Block Prints to Chikankari: 9shines Label's Culturally Rooted Nightwear Designs
There is a profound beauty in wearing history. When you slip into a Chikankari-embroidered nighty or a Batik-printed cotton nightdress, you are not just choosing comfortable sleepwear, you are carrying forward centuries of Indian textile heritage. At 9shines Label, we have spent nine years understanding that the best nightwear for women is not just about fabric and fit. Its about honoring the artisans, techniques, and cultural stories woven into every thread.
Founded by Krutika Bhupta in 2016, 9shines Label has grown from a maternity-focused brand to a comprehensive nightwear collection that bridges India's rich craft traditions with modern comfort. As highlighted in our recent feature on how we are creating a new nightwear category in India, we have introduced over 500 modern styles from denim-feel nighties to Hakoba-inspired textures, all while keeping traditional Indian prints at our core.
Why Traditional Prints Matter in Modern Nightwear
Indian handcrafted textile traditions support over 4.3 million artisans across the country, many of whom work in small family units passing down techniques through generations. When you choose a nighty for women with authentic block prints or Chikankari embroidery, you're directly supporting these artisan families and keeping centuries-old skills alive.
As early as the 12th century, coastal regions of India were renowned worldwide for their excellent printed cotton, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, India was the world's greatest exporter of handcrafted textiles. Europe paid in gold and silver for these highly sought-after printed fabrics. What made Indian textiles exceptional was the artisans' masterful use of natural dyes on cotton, resulting in vivid, colorfast patterns that captivated royal courts worldwide.
Preserving heritage crafts in everyday clothing is the only sustainable way to keep these traditions economically viable for artisan communities.
Chikankari: Four Centuries of Delicate Artistry
Chikankari embroidery, with its delicate white-on-white stitchwork, represents one of India's most refined textile arts. References to this intricate embroidery date back to the 3rd century BC, when Greek historian Megasthenes mentioned Indians wearing "flowered muslins." The craft truly flourished during the Mughal era under Empress Noor Jahan, who introduced skilled Persian artisans to India's royal courts.
Lucknow, the heart of the Chikankari industry, received Geographical Indication (GI) status for this craft in December 2008, recognizing it as the exclusive hub where over 5,000 artisan families practice this exquisite embroidery tradition.
What makes Chikankari remarkable is its complexity, involving up to 36 different stitch types, each serving a specific purpose. From shadow work (bakhiya) done on the fabric's back to jali work that creates intricate lace-like mesh, each technique requires years of skill to master.
At 9shines Label, our Chikankari nighties honor this heritage through delicate thread embroidery on soft cotton fabrics. These elegant designer nighties for women work beautifully for special evenings while remaining breathable for Indian weather.
Block Printing: Rajasthan's Royal Heritage
Jaipuri Prints: Centuries of Craft Excellence
Rajasthani block printing traditions flourished over centuries. In the 12th century, the Chippa community of Bagru introduced hand-block printing using carved wooden blocks and vegetable dyes, skills passed through generations. The Jaipuri print style from Sanganer and Jaipur became synonymous with sophisticated floral motifs fit for royalty.
During the 18th century, the famed Chippa (printer) and Rangrez (dyer) communities of Sanganer created delicately patterned muslin material for kings, queens, temple devotees, and everyday citizens. Royal patronage launched Sanganeri craftsmanship into the international arena.
Our Jaipuri cotton nighties capture this Rajasthani-inspired aesthetic through vibrant floral patterns and geometric designs. These pure cotton nighties combine timeless charm with natural comfort, making them ideal for daily wear in hot or humid weather.
Hand-block printing creates intentional imperfections that machine printing cannot replicate—these variations are the craft's signature, not flaws.
Batik Prints: The Wax-Resist Tradition
Though originating in Java, Batik found distinct expression in India through Gujarat's Khatri community. Indian artisans adapted the wax-resist technique using wooden blocks dipped in paraffin wax, creating patterns with characteristic thick lines and unique resist effects.
Our Batik print nighties feature traditional hand-block patterns with a trendy twist. The crinkled texture and unique patterns add visual interest to comfortable cotton night dresses for women, proving heritage techniques can feel completely modern.
The 9shines Approach: Heritage Meets Modern Living
The challenge isn't just incorporating traditional prints, its ensuring these designs work for contemporary Indian lifestyles. Research shows that "82% of Indian women who purchase ethnic-print clothing cite both cultural connection and comfort as equally important factors".
This is why our nighties for women feature:
Premium Breathable Fabrics: Traditional prints on pure cotton, soft rayon, and lightweight Alpine—materials chosen for Indian weather
Practical Design Details: Functional side pockets, pleated yokes for better shape, button plackets for ease of wear—heritage patterns with modern functionality
Inclusive Sizing: From M (38) to 3XL (54) in long nighties, with extended sizing to 7XL in select styles
Contemporary Silhouettes: A-line cuts, frock-style fits, and relaxed designs that work as both sleepwear and loungewear
Caring for Heritage Nightwear
"Average replacement cycle for quality nightwear is 8-12 months", but proper care of hand-printed and embroidered nighties extends this to 15-18 months, preserving both your investment and the artisan's work.
For Block-Printed Nighties:
- Wash gently in cold water, turn inside out
- Avoid harsh bleach, dry in shade
- Iron on reverse side
For Chikankari Embroidery:
- Hand wash preferred or delicate machine cycle
- Use mesh laundry bags for protection
- Never wring, flat dry in shade
Proper care of heritage nightwear honors the artisan's craftsmanship while ensuring your comfort investment lasts.
Supporting Artisan Livelihoods Through Your Choices
The Chikankari industry alone provides sustainable employment to over 5,000 families in Lucknow and surrounding villages. Similarly, block printing traditions support thousands of Chippa families across Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, these crafts face challenges, "in Indore, where 60-70 families once practiced block printing, only 2-3 families continue the tradition today" due to machine competition.
When you choose authentic heritage prints, you are ensuring artisan children see value in learning their parents' skills rather than abandoning them for factory work.
Cultural preservation succeeds when heritage becomes habitual, not occasional when traditional crafts are worn daily, not reserved for weddings or museums.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Nightwear
1. What is Chikankari embroidery, and why is it special?
Chikankari is delicate hand embroidery dating back over 400 years, involving up to 36 different stitch types on fine cotton. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Lucknow, with intricate floral motifs impossible to replicate by machine.
2. Are Jaipuri print nighties suitable for daily wear?
Absolutely! Jaipuri prints on pure cotton are perfect for daily wear in Indian weather. The breathable fabric and vibrant, colorfast patterns work beautifully for sleeping, lounging, and casual home wear.
3. How can I tell if a nighty has authentic block printing?
Authentic hand-block printing shows slight irregularities in pattern alignment and color—these variations are the craft's signature. Machine prints are perfectly uniform. Hand-printed fabrics feel softer with a more matte finish.
4. Do traditional prints fade faster than modern prints?
Not necessarily. Traditional natural dyes, when properly fixed, can be extremely colorfast. The key is proper care, cold water washing, avoiding harsh detergents, and shade drying. Many vintage block-printed textiles retain vibrant colors after decades.
5. Are Chikankari nighties only white-on-white?
Traditionally yes, but modern Chikankari incorporates colored threads on various fabrics. At 9shines Label, we offer both classic white-on-pastel Chikankari and contemporary colored versions.
6. Can I wear Batik print nighties outside the house?
Modern Batik nighties in flattering cuts work beautifully as loungewear. Pair with leggings for errands, video calls, or relaxed entertaining. The unique patterns read as intentionally stylish rather than purely sleepwear.
7. Why are heritage print nighties more expensive?
Hand-block printing and Chikankari embroidery are labor-intensive processes. A single Chikankari piece can take weeks to complete. The price reflects fair compensation for skilled craftsmanship and artisan livelihoods.
8. Do you have plus-size options in traditional prints?
Yes! Our designer nighties with Jaipuri, Batik, and Chikankari designs are available from M (38) to 3XL (54), with select styles to 7XL. Heritage designs should be accessible to all body types.
9. How do I choose between Jaipuri, Batik, and Chikankari?
Choose Jaipuri for vibrant, colorful floral patterns. Choose Batik for unique, artistic resist patterns with a modern edge. Choose Chikankari for elegant, sophisticated embroidery. All work beautifully in cotton for Indian weather.
10. Are traditional print nighties suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Heritage print nighties celebrate Indian culture. Chikankari is especially popular for anniversaries or festivals, while colorful Jaipuri prints work well for birthdays or housewarming gifts.
11. Will embroidery or prints irritate sensitive skin?
Quality Chikankari on soft cotton is gentle, embroidery sits flat rather than creating scratchy surfaces. Natural-dye block prints on pure cotton are skin-friendly. Choose cotton nighties if you have sensitivities.
12. How does buying heritage nightwear support artisans?
Every authentic piece provides income to artisan families practicing traditional crafts. This economic support encourages younger generations to learn these skills and funds the materials and time required for handcrafted work machines cannot replicate.
Wearing Heritage Forward
The best nightwear for women doesn't just feel good, it means something. When you choose a Chikankari-embroidered nighty or Jaipuri-printed nightdress, you're participating in a cultural conversation spanning centuries. You are saying comfort and heritage aren't opposing forces, they coexist beautifully in modern Indian life.
At 9shines Label, we have spent nine years proving that traditional crafts belong in contemporary wardrobes. From block prints echoing royal Rajasthani courts to Chikankari embroidery perfected in Mughal ateliers, every design tells a story while delivering breathable comfort.
This perspective on culturally rooted yet comfort-driven nightwear has also been recognised by independent media platforms. A recent feature on Dailyhunt highlights 9shines Label’s approach to blending traditional Indian textile crafts with modern, everyday comfort for women.
Discover our culturally rooted nightwear collection and experience how heritage techniques transform everyday comfort into something meaningful. Because the nightwear you choose can be both personally comfortable and culturally significant, honoring the past while embracing the present.
About the Author
This article is brought to you by the team at 9shines Label, founded by Krutika Bhupta in 2016. With over 9 years of experience designing women’s nightwear and serving 10 lakh+ customers across India and 20+ countries internationally, the brand specializes in blending traditional Indian textile crafts with modern comfort. From Chikankari embroidery to Jaipuri block prints and Batik designs, the mission is to preserve cultural heritage while creating nightwear that works for real Indian lifestyles.
