Silk Sarees

Silk sarees of India

There is something sensuous yet elegant about silk sarees. Six yards of sheer grace and probably the only garment that can make every woman look and feel beautiful in her own way. But every saree tells a story - a tale of creativity and craftsmanship. It’s a timeless classic. From ancient works of literature to modern art, sarees have been more than just a woven fabric. Traditional or ethnic, contemporary or fashionable, silk sarees are versatile. Historically it is believed that sarees can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. initially there were only woven from cotton but silk sarees eventually came into vogue much later and today you can buy silk sarees online as well.

Introduction and different types of silk sarees.

There are over 100 types of sarees in India and over 80 different drapes. Each drape feels like a special fashion statement, adding a touch of glamour and grace. Handwoven in different fabrics, colours and motifs, these silk sarees take you on a journey across India. While some of the silk sarees represent the region where they originated - be it towns like Kanchipuram or Banarasi, Mysore or Gadwal, Uppada or Paithani, You can buy silk sarees which showcase a technique like Ikat or the type of fabric like tussar or soft silk. From the eternal city of Varanasi to the temple town of Kanchipuram these sarees weave a tapestry of art, culture, tradition and history in six or nine yards of silk. You can now buy silk sarees online as well from any part of the country just sitting at home.

Kanchipuram silk saree

Traditional, opulent, rich and beautiful, the handwoven Kanchipuram silk sarees are as divine as the temple town itself and you can now buy unique and special Kanchipuram silk sarees online. With intricate motifs, the elegant Kanchipuram silk sarees have rich borders and elaborate pallus woven with authentic pure zari. Kanchipuram silk sarees for weddings are most sought after as they are the sheer epitome of elegance and splendour and are a testimony to true craftsmanship.

Banarasi Silk Saree

As timeless as the oldest living city, the stunningly handwoven Banarasi silk sarees are characterised by sheer gold or silver brocade, intricate embroidery and elaborate zari work. You can now buy iconic Banarasi silk sarees online as well. They are an integral part of the intangible heritage of Banaras, you can find these sarees in every Indian bride’s trousseau. There are so many varieties of grand Banarasi silk sarees for weddings. While opulent craftsmanship is a hallmark of every Banarasi saree, you get contemporary Banarasi georgette sarees as well. Handcrafted with a blend of Indian and Persian designs. these sarees are sheer poetry in silk.

Tussar silk saree

The crisp rich textures and the light golden sheen of the tussar silk sarees make it one of the eternal favourites among silk sarees. The threads are produced from the silkworms that naturally grow in the wild forests, especially the larvae of antherea moth in oak trees.

As tussar silks are mainly handwoven from North East and East India, the embroidery and embellishments are all inspired from here, with motifs and patterns borrowed heavily from tribal art.

Gadwal saree ( SICO sarees)

These handcrafted Gadwal silk sarees from Telangana are also called SICO Sarees and they sometimes blend fine cotton with silk. Handwoven, you can now sit at home and choose your favourite colour and pattern and buy Gadwal silk sarees online. While the body is usually woven with cotton, the silk is used for pallu and border. However the lightweight Gadwal pattu sarees, as they are called are known for their soft textures and embellished zari work, mainly in gold or silver. The motifs on the gadwall sarees, especially on the pallu and the borders are woven together using Kuttu stitches.

Ikat sarees

The designs of the handwoven Ikat sarees are unique and distinct with contrasting colours. These sarees are mainly from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but every weaving pattern is unique as every community including tribes have their own signature style. Geometric patterns and blurred straight lines and natural motifs. There are both single and double ikat sarees and while the former uses resist-dyed threads on the warp or welp, the double ikat sarees have these threads dyed and then they are woven together.

Mysore silk saree

The traditional silk sarees of Mysore are befitting the royal status of the state - understated and minimalistic and yet grand and lustrous with a smooth radiant finish. The zaris are pure silver with a small percentage of gold and the sarees are a testimony to Karnataka’s legacy in silk, which is a story by itself.

Paithani silk saree

Originating from a village called Paithan near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, these historic Paithani silk sarees, characterised with oblique square borders and pallus with peacock motifs were patronised by the Nizam of Hyderabad since the 17th century. Initially, they were woven in cotton but now in silk from a little town called Yeola near Nasik. But you don’t have to travel anywhere but can buy Paithani silk sarees online. Today the elegant Paithani sarees are often referred to as Marathi Paithani Saree. Paithani Sarees for weddings and other occasions are today most sought after for their grace and magnificence.

Soft silk saree

Blending the light and luxurious aspect of silk and the delicate zari workl and craftsmanship, the soft silk sarees are handwoven from fine silk threads. There is a hige variety here in terms of motifs and colours. The sarees are radiant and smooth with an everlasting appeal.

Uppada silk saree

This beach town in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh is also known for its exquisite traditional Uppada silk sarees, often known for the Jamdhani work with distinctive designs. Choose from a variety of colours and buy Uppada sarees online. The silk of the Uppada pattu sarees is soft and lightweight and adds a light shimmering effect with the use of golden zari in the motifs.

Dupion silk saree

Crisp, rustic, a little thicker but still soft and smooth, these dupion silk sarees are made by using thin warp thread that produces a tightly woven fabric with a plain weave. You can also buy dupion silk sarees online today from the comfort of your home. One of the most durable fabrics, it is made by blending irregular weft and gentle warp threads which makes it stronger than other silks.