The Different Types of Indian Sarees

Sarees in general are a timeless and classic piece of clothing. Indian sarees combine and intertwine diversity and history seamlessly. From the Kanchipuram sarees of Tamil Nadu to the vibrant bandhani prints of Gujarat, Indian sarees offer a breathtaking journey through the country’s artistic heritage. Each saree unravels the intricate fabric of India’s cultural legacy, highlighting the unique weaving skills, patterns, themes, and textiles of every individual state.

With each saree representing a story of its own, the richness of Indian sarees cannot be undervalued. In this blog post, let us take you through the different styles of Indian sarees with the best picks for each one:

1. Best Zari Banarasi Saree: Anouk Woven Design Banarasi Saree

2. Best Kanjeevaram Saree: Kalini Kanjeevaram Saree

3. Best Muga Silk Saree: Silk Land Floral Printed Muga Silk Saree

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Banarasi Unique Sarees (@banarasiunique.sarees)

Origin

Banarasi sarees, originating in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (formerly known as Banaras), are regarded as the pinnacle of luxury and elegance in Indian sarees. They are well-known for their gorgeous silk fabrics, intricate zari work, and timeless designs that accurately portray Indian tradition and culture.

These sarees are generally made of fine silk, however they can also be made of organza or georgette. Banarasi saree weavers are highly trained, using handloom techniques to weave with meticulous attention to detail.

Unique Features 

Banarasi sarees are known for their intricate floral patterns, paisleys, Mughal-inspired designs like buttas (small motifs), and geometric shapes. Furthermore, the borders and pallu, or ornamental end of the saree, are adorned with magnificent zari work representing mythological creatures, peacocks, elephants, and blossoming vines.

The elaborate process of weaving designs directly into the cloth, known as kadwa (brocade) or kadhua (handwoven), distinguishes Banarasi sarees. The entire process of making a Banarasi saree is a labor of love that necessitates enormous patience, talent, and imagination.

Best Picks

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by kanjeevaram silk sarees by Ravali 🧿 (@pure_silk_collections)

Origin

Kanchipuram sarees, also known as Kanjeevaram sarees, are among India’s most elegant and elegant traditional sarees. These sarees, made in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, are a symbol of South Indian refinement and skill.

These sarees are well-known for their fine silk fabric, brilliant colors, and beautiful zari embroidery. Kanjeevaram sarees have a long history dating back to the Chola period. According to legend, the silk weavers of Kanchipuram are descended from Sage Markanda, the master weaver of the gods who taught the locals how to weave silk. 

Unique Features

To create Kanjeevaram sarees, local artisans use pure mulberry silk. This silk is known for its resilience, luster, and tenacity. The silk threads are handwoven on traditional looms by skilled weavers. The use of heavy silk fabric, called Kanchipuram silk, is what makes Kanjeevaram sarees unique and gives them their characteristic drape.

Kanjeevaram sarees are famous for their stunning borders, which are often adorned with intricate patterns inspired by mythology, nature, and temple architecture. Traditional designs include peacocks, elephants, mangoes, leaves, checks, and geometric patterns, created using silk and zari (metallic thread). The pallu, or ornamental finish, of a saree is usually adorned with complex motifs, adding to its beauty and elegance.

Best Picks

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ❤️ODISHA SAMBALPURI SAREE❤️@INDIA💥 (@sambalpuri.handloom.india)

Origin 

Sambalpuri sarees are highly sought-after pieces of clothing that hail from the western region of Odisha. They are treasured for their one-of-a-kind designs, traditional motifs, and cultural significance. Plus, they hold a special place in India’s rich textile heritage. Sambalpuri sarees are a vital part of Odisha’s cultural identity and pride. 

They are created using a complex ikat dyeing and weaving process, where the warp and weft yarns are first colored in precise patterns before being woven on a handloom. The result is a beautiful saree with a distinctive look that is achieved by repeatedly tying and dying the yarns to produce intricate designs and motifs.

Unique Features 

Sambalpuri sarees are woven using either fine cotton or silk yarns, depending on the desired texture, drape, and occasion. The traditional designs and motifs on Sambalpuri sarees are wide-ranging and include geometric shapes, floral patterns, animals, birds, and tribal-inspired themes. Each motif has a symbolic meaning that reflects the weavers’ artistic sensibilities and cultural background.

The elaborate designs on the borders, pallu, and body of the saree are a testament to the weavers’ creativity and imagination. They are the result of a laborious method called ikat weaving, which requires patience and skill. The resulting sarees are not just pieces of clothing but works of art that showcase the weavers’ dedication and passion for their craft.

Best Picks

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jamdani saree (@jamdanisareee)

Origin 

Jamdani sarees are an exquisite example of the traditional weaving technique that originated in Dhaka, a historical region in Bengal, now part of Bangladesh and West Bengal. These sarees are renowned for their stunning designs, intricate weaving techniques, and fine craftsmanship, which harmoniously combine traditional creativity with cultural history.

The process of weaving jamdani sarees is an intricate handloom method that involves weaving colorful weft threads between warp threads made of cotton or silk. The weavers use their expert skills and attention to detail to produce elaborate patterns and motifs by hand, which require a high degree of precision.

The delicate cotton or silk threads used to weave these sarees are chosen based on the occasion, desired texture, and drape. The weaving process is a work of art that requires immense patience and dedication, and the weavers take great pride in their creations.

Unique Features 

The motifs expertly woven into the fabric of jamdani sarees are what set them apart from other types of sarees. The intricate designs, geometric patterns, and floral motifs are simply breathtaking. The motifs frequently feature flowers like lotuses, jasmine, and marigolds, along with more conventional features like paisleys, vines, and abstract geometric patterns.

