45R’s First True Madras

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Born in Chennai, India

For the first time at 45R, we have created a genuine Madras check.

By definition, this fabric must be crafted in Chennai—the eastern Indian city formerly known as Madras—using 100% Indian cotton in a plain weave to create irregular, yarn-dyed, multi-colored checks.

Handwoven in a plain weave with yarn

The Roots of Madras

Handspun, Handwoven, and Dyed by Indian Flora.

While we have crafted many Madras-inspired fabrics over the years, this is our first to truly trace its roots back to the source.At 45R, we went a step further: utilizing handspun yarn, handweaving, and plant-based dyes sourced from Chennai’s native flora. The subtle bleeding of these natural dyes only adds to the fabric’s quiet, organic charm.

The dyeing process requires an abundance of water. In Chennai, the water is purified after use, then given to plants to see how they grow—one way of confirming that it has been properly treated. There is a generosity and closeness to nature in this way of thinking that feels true to the spirit of the place.

After being purified, the water is given to plants to observe their growth.

Woven Imperfections

Human Hands, Living Patterns
The Individuality of the Weave

Artisans handweave unique, naturally dyed Madras

Woven in harmony with nature, this cloth reflects the individuality of the hands that made it. Subtle distortions naturally appear as the different yarns shrink at varying rates, giving the fabric a beautifully uneven, living character. No two pieces are alike; every check pattern is unique, born from a one-of-a-kind creative process.