LUME
If artisans thrive, our heritage survives
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe informed choices are beautiful choices. Here you'll find everything about our handwoven textiles, natural dye practices, the skin-kind properties of our fabrics, and why LUME exists at the intersection of luxury, heritage, and sustainability.
Our Textiles
Jamdani is one of the world's most ancient handweaving techniques, originating over 2,000 years ago. It is woven entirely by hand no machines, no shortcuts with intricate motifs worked directly into the fabric.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a single length of this fabric can take weeks to complete. At LUME, our Jamdani motives are exclusively designed by master weavers.
Khadi is hand spun and hand woven cloth every thread is spun on a charkha by individual artisans. Unlike mill cotton, the result has superior breathability, natural temperature regulation (cool in summer, warm in winter), and zero chemical finishing agents. LUME's khadi weaved as per our design, pattern and cut.
LUME's collection is built around handwoven textiles like Jamdani, Handspun Khadi, Handwoven Linen, Pure Mulberry Silk and many more. Every textile is authenticated at source. We do not blend handwoven fabric with synthetic fibres. Now a days these fabrics are also commercialized for mass production.
Yes. LUME works exclusively with verified artisan under our production houses in Gurgaon and West Bengal, aligned with KVIC standards. We maintain direct relationships with weavers not intermediaries so authenticity is traceable from loom to label. A museum art director once identified a LUME Jamdani khadi piece as an 18th century textile.
Skin & Wellness
LUME fabrics are among the most skin-kind textiles available. Our few designs in handwoven khadi, Jamdani, and linen are: free of synthetic fibres, chemical finishes(no formaldehyde or optical brighteners), naturally breathable, and hypoallergenic. Ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis. Always consult your dermatologist for medical advice.
Synthetic fibres trap heat and sweat against the skin, aggravating irritation. Natural fibres especially hand spun absorb and wick moisture away, keep skin temperature stable, and allow the skin to breathe. Khadi is particularly known for its thermoregulatory properties. You can use as a second skin.
Absolutely. Khadi's open, irregular weave promotes airflow and moisture absorption it was worn across the Indian subcontinent for centuries for exactly this reason. Our handwoven linen becomes softer and more comfortable with every wash compare to Powerloom linen available in the market. Both are ideal for summers, tropical travel, and anyone who runs warm.
No. Most of the designs in LUME doesn't use chemical dyes, synthetic pesticide treated fibres, or harsh industrial finishing agents. No azo dyes, no formaldehyde finishes, no PFAS coatings. For customers with chemical sensitivities or transitioning to a cleaner wardrobe, LUME fabrics are among the safest choices available. In case of sensitive issue pick up from our natural dye designs.
Natural Dyes
Natural dyes come from plants, minerals, and organic matter indigo, madder root, turmeric, pomegranate rind, iron rich mud. Synthetic dyes are petrochemical compounds that can release heavy metals into waterways and trigger skin reactions. Natural dyes are non toxic, biodegradable, softer in tone, and safer for sensitive skin.
Woven by hand, most of our clothing is free from heavy processing. It may not last forever like synthetic fabrics, but that is part of its beauty meant to be worn, appreciated, and eventually return to the earth. Your conscious choice helps sustain artisans and keeps this craft alive.
Indigo for blues and teals, madder root for terracotta and rust, marigold or turmeric for golden yellows, harda (myrobalan) as a mordant base, and iron-black from ferrous earth. Each dye lot is slightly unique no two pieces are exactly identical
Yes. Synthetic dyeing is one of fashion's largest contributors to water pollution. Natural dye pigments biodegrade without toxic residues. LUME's dyeing partners use traditional mordanting (alum, iron, tannin) and avoid environmentally harmful chrome and tin mordants.
Sustainability & Ethics
LUME is built with main goal to maintain sustainability where possible in luxury segment. Our designs are made with natural fibres, slow handwoven production (every piece takes days or weeks), direct artisan livelihoods, cultural preservation of endangered weaving traditions, and zero electricity handloom production. Our ethos: if artisans thrive, our heritage survives.
Handloom weaving uses zero electricity, generates minimal waste, has a fraction of the carbon cost of mill fabric, and produces more durable, the most breathable cloth. Choosing handloom is one of the most direct ways to reduce your fashion carbon footprint.
Many brands describe recycled polyester or factory organic cotton as sustainable. LUME works exclusively with hand operated looms and hand spun yarn no industrial machinery from fibre to fabric. Our supply chain originates with individual weaver families, creating a direct economic bridge between endangered artisans and global luxury consumers.
Artisans & Heritage
These are multi-generational weaving families whose skills are inherited, not formally taught. LUME's direct sourcing model ensures premiums flow back to the artisans who create the cloth.
Yes. LUME was founded to address artisan labour exploitation in the Indian textile industry. We cut out intermediaries and establish direct, long term relationships with weaver cooperatives, paying above market rates because that is the only way to sustain these craft traditions into the next generation.
Preservation at LUME is economic, not archival. The most effective protection for a living craft is sustainable market demand at a price that makes weaving financially viable. We document weaving communities, advocate for artisan recognition on international platforms, and build direct bridges between handloom heritage and global luxury markets.
Fabric Care
Wash: Hand wash in cool water with mild pH neutral detergent, or delicate machine cycle in a mesh bag at 30°C max. Or dry cleaning only
Some initial shrinkage (3–5%) can occur with first wash as yarns relax. LUME garments are pre washed to minimise this. Wash in cold water and avoid the dryer. Handwoven linen softens and improves with every wash one of the few fabrics that genuinely gets better with age.
Dry cleaning is acceptable for LUME, but avoid perchloroethylene (PERC) for khadi and naturally dyed pieces sometimes, it can strip natural dyes. Request wet clean or hydrocarbon solvent.
Shopping & Custom Orders
Yes. Custom and bespoke design is central to what LUME offers. We can commission custom lengths in specific weave structures and natural dye palettes. Lead times vary Jamdani commissions require the most time. Contact us via lumeusa.com to discuss personalized design.
LUME ships to both the United States and India, with international shipping available. Visit lumeusa.com for current availability, or contact us for wholesale or boutique inquiries.
Sourcing authentic handwoven textile from India requires deep artisan relationships and the ability to verify authenticity which most international buyers cannot access. LUME does this work and translates these fabrics into contemporary western silhouettes for global luxury consumers. Now in market these fabrics are replaced by powerloom.
The price reflects what you are buying: weeks of skilled human labour, rare textile traditions, ethically sourced natural fibres, and garments designed to last decades. A single metre of Jamdani can take a master weaver several days. LUME pieces are investments that industrial fashion is structurally incapable of replicating.