Every jamdani saree is a masterpiece, with the pattern elements expressing the weavers’ cultural influences and artistic sensitivities. The sarees are not just clothing items, but also pieces of art that reflect the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of India.

Best Picks

Origin 

Kerala sarees, also recognized as Kasavu sarees, are a type of traditional Indian attire that originate from the mesmerizing state of Kerala in the south. These sarees are renowned for their simplicity, elegance, and the unique golden border that gives them their name. The exquisite cotton fabric used to craft Kasavu sarees is celebrated for its softness, lightness, and breathability, making it ideal for Kerala’s tropical climate.

The sarees have an off-white or plain white body that represents simplicity and purity, with a large golden border running the length of the garment. The golden border, known as kasavu, gives the saree a rich and sophisticated appearance. It is sometimes delicately woven with metallic zari or synthetic golden threads, which adds to its beauty.

Unique Features 

Kasavu sarees are popular among women not only in Kerala, but throughout India. Women of all ages can be seen wearing these sarees for a variety of occasions, including weddings, temple visits, cultural events, and festivals like Onam and Vishu. These sarees are considered auspicious and are commonly worn at religious festivals, pujas, and other traditional ceremonies. The kasavu saree represents Kerala’s rich history and heritage, and its timeless elegance continues to attract and inspire women around the world.

Best Picks

Origin 

Muga silk sarees reflect the opulence and elegance of their native state, Assam in northeast India. These sarees are manufactured from the unique and exquisite Muga silk, which is produced entirely by the endemic Assam silkmoth (Antheraea assamensis). The beautiful golden tone of the Muga silk sarees is due to the inherent color of the Muga silk. Muga silk sarees are highly sought after in Assam because of their distinctive tone, durability, and intrinsic brilliance, as well as their cultural and economic significance.

Muga silk sarees are crafted by experienced artisans using historic handlooms passed down through generations and centuries-old weaving traditions. The elaborate patterns and motifs on the sarees are inspired by Assamese culture and nature, including themes like the jaapi (traditional cap), elephants, peacocks, and floral designs.

Unique Features 

The complex designs woven with ancient weaving methods embellish the borders and pallu (decorative end) of sarees, adding to their overall magnificence and charm. The Muga silk’s natural golden color varies from light gold to a rich amber, giving the fabric a distinctive appearance. The exquisite and lustrous silk threads have a unique sheen that enhances the saree’s beauty.

Muga silk sarees are renowned for their strength and tenacity, as the cloth becomes softer and more glossy with each wash. These sarees are a testament to the ancient techniques of weaving that have been passed down through the generations and to the rich cultural heritage of Assam.

Best Picks

Origin 

Tant sarees, commonly known as Bengali cotton sarees, embody West Bengal’s rich cultural tradition. These classic handloom sarees are made with fine cotton threads, resulting in a lightweight and translucent weave that emanates refinement. The elaborate weaving patterns, comprising delicate shapes and motifs inspired by nature, demonstrate the artists’ excellent handiwork, which has been passed down from generation to generation.

Tant saree fabrics are well-known for their ease, suppleness, and breathability, making them excellent for Bengal’s humid climate. The sarees’ thin and airy texture highlights the fabric’s wonderful features, creating a subtle shine that adds to their beauty. The variety of colors offered, from brilliant hues to pastel tints, reflects Bengali women’s different interests and tastes.

Unique Features 

The borders and pallu (decorative end) of the sarees are adorned with elaborate designs woven using ancient techniques that contribute to their elegance and beauty. These patterns include geometric shapes, floral designs, paisleys, and traditional Bengali motifs like fish, conch shells, and temple borders, among others. 

Tant sarees are an essential part of Bengali culture and are worn by women of all ages on various occasions, such as weddings, cultural gatherings, festivals, and daily wear. Wearing them during religious events, pujas, and rituals is considered auspicious. The practicality and adaptability of the fabric make these sarees an excellent choice for everyday wear.

Best Picks

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kota Doria Sarees (@kotadoriasarees)

Origin 

Kota Doria sarees are a true testament to India’s rich textile heritage and have been a favorite among fashion enthusiasts for decades. Originating from the town of Kota in Rajasthan, these sarees are known for their delicate weaves, lightweight feel, and unique square-like patterns called khats. Every saree is a masterpiece that reflects the skilled craftsmanship of Mysore artisans, whom the royal family of Kota invited during the Mughal era to weave exquisite cotton and silk fabrics.

While the name “Doria” signifies the intricate weaving pattern, it is derived from the Persian word “dori,” which means thread. The secret to Kota Doria sarees’ beauty lies in the blend of silk and cotton yarns that create a translucent and transparent texture. This makes it perfect for the hot and dry weather of Rajasthan. Moreover, the little khats woven into the cloth add a unique touch to the sarees, elevating their elegance and charm.

Unique Features 

Kota Doria sarees are renowned for their crispness, softness, and subtle sheen, which further enhance their beauty and appeal. Each saree is a true work of art that is crafted by skilled artisans on traditional handlooms. The sarees’ modern and distinctive appearance is achieved through a blend of silk and cotton threads that create geometric checks, stripes, and patterns. The result is a saree that is both timeless and contemporary, treasured by generations of women for its exquisite drape, breathability, and classic appeal.

Best Picks

Here are some interesting FAQs on types of Indian sarees:

The different types of Indian sarees are broad and diverse, with a rich tapestry of regional variants that highlight distinct blends of workmanship, tradition, and cultural meaning. From the intricate weaving of Banarasi silk to the brilliant hues of Kanjivaram, each state in India has its own kind of saree that symbolizes its local culture and heritage. 

Which is your favorite style of Indian saree? Let us know your thoughts!

Buying from the links on this page may earn us a fee. Please read our complete ethics statement here.