
So, you’ve got your hands on a beautiful piece of Batik that you absolutely love—and of course, you want it to last. The good news? With the right care, Batik garments can endure for decades. It’s not uncommon for Batik cloth to become an heirloom piece, lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
At Red Thread Garment, we’re passionate about keeping Batik alive, not just through design, but through proper care. Here’s everything you need to know about the fabrics used in Batik, the traditional dyes, and how to maintain your Batik pieces so they last for years to come.
Fabrics Commonly Used in Batik
Traditionally, Batik artisans worked with silk and cotton—two of the earliest and most common fabrics. Today, Batik can also be found on:
Mori (unbleached cotton), Rayon, Polyester, Serat Nanas (pineapple-leaf fiber)
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*Clockwise from top left : Cotton, Rayon, Silk, Serat Nanas
Each fabric interacts with dyes differently, creating unique textures and finishes.
The Art of Batik Dyeing
There are two main ways artisans dye Batik:
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Dipping – immersing waxed cloth directly into dye.
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Coletan – applying dye onto fabric with a rattan stick or brush, similar to painting.
*Coletan technique
Both techniques require patience and precision, ensuring the colors penetrate beautifully without disturbing the wax motifs.
Natural and Synthetic Dyes in Batik
Batik has a long tradition of using natural dyes, many sourced from plants and roots: Turmeric (yellow), Indigo (blue), Jalawe , Mangosteen (purple), Secang (reddish hues), Tegeran (cokelat), Shallots (soft pink tones)
Today, synthetic dyes are also widely used, including Naphthol, Indigosol, Remazol, and Rapid Substantive dyes.
At Red Thread, we choose Oeko-Tex 100 certified Remazol® Fiber Reactive Dyes by DyStar—eco-friendly, safe for artisans, and sustainable for the environment.
How to Wash Batik (The Right Way)
Proper washing is key to keeping your Batik vibrant. As a general rule:
- Hand wash in room temperature water
- Use a small amount of gentle detergent (Lerak soap is best)
- Soak for 15 minutes, rinse, and hang to dry in the shade
- For silk Batik or pieces dyed naturally, we recommend sending them to a professional dry cleaner for extra care.
DIY Batik Care Tips
If you prefer to wash Batik yourself:
- Use warm water (no more than 30°C) with Lerak soap
- Rinse carefully—do not wring the fabric
- Hang dry in the shade and remove as soon as dry
- Iron with a protective cloth or ironing paper on top (never touch fabric directly with a hot iron)
- Store in a dry box to preserve shine
Place well-processed akar wangi (vetiver roots) or silica gel in storage to prevent bugs and mildew.
*Lerak fruits (left), Akar Wangi (right)
Final Thoughts
Batik is more than fabric—it’s heritage, culture, and art. By caring for your Batik garments properly, you’re not only preserving their beauty but also honoring the artisans who created them. With just a little effort, your Batik can remain vibrant, elegant, and timeless for generations to come.