Saree Styles and Fabrics: Choosing the Perfect Combination for Every Occasion

From the humble cotton saree that is worn every day by women in the subcontinent to lavish, opulent sarees ruling runways across the world, this piece of clothing continues to captivate and enamour the attention of everyone. Be it its flowing material or how empowered it can make its wearer feel, different styles of sarees are available to cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences. In this blog, we break down some traditional styles, guide you on how to select the right saree for the right occasion and even share the best and most effective ways to keep your saree as good as new.

What Are the Different Styles of Sarees?

Just as you see changes in the dialect of a language when you travel from district to district in India, similarly there is a different form of craftsmanship in neighbouring villages and districts that the community has been continuing for generations. Therefore, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate and understand the different styles of sarees available in the market. Read on to understand a few of the different styles of sarees available:

1. Kanjivaram Sarees

Probably one of the most popular styles of saree, ‘Kanjivaram’ is made in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The Kanjivaram style comprises sarees made from pure mulberry silk, in very bright colours and also possess intricately woven gold/silver zari borders. It is a bridal tradition in Southern states to wear a Kanjivaram-style saree for weddings.

2. Banarasi Katan Silk Saree

Originally from Persia, katan silk weaving made its way to India centuries ago where artisans from Varanasi were able to begin creating handcrafted sarees. Banarasi katan silk sarees’ designs feature paisleys and florals with a heavy zari border.

3. Jamawar Saree

If you are looking for a heavy silk saree that has hand embroidery throughout the fabric, then you should select a Jamawar saree. Jamawar cloth is usually woven into shawls that were highly favoured by the Mughals but the sarees are equally impressive when you look at them.

4. Modal Silk Ajrakh Saree

Made from the pulp of beech trees, Modal silk is an eco-friendly material. Sarees made from this material are lightweