What is the Difference Between Kanchipuram and Soft Silk?

India’s textile heritage offers many silk sarees, but the Kanchipuram silk saree stands out. It’s more than just an outfit—it’s a symbol of tradition, heritage, and elegance. Today, with comfort being just as important as culture, soft silk sarees have become popular. They are lighter, more modern, and equally beautiful.

Both have the best of their own. To choose what you want, you need to know the difference between Kanchipuram silk saree and soft silk saree. 

This blog walks you through everything you need to know,  helping you pick the perfect silk saree that matches both your vibe and your event.

What is a Kanchipuram Silk Saree?

It originated from the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu.  Every six yards of Kanchipuram silk has the elegance of pure Mulberry silk, dazzling golden  zari, and the motifs of beautiful Indian flora and fauna. For generations, the Kanchipuram silk saree has been a cherished traditional attire, worn not only at one’s own wedding but also to celebrate the weddings of loved ones. These sarees are also passed down as a treasured heirloom and proudly worn by future generations on their big day.

What is a Soft Silk Saree? 

Soft silk sarees may look similar, but they differ in weight. They are modern versions of traditional silk sarees.  Like Kanchipuram silk sarees, soft silk is also made using mulberry silk, but it is lighter in weight compared to the heavily decked-up Kanchipuram silk sarees. They are easy to wear and ideal for festivals and wedding occasions. 

Kanchipuram Silk Saree Vs Soft Silk Saree: 

Fabric:
Both  Kanchipuram silk saree and soft silk saree are woven using pure Mulberry silk. 

Weave:

• The number of silk threads used in the warp and weft of Kanchipuram silk sarees is nearly double that of soft silk sarees.
• For instance, if 10,000 silk threads are used in the warp of a Kanchipuram silk saree, only about 5,000 threads are used in a soft silk saree.
• The reason behind the  10,000 warp threads is to create a stronger and stiffer base that can support the weight of the golden zari designs. 
• This 10,000-thread count in Kanchipuram silk sarees demands the use of a throw shuttle loom. Which helps in delicate weaving but takes more time, leading to lower productivity.
• In contrast, soft silk sarees use around 5,000 threads, allowing weavers to use a fly shuttle loom, which is faster and more time-efficient—resulting in higher productivity.

Weight: 

• The major difference between Kanchipuram silk and soft silk lies in the weight of the saree. 
• Kanchipuram silk sarees are heavy due to meticulous weaving and extensive zari embellishments.
• On the other hand, the best aspect of soft silk is that it is lightweight and easy to wear for long hours. 

Motifs and Embellishments:

Kanchipuram Silk Saree:

• The motifs and embellishments inside Kanchipuram silk are countless. 
• The traditional motifs are inspired by South Indian temples, Indian flora, fauna, and mythological characters.  A few famous traditional motifs are Annapakshi, Mayil Chakram, Lakshadeepam buttas, Yaali, Poun, Rudraksham, Yaanai, Iruthalai Pakshi, Kodi Visiry, Thazampoo Rekku ,etc. 
• Jacquard design  is widely used in Kanchipuram silk saree to make it grandeur. 
• Nowadays, Kanchipuram silk is available in  contemporary fusions like  embroidery, meenakari work, monotone saree, prints, silk thread work without zari, borderless, and designers. 

Soft Silk Saree:

• Like Kanchipuram silk saree, the soft silk has traditional motifs.
• It comes in  subtle and sophisticated designs like plain, buttas, checks, stripes, minimal jacquard, geometric patterns, unique motifs, and designs inspired from other sarees like Paithani, Jamdani, Ikkat, etc.
• Most of the designs are adorned and embraced by new-generation women who want a subtle and grander look.

Best Occasion:

Kanchipuram Silk Saree: 

• Kanchipuram silk sarees are perfect for grand occasions such as weddings, temple festivals, traditional ceremonies, and other functions where you want to make a regal statement. 

Soft Silk Saree:

• Soft silk sarees are best for semi-formal events, small functions, and festive gatherings where you want the charm of silk with comfort and wearability.

Price: 

Kanchipuram Silk Saree:

• The pure Kanchipuram silk sarees are premium and expensive. 
• Due to the use of pure silk fabric, intricately hand-woven traditional motifs, and extensive Golden Zari work, Kanchipuram silk sarees are more costly.

Soft Silk Saree:

• Compared to pure Kanchipuram silk sarees, soft silk sarees are slightly more affordable.
• The major reason for their affordability is the absence of pure golden zari threads in soft silk sarees.
• Additionally, soft silk uses less raw material, incurs lower labour costs, and offers higher production efficiency due to the use of the fly shuttle weaving method, making it more cost-effective.

Conclusion: 

When you plan to buy silk sarees, always consider the purpose of use, the occasion, and your personality. Both the silk saree have their own charm. Choose the one that best suits you and the vibe of your special day.