantities. This method allows for speed, consistency, and affordability, making fabrics widely accessible.
Mill-made fabrics are:
- Uniform in texture and appearance
- Faster to produce at scale
- Easier to replicate in large volumes
- Often more cost-effective
For everyday basics or specific performance needs, mill-produced fabrics can serve a functional purpose. However, the efficiency comes with trade-offs, particularly in terms of individuality and environmental footprint.
Key Differences Between Handloom and Mill Fabric
The most noticeable difference lies in scale and intention.
Handloom focuses on quality over quantity. Each fabric batch is limited, making it ideal for small-batch and slow fashion. Mill production focuses on volume, which often leads to overproduction and excess inventory across the industry.
In terms of sustainability, handloom generally has a smaller carbon footprint. It relies on human skill rather than energy-intensive machinery. Mill production, while efficient, often consumes more electricity, water, and chemicals during processing.
From a design perspective, handloom fabrics allow for organic variation. No two pieces are exactly alike. Mill fabrics offer predictability and uniformity, which can sometimes come at the cost of character.
Why We Work with Both, Thoughtfully
At ViryaByUrbi, we don’t believe in absolutes. Instead of framing handloom and mill-made fabrics as opposites, we look at purpose.
Handloom fabrics are chosen when:
- Craft and texture are central to the design
- Comfort and breathability matter most
- We want to honor artisanal skill and heritage
Mill-produced fabrics are chosen when:
- Durability or specific finishes are required
- Consistency is important for certain silhouettes
- The design calls for a particular structure
The key lies in intentional selection, not blind preference.
Making Conscious Fabric Choices
Understanding fabric production empowers us as consumers. It helps us appreciate why some garments feel different, last longer, or cost more. It also encourages us to ask better questions about how our clothes are made.
Fashion does not need to choose speed over soul.
When we slow down and look closer, fabric becomes more than a surface. It becomes a story of hands, machines, resources, and responsibility.
At ViryaByUrbi, every fabric choice is made with care. Because what we wear should not only feel good on the body but also sit well with our values. We work with both handloom and thoughtfully produced fabrics, always in small batches, always with intention.