1970s Indian Gujarati Embellished Skirt

1970s Gujarati Embroidered Cotton Folk Skirt

A richly coloured and beautifully hand-embroidered vintage skirt, likely made in Gujarat, India in the 1970s. Crafted from sturdy navy cotton, the skirt features intricate hand embroidery in vibrant red, yellow, and white thread, forming dense floral and geometric motifs along the lower half and hem. This is a striking example of the regional folk textiles that became popular in the West during the 1960s–70s, when Indian artisanal clothing was embraced by the global counterculture movement.

Unlike gauzy phool skirts or soft block-prints, this piece is notable for its heavier weight and bold threadwork. Skirts like this were often handmade in Gujarat using traditional embroidery techniques, and exported to the West via boutiques, markets, and fair trade importers during the hippie era.

The waistband opens and ties with a drawstring, but the waist band and has no stretch so is not very adjustable—the skirt must fit over the hips, and is best for a size XS to small M.

Condition: Excellent, some fading due to age but no notable flaws.

Sizing. Fits: XS–S/M (must fit over hips):
Waist: 38cm,

Maximum width at opening for hips: 44cm, hips need to be several centimetres narrower than 88cm

Length: 88cm

Fabric: 100% cotton

Care: Hand wash or dry clean only