FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS BATIK?
Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth, or cloth made using this technique. Batik is made either by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a spouted tool called a canting, or by printing the resist with a copper stamp called a cap. The applied wax resists dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water, and repeating if multiple colours are desired.
A tradition of making batik is found in various countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria; the batik of Indonesia, however, is the best-known. Indonesian batik made in the island of Java has a long history of acculturation, with diverse patterns influenced by a variety of cultures, and is the most developed in terms of pattern, technique, and the quality of workmanship. In October 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BATIK SO SPECIAL?
It is common for many brands and manufacturers to use printed techniques to simply print batik patterns for mass production, often using cheap materials, which takes away from the authentic elements of traditional Batik pieces and disrupts local traditional Batik communities and their families.
All ALIAH ABDAT Batik pieces are 100% handmade. Our crafts(wo)men use age-old techniques to create truly authentic batik pieces. Each piece takes up to 9-15 days to create. Because each piece is handmade, no two pieces are ever identical, giving your piece an individual stamp of creativity and artistic passion. Every piece is thoughtfully cut to ensure that the best pattern is placed on the front of the piece.
Our signature batik outfits are designed using locally sourced materials. We didn't want to just make another clothing brand, we are committed to supporting the local women that have preserved this ancient art form. For every product purchased, ALIAH ABDAT donates a fixed amount towards supporting educational programs for girls in Indonesia.
WHY DID YOU LAUNCH ALIAH ABDAT?
I was inspired by my grandmother’s love for batik. After she passed away, I inherited some of her vintage batik pieces, which was when I started to develop a strong appreciation for the Batik patterns and art form.
I wanted to create a brand that celebrated, shared and preserved the tradition of Batik and the women who make it, whilst also making people look good and feel good.
Aliah Abdat with her Baba (grandmother), wearing Batik.
WILL IT FIT?
All of our items are FREE SIZE and suitably adjust to fit all shapes & sizes (from XS - XXL)
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SHIP?
Shippings are 5-7 working days once your order takes off (not included holidays and weekends)
If you urgently require your items, please send us a message / email and we will do everything we can to help you get your items sooner.
IN CASE :
In the event of a lockdown, regulations change from time to time. This can cause delays in shipments which may make your package take longer than anticipated! If your package is taking longer than expected, please let us know and we will provide you with an update ASAP.
HOW DO I WASH YOUR PIECES?
- Batik should only be washed in cold or warm water, NEVER in hot water.
- For the first few washes, please wash separately from other items.
- Always wash the batik by hand or on a gentle cycle in your washing machine.
- Batik should NEVER be tumble dried. Please hang-dry in the shade and iron lightly with steam afterwards.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight in order to prevent fading.
Since the items are all authentically handmade, please allow for a little amount of imperfections or discolouring to develop over time.
If you have any further questions about wash & care instructions for Batik, please send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.