10 Uses of Jute Fabric in Fashion and Home Textiles

Jute began as the cloth of sacks and rope and has spent the last few decades moving into wardrobes and living rooms. These are the ten main uses of jute fabric today, with the type of jute that suits each. For the types themselves, see Jute Fabric: The Complete Guide.

1. Sarees

The largest fashion use. Jute-silk for drape and a daytime handloom look; jute-cotton for a lighter, washable everyday saree; jute-tussar for occasions. Woven mostly in the handloom clusters of West Bengal.

2. Kurtis, kurtas and shirts

Jute-cotton, because it can be washed. The texture does the styling, so plain cuts work best. Popular for office wear and for men's festive kurtas in natural gold.

3. Jackets, kotis and waistcoats

Jute-linen and heavier jute-cotton hold a tailored shape. A jute koti over a plain kurta or a plain choli is a common way to add texture without weight.

4. Dupattas and stoles

Jute-silk and jute-cotton take block printing and hand painting well, and a printed jute dupatta over a plain chaniya or kurta is a light way into a festive look.

5. Bags

Totes, grocery bags, gift bags, clutches, laptop sleeves. Plain hessian for the classic tote; laminated jute where the bag must hold wet or heavy things; jute-cotton with embroidery or print for fashion bags. This is where most people meet jute first.

6. Footwear

The rope soles of espadrilles are braided jute, and jute-cotton uppers turn up on sandals and slip-ons. Cool, light, and not for rain.

7. Rugs, mats and dhurries

Braided or woven jute matting is one of the oldest home uses: hard-wearing, warm underfoot, a natural colour that suits every room. Not for bathrooms or anywhere that stays damp.

8. Curtains, blinds and upholstery

Loosely woven jute filters light softly and hangs with weight, so it makes good curtains and roll-up blinds. Heavier jute-cotton covers chairs and sofas; hessian backs them.

9. Cushion covers, table linen and wall hangings

Jute-cotton for anything washed; hessian for runners, placemats and hangings. Embroidery, print and appliqué all sit well on the matte surface.

10. Packaging, rope and geotextiles

Still the biggest use by volume. Sacks for grain, sugar, coffee and cocoa; twine and rope; carpet backing; and geotextiles — open jute mesh laid on slopes and riverbanks to hold soil until plants take over, then rot away.

Which jute for which job

• Worn against skin: jute-cotton or jute-silk.
• Washed often: jute-cotton.
• Structure: jute-linen or heavy jute-cotton.
• Carrying weight: hessian or laminated jute.
• Floors: matting.
• Everything industrial: sacking cloth and hessian.