What is Tie Dye?

According to BBC Entertainment News Tie Dye fashion is listed as the top 8 major fashion looks for 2021.

Tie dye evokes a deeply iconic association with hippies and the peace movement of the 1960s & 70s, and appears to be just as accessible today with techniques and dyes being developed and explored to create these eye-catching, colourful and unique works of art. Not only does tie dying look great on clothing, accessories, soft furnishings and wall hangings, it’s also loads of fun to try yourself. Over the years, I have had more or less success at tie dying bedspreads and pillow cases but I have known many people be far more creative with clothing and bags, using many different colours and techniques. If you fancy trying this yourself, there are plenty of tips and techniques online as well as videos of step-by-step tutorials and all the inspiration you could wish for.

Take a look at this video from WolfEchos on how to tie dye a simple swirl pattern.

How to tie dye?

Tie dying uses ancient “resist” dying techniques where the dye colour is prevented from reaching certain areas through the use of folding, twisting or crumpling the fabric and then securing in place with elastic bands, clips, sinew or string. The finished result is fully dependent on this part of the process and experienced tie dyers can achieve very sophisticated patterns and colour combinations by understanding how the resists will affect the dying outcome. Having said that, there is always an associated unpredictability about the tie dye end result making the "reveal" at the end really exciting!
Tie dying can use a single “monochrome” colour or as many variations as one can imagine – the sky’s the limit. Reverse tie dye can also be achieved where a “discharge” agent is used instead of a dye to bleach colour from the exposed areas, maintaining the brightness on the “resists”.

Traditional rainbow tie dye featuring spirals, mandalas and peace signs, is very reminiscent of the hippy peace movement but has been used in many cultures for centuries around the world. Some places in the world have specific techniques such as Bandhani and Ikat designs from India and Mudmee tie dye from Thailand which uses black as its base colour.

Where to buy tie dye clothes?

At Sunrise, we have lots of tie dye products on offer in our tie dye collection including both men’s and women’s clothing, bedspreads, soft furnishings and bunting, accessories such as bags and scarves and even tie dye prints on lunch boxes and coffee mugs. Why not express your inner hippy and follow this timeless, colourful and joyful fashion?