Move over, Gucci! Bangladesh’s old-school gamcha is now the coolest

Nothing screams Bangladesh quite like gamchas, the traditional handwoven checkered pieces of fabric, used for everything from drying off after a bath to serving as headscarves, waistbands, and even makeshift bags. After a long hiatus, these vibrant checks are now making a major comeback in the Bangladeshi fashion scene, carving out a niche through their undeniable potential to marry tradition with contemporary style.

Thanks to a resurgence of interest in traditional textiles, the humble gamcha with its soft, lightweight cotton fabric, and vibrant patterns and colours, has found itself in the middle of a rather happening fusion fashion scene in the country.

Danny Amin, lead vocalist of the band, Tulkalam, expressed his affection for gamchas and how he once took them globally on a musical venture to Portugal. “Gamcha prints are so versatile, I’d love to see them on everything. I’d love a gamcha shirt, personally — or wait, how about gamcha canvas shoes? Those would be awesome!”

Young designers, in their quest to deliver something edgy, yet rooted in “deshi culture”, now view the gamcha as one of the core components of their creations, blending it with modern aesthetics to create unique fashion statements. From kurtas, sarees, and shirts to accessories, and even shoes, gamchas are being reimagined in countless innovative ways.