At Indigo Island, we’ve always believed that clothing carries stories—of place, of tradition, of the hands that shaped it. Our new belts are no exception. They are rooted in the cultural history of Tibet yet reimagined for contemporary wardrobes, offering a distinctive alternative to the now-ubiquitous polo belt. To understand its significance, we must begin with the textile that inspired it: the Pangden.
What Is a Pangden?
The Pangden is a traditional striped apron worn by married Tibetan women, instantly recognisable for its vivid stripes in bold hues—turquoise, saffron, red, tea green, deep indigo. More than just a garment, it’s a visual marker of marital status, worn proudly as part of daily dress and during community gatherings.
In Tibetan society, the Pangden serves several symbolic roles. It reflects a woman’s new position in family and community life, often received at marriage and treasured for years. Its colours and patterns differ across regions, offering clues about a wearer’s homeland, lineage and identity. The textile is rich in meaning: the stripes echo harmony and balance, while the bold palette embodies joy, prosperity and protection.
A Heritage of Craft
Traditionally, Pangdens are created on backstrap looms, with weavers developing unique stripe arrangements that become signatures of their local style. The weaving requires precision, skill and an intimate understanding of colour interplay—qualities that have been passed down through generations of Tibetan artisans. These aprons are not seasonal trends; they are heirlooms, repositories of memory and culture.
Our Modern Interpretation
When designing our belts, we set out not to copy the textile but to interpret it respectfully for a modern context. The vertical stripe motif became the foundation of the design. We translated it into dense, abrasion-resistant embroidery, applied over a robust buffalo leather base. This marriage of traditional inspiration and contemporary durability ensures each belt holds its shape, its colour, and its integrity through daily wear.
The buckle and trim are also crafted from buffalo leather, paired with polished antique gold hardware to create a subtle vintage lustre. Worn with jeans, chinos or shorts, the belt introduces a quiet yet confident accent—something far more distinctive than the standard polo belt now worn by nearly everyone.
Honouring Tradition, Supporting Craft
This belt is part of our ongoing mission to celebrate textile traditions from across the subcontinent and Himalayas. By drawing from the Pangden, we shine a light on a heritage garment whose history stretches back centuries, created by women who wove their lives into the fabric.
While the form has changed, the spirit remains: bold stripes, enduring craftsmanship, and an expression of identity. Our belts honour this lineage while opening the door for these motifs to be worn and appreciated in new ways—across seasons, styles and cultures.
A Belt With Meaning
For us, our belts are not just an accessory. They are a bridge between worlds: traditional and modern, artisanal and contemporary, Himalayan heritage and global style. They're meant for those who value craftsmanship with depth, design with narrative, and pieces that feel both rooted and refreshingly new.
In a landscape crowded with the familiar polo belt, this is something different—something with soul.
