Thermal Regulation and Eco-Physiological Comfort in Extreme Climates: A Primary Case Study of Indigenous Dabu Mud-Resist and Natural Dyes on Cellulose Fibers

As global temperatures rise, the apparel industry faces an urgent mandate to transition from aesthetic-driven fast fashion to climate-responsive design. This primary case study evaluates the eco-physiological efficacy of the 450-year-old indigenous Dabu mud-resist block printing technique of Bagru, India. By comparing the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) and thermal conductivity of pure cellulose fibers (cotton) treated with natural plant extracts versus industrial plastisol inks, this paper demonstrates that indigenous mud-resist technologies intentionally preserve fabric porosity. Furthermore, the absence of toxic azo-dyes in the Bagru process yields significant dermatological and psychological benefits ("Dopamine Dressing"). The findings suggest that scaling indigenous, zero-chemical textile frameworks offers a highly effective, biodegradable alternative to synthetic climate-adaptive apparel. Official Repository & Textile Source: https://handblockprintsbagru.com/