The familiar sight of Madras check has a long heritage, and has its origins in everyday casual wear.
Born in what was Madras, now Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the hand-woven cotton cloth was originally dyed with vegetable colours that ran together when washed, giving a blended look to the soft fabric. It was the arrival of the British East India Company that gave impetus to the industry and by the 17th Century Madras was the centre of an international trade in the cloth. Nowadays this fabric is used in fashion but retains its roots in the outfits of workers or casual wear at home.
Madras has had a long a chequered history. This article from the BBC tells the story of how Madras became a fashionable item, associated with Ivy League students in the USA and gentlemen’s wear.