Handy Tips for Selecting that Gloriously Perfect Silk Saree

Silk lures, attracts, charms and fascinates! In fact, right from Ancient times in India, the ‘national dress’ has symbolised culture and tradition, as well as elegance and grace, whether it is designed from natural/artificial silk.

  1. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

The sheer splendour of the gold and silver threads that go into the making of these high-quality Kanchipuram silk sarees from Tamil Nadu, suffice to make you feel quite aristocratic indeed! Apart from the excellent quality of premium silk, these sarees are renowned for their intricately woven patterns, superb motifs and embroidery.

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  1. Konrad Silk Sarees

These hand-woven and affluent Temple/Mubbhagam sarees, with intricate patterns scattered all over, are a gift from Tamil Nadu too. The broad borders exhibit wonderfully sparkling embellishments.

  1. Banarasi Silk Sarees

They originate from Varanasi/Banaras. The hallmarks of excellence are the superbly fine silk fabrics that come into play, uniquely patterned pallus, metallic visual effects, skilful weaving and engravings/decorations created from silver/gold zari or brocade threads. Characteristic favourites amongst embellishments are intertwining foliate and floral motifs (akin to Mughal designs), bel and kalga, mina work, net-like patterns (jal), opulent embroidery and jhallar (string of leaves standing upright) dotting the outer edge of the border.

  1. Mysore Silk Sarees

Popular as one of the finest and purest forms of silk sarees, these classic sarees from Mysore possess vibrant shades of diverse colours, a luxurious feel and rich smoothness. They have been symbolic of the Indian culture, ever since the Maharaja of Mysore launched the first Mysore Silk Factory in 1912.

  1. Paithani Silk Sarees

These enchantingly opulent-looking offerings are from Aurangabad, Maharashtra! True, the colours may seem repetitive, the most popular ones being green, magenta, purple and blue. Then again, you will adore the birds (peacocks, parrots, etc), trees, etc, using your fabric as their background homes! Zari borders and intricate motifs are common too.

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  1. Bandhani Silk Sarees

Gujarati weavers introduced the unique tie-and-dye technique to the rest of India, for creating the attractive and colourful Bandhani specimens. The shades of colours are blends, or contrasts to one another. Rajasthan picked up the technique, resulting in Jaipur being the largest producer of such silk sarees.

  1. Chanderi Silk Sarees

Marvellously light, airy and comfortable, these magical-looking creations are a gift from Madhya Pradesh. They do look grand enough to suit any occasion, thanks to the beautiful prints depicted across the saree. Generally, they relate to temple scenarios.

  1. Tussar Silk Sarees

All the credit for weaving these delicate-looking garments goes to the tribals residing in forest regions. They use a specific type of silkworm moth, which is prevalent in South Asia, for obtaining the silk yarn. In general, these sarees display neutral tones, such as beige and honey, which permits mixing-and-matching with vibrantly coloured blouses.

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  1. Thanchoi Silk Sarees

The characteristic aspects of these sarees from North India include charming floral motifs, the absence of a border, the easy recognition of the pallu and the unusual technique of weaving. Skilled weavers ensure that the entire garment acquires a brocade look or a raised appearance!

  1. Baluchari Silk Sarees

Originating from West Bengal, they make you look quite aristocratic! The borders of these sarees are wonderfully different, for they depict tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana through unique patterns.

  1. Crepe Silk Sarees

When yarn is twisted and tied in unique patterns, you obtain Crepe silk sarees with pebbly appearances. The threads may be of any type. However, raw silk is a hot favourite, ensuring that the saree remains light in weight.

  1. Raw Silk Sarees

Surprisingly, the texture, stiffness and affordability makes you believe that you are donning cotton fabric! This is because it is rather uneven, lacking the lustre and smoothness of beautiful silk. Regardless, raw silk is indeed silk, thanks to the special ‘gum’ present in it. When this gum is removed, you obtain pure silk.

  1. Art Silk Sarees

It is obvious that the silk is artificial in nature. However, the glow and the glory are similar to pure silk, for it is equally soft, smooth and shiny in appearance.

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  1. 14. Bhagalpuri Silk Sarees

Bhagalpur town in Bihar brings you affordable Bhagalpuri silk sarees. The label, Silk City, owes its origin to the presence of numerous artisans in the place around 200 years ago, who came up with a unique technique to weave and dye a special type of silk.

  1. Cotton Silk Sarees

As the name indicates, these sarees are hybrid varieties, combining both, silk and cotton yarns. The texture of each saree varies in alignment with the quantity of cotton/silk yarn used. The garments are lightweight, wonderfully absorbent and soft on the skin.

Summary

Silk sarees come in a variety of textures, colours and designs. It is why every woman feels that she simply must have every type of design possible in her cupboard, for all occasions