If you’ve ever
taken a look at your mother’s wardrobe, you know that
every Indian woman has a collection of silk sarees.
Sarees are quintessentially Indian and well-loved, but silk sarees? They’re the epitome of class.
A pure silk saree
is a style statement, something you’d wear for events and weddings, or just on
days when you want to feel special.
Before you start
your own collection of silks, you need to know more about the different kind of
silk sarees you’ll find in stores and online. So here’s a guide to some of the
silk sarees that are available in India.
The Colours Of South India
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Traditionally
made by weavers in the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, these sarees are made
of some of the most vibrant silks you’ll find.
The beauty of the
saree is in the colour contrasts and the woven designs, which range from temple
borders to stripes, checks, and floral buttas. Usually, the body, border, and
pallu are woven separately and then woven together into a single saree later.
Pure mulberry silk threads are used to weave a saree, and the
heavier ones are usually worn for events like marriages and festivities.
The Classic Banarasi
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Even someone
completely clueless about sarees will have heard about Banarasi sarees.
Whether you go
out to the shops or prefer online saree shopping at websites like Rediff.Com, Banarasi sarees are
among the most easily available silk sarees due to their popularity.
With its rich
zari and intricate embroidery, this particular saree is usually only worn for
important events. There’s no such thing as a plain Banarasi saree.
The motifs used
are typically Mughal inspired, so you’ll find a lot of flowers and foliage
embroidery. The accuracy and beauty of the detailing are what set a Banarasi
saree apart from the rest.
Strut Like A Peacock
Made from very
fine silk threads, this saree is named after the Paithan town in Maharashtra
where it is hand woven.
A Paithani saree
will always have a visibly glossy finish, and have the peacock design on its
pallu. The silk is often dyed in bright colours, and a shifting of the saree’s
colour, known as the kaleidoscope effect, is common.
If you’re going
to a party and want to be the centre of attention, then this is the saree
you’ll want to don.
The Golden Effect
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Mysore silk
sarees are extremely popular, especially in South India.
Characterised by
its silk and pure gold zari on the sarees with a zari border, Mysore silk
sarees are available at different ranges, which makes them one of the more
affordable silks in India.
The weavers who
work on Mysore silk sarees are always trying to come up with new designs and
types of embroidery. So when you’re looking for more contemporary designs in
silk, Mysore silk sarees are your best bet.
That Gauzy Charm
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Sheer, simple,
absolutely gorgeous.
Chanderi silk
sarees are some of the lightest silk sarees around. Simple yet striking, these
versatile sarees can be worn to all kinds of occasions. You won’t need to
shelve them away till you’re invited to a wedding.
Originating in
Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, these sarees are characterised by their traditional
floral and coin motifs, sheer fabric, and easy-to-drape nature, which makes
them perfect for Indian summers. You could dress them up with heavy traditional
jewelry, or with delicate earrings and a simple pendant.
Now that you know
all that you need to about silk sarees, it’s time to get started on your own
collection!
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