Handcrafted Athleisure - Artisanal Athleisure Made Sustainable and Colourful

When you think athleisure, you probably picture sleek leggings, breathable tees, and soft sweatshirts that take you from yoga class to brunch. But at TRUER, we asked ourselves — what if athleisure could also tell a story? A story of tradition, sustainability, and artisanship. That’s how our journey into bamboo fabrics and handblock printing created handcrafted athleisure.

Model wearing eco-friendly athleisure leggings made from sustainable bamboo fiber, showcasing a stylish geometric pattern.

Why Bamboo? Because Comfort + Sustainability = TRUER

Bamboo isn’t just trendy — it’s one of the most sustainable natural fibers on the planet. With

the fastest growth rate among renewable fibers, bamboo regenerates without pesticides and requires far less water than cotton.

But the magic really shows up in the fabric:

• Studies show bamboo fibers can absorb dye faster and hold richer colors than cotton 🌈. That means vibrant hues, with less dye required.

• Thanks to its natural structure, bamboo is up to 60% more absorbent than cotton, keeping you cool and dry.

• Testing has shown that bamboo garments can feel 1–2°C cooler in summer, earning the nickname “air conditioning fabric”.

• Naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, bamboo helps resist odor — making it perfect for clothes you sweat in.

So, when we say our clothes are the softest thing you’ll wear all year, it’s not just a tagline — it’s science-backed comfort.

Bringing Heritage Into the Mix 🎨

Handblock printing is more than decoration — it’s one of the oldest forms of textile storytelling. Artisans hand-carve intricate wooden blocks, dip them in dye, and stamp them across the fabric, one press at a time. The process is slow, rhythmic, and deeply human. Each motif carries history, culture, and the maker’s own touch.

What makes it especially exciting today is how beautifully this craft works with bamboo fabrics. Bamboo’s unique fiber structure — filled with microscopic holes — doesn’t just make it breathable. It also allows it to absorb and hold natural dyes more effectively than cotton. That means:

• Colours appear deeper and richer 🌈

• Less dye is required, reducing environmental impact

• Prints stay sharper and last longer, with excellent wash fastness

The journey of a handblock-printed bamboo garment often begins with scouring (gently cleaning the fibers), followed by mordanting — a step where natural minerals like alum help the dye bond with the fiber. Artisans then use dyes made from plants, barks, or peels — think indigo, turmeric, onion skins, or pomegranate rinds. The paste is thickened with natural gums, applied with carved blocks, and finally steamed or sun-dried to set the design.

When applied to bamboo fabric, this centuries-old process feels almost futuristic: natural dyes shine brighter, the fabric remains unbelievably soft, and you end up with garments that are both wearable art and deeply sustainable.

So, when you run your hand across a TRUER bamboo tee patterned with Sanganeri florals, or slip into leggings touched by indigo dabu, you’re not just wearing athleisure. You’re wearing hundreds of years of tradition — revived, refreshed, and reimagined.

Colourful, Playful, and Sustainable

At TRUER, we believe sustainability doesn’t have to be beige or boring. Our bamboo handblock collection is proof that you can have joyful colour, breathable comfort, and eco-conscious choices all in one piece.

And here’s the best part: when you wear it, you’re not just wearing a soft outfit. You’re carrying the story of artisans, sustainable farming, and the bridge between heritage and athleisure.

A TRUER Future

The fashion industry is shifting. Consumers are asking for transparency, sustainability, and meaning behind their clothes. By blending artisanal handblock printing with bamboo-based fabrics, we’re not just making athleisure — we’re making a point:

- That tradition can live on in modern wardrobes.- That sustainable fabrics can be vibrant and fun.- That every piece of clothing can be a conversation starter.

This is more than a trend. It’s a movement — and it’s one we’re proud to be a part of.