Painted Clothing(24 items)
Welcome to NOVICA's Painted Clothing Collection designed and crafted for you by talented artisans worldwide.
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Traditional methods of hand crafting robes vary by region, culture, and historical context. Two common techniques that allow artisans to create luxurious, wearable, highly-detailed robes are hand-painting and hand-stitching. In Bali, where the practice of making robes by hand has been passed down for generations, the traditional method of batik is a signature style. The Batik Tulis, for example, is a technique that utilizes wax-resistant dye that is then applied directly to the cloth. It is an intricate, patient process that can produce extraordinarily detailed pieces. Batik Cap is another classic technique where a copper stamp is repeatedly pressed with the wax-resistant dye onto the cloth. This process creates patterns on the garment that are then dip-dyed to saturate color into the unwaxed parts of the robe. Both batik techniques produce unique pieces that represent the incredible talent of our artisans in Bali.


Each region puts its signature mark on its handmade robes. In Thailand, for example, designs featuring geometric patterns and labyrinth motifs are trending. These patterns are hand-woven to create a ruched texture that highlights the intricacy of each garment. From Bali to Java, our artisans have seen their batik motifs become customer favorites. These wearable canvases feature both hand-painted and hand-printed designs, making for vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow for artisans and customers to showcase their individuality.


The fit, feel, and fabric of a robe should transport you to a place of rest and relaxation. Novicas handmade robes exude comfort, because artisans attend to every detail with painstaking care. Robes made from silk, cotton, or rayon can provide high levels of comfort and versatility. One should look for breathability, absorbency, and versatility when purchasing a robe. Additionally, hypoallergenic fibers, like cotton, can provide comfort to those with sensitive skin. Whether one is looking for a lightweight fabric or a lavishly-woven robe, every handmade piece from Novica artisans brings an expressive twist to new styles and a fresh take on the classics.


Handmade robes are fine, delicate pieces. These garments require a bit more care when it comes to laundering. Hand-washing in cold water always produces the best results. For machine wash, one can use cold water and the delicate cycle. Avoid twisting or harshly handling the fabric, and never use intense heat settings while drying the robe. Air drying while the fibers are laid flat will help to prevent excessive wear on the fabric, as well as preserve the vibrancy of the robes colors. Always dry a batik or hand-painted robe in the shade.


The journey of the traditional robe throughout history is meandering and culturally specific. Here are just a few of the important stops along the way. In Japan, kimonos are an adaptable garment that have been a staple of cultural fashion since the Heian period. The robes from Bali are influenced by the classic Japanese kimono and yukata. The kimono is crafted with silk and worn over many layers in the winter while the yukata is a summer garment made with a single layer of cotton. Both of these styles reflect the artisans' take on a traditional style. In prehistoric Rome, robes were used to identify social status and to signify special ranks within communities. And by the 1700s, dressing gowns were a fashionable piece in the western wardrobe.


The most popular materials for crafting handmade robes are natural fibers such as silk and cotton. Because silk is a light-weight, water-resistant fiber, it provides the wearer a sense of luxury and comfort. Rayon is a natural-based material made up of an organic compound derived from cotton extract or wood pulp. This fiber is extremely durable, breathable, and cost effective. Cotton is celebrated for its comfortability and elasticity, and it provides excellent insulation. These fibers make for garments that exude luxury and relaxation.
Featured Reviews on Painted Clothing
Hand-painted rayon robe, 'Beautiful Flowers in White'





By Kathleen
This robe is incredibly elegant
I own several of these robes and this is by far my favorite (which is saying something, because I love them all). So beautiful, refreshing. I couldnt be happier.
Cotton batik blouse, 'Olive Branch'





By David
A gorgeous top
Lovely top perfectly sized. Just waiting for a chance to wear it with all the lockdowns going on. Next summer will probably see it get used much more regularly.
Cotton batik blouse, 'Deep Sea'





By Roberta
Cute and comfy
This was my second blouse like this, in a different color and pattern. Lightweight and airy, easy to wear and distinctive. I love them both, and they wash well and are easy to iron.
Popular Painted Clothing
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Long Sleeved Green Blouse with Hand Painted Batik Pattern, "Olive Branch"
$37.99Made from 100% cotton voile, this exquisite blouse features a batik design hand-painted by artisan Chomsuda Samana of Thailand. Olive green in color, the blouse has a pattern of woven lines and leaves in yellow, green, and blue. The lightweight shirt is long-sleeved with an open mandarin collar.
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Artist Hand Painted Ivory and Blue Long Silk Robe, "Azure Blossoms"
$189.99$170.99Dazzling flowers and leaves cluster on tropical branches to bloom on a beige silk robe. By Hari and Arthur, the pale yellow and blue blossoms are painted by hand and nestle amid olive green foliage. The robe features long voluptuous sleeves, and wraps and ties with a belt.
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Floral Hand Painted Grey Robe from Bali, "Beautiful Flowers in Grey"
$69.99This stunning hand-painted robe is the creation of Bali's Desak Nyoman Parwati. Grey rayon is lavishly adorned on front and back with lotus flower motifs in orchid and scarlet with green leaves. Belt loops and pockets on both sides are welcome additions.
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Blue Cotton Blouse with Hand Painted Batik Design, "Deep Sea"
$37.99$34.19Made from 100% cotton voile, this tropical blouse features a batik design hand-painted by artisan Chomsuda Samana of Thailand. Navy in color, the blouse has a tie-dyed bubble pattern surrounding several starfish in lighter shades of blue and green. The lightweight shirt is long-sleeved with an open mandarin collar.