Madras Check Cotton Maxi Dress — Chiara

Sandhya's noteChiara is built from Amalfi coast inspired Madras checks — the handwoven cotton check that takes its name from Madras, now Chennai, where it has been woven for generations. Coral, red, navy and green run through it on a white ground, and I cut it into asymmetric panels so the checks change direction across the skirt rather than running straight down. The neckline and the diagonal seam are finished with artisanal micro tassel fringe, knotted by hand.It is a floor-length maxi on fine straps, sleeveless, with a loose bohemian fit that skims rather than grips. One of a kind — this is not a print I have repeated.The details 100% cotton, lightweight and breathable Sleeveless, fine shoulder straps, square neckline Asymmetric panelled skirt in contrasting Madras checks Hand-knotted micro tassel fringe at the neckline and seam Loose bohemian fit — this style fits true to size Model is 5 foot 9 and wearing a size Small Sizes XS to XXL · $328 Where to wear itThis is a hot-weather dress first. Beach holidays, resort days, cruise mornings, long lunches by the water. Cotton and a loose cut are the two things that actually matter at thirty degrees, and this has both. With flat sandals and a straw hat it is daytime; with gold earrings and a heel it moves to a beach wedding or a dinner on a terrace. The checks photograph well against sand and sea, which is where it was shot.Fabric and carePure cotton, which breathes and softens with every wash instead of wearing thin. Machine or hand wash inside out on cold, delicate cycle, and hang dry — tumble drying is what shrinks cotton and dulls a check. Press on the reverse. Be gentle with the tassel fringe; it is the slowest part of the dress to make and the first thing that will show rough handling.Fit and sizingTrue to size, and the loose cut gives room through the body. If you fall between two sizes, take the smaller one — there is no fitted waist to accommodate. Check the size chart before ordering, and note that the model is 5 foot 9: on a shorter frame this will pool slightly at the floor, which many people like but is worth knowing. Any style can be made to your measurements for $50 to $100 above retail, including hem length.Returns and more Non-custom and unaltered dresses are returnable within 10 days Free US shipping on orders over $250 · Afterpay available Ships from Scottsdale, Arizona within 1 to 3 business days Questions? Contact labelsandhyagarg@gmail.com Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Madras check? Madras is a lightweight handwoven cotton check that originated in Madras, now Chennai, in southern India. It is traditionally woven in bright, slightly irregular plaids and it is one of the coolest cottons you can wear in heat, which is why it has been a resort and summer fabric for over a century. The small irregularities in the check are the mark of a handwoven cloth, not a flaw.Is this dress good for a beach wedding? Yes, as a guest. It is floor length, it moves in wind, and cotton will not stick to you in humidity the way a synthetic will. Pair it with flat or block-heeled sandals rather than a stiletto, since beach and garden ceremonies mean soft ground. Avoid it if the dress code is formal or black tie — this is a relaxed, bohemian shape.Does it run true to size? Yes. The fit is loose and bohemian with no fitted waist, so it is forgiving across a range of bodies. If you are between two sizes, take the smaller one. Measure your bust and compare it to the size chart rather than going by the letter, since sizing varies between brands.What shoes and accessories work with it? Flat leather sandals and a straw hat for daytime, which is how it is styled in the photographs. For evening, a block heel, gold hoops and a small clutch. Keep jewellery simple — the tassel fringe and the check are already doing the work, and layered necklaces will fight the neckline.Can I wash it at home? Yes. Machine or hand wash inside out in cold water on a delicate cycle, then hang dry. Do not tumble dry, which shrinks cotton and flattens the colour in the check. Washing inside out protects the tassel fringe, and pressing on the reverse keeps the cotton crisp without glazing it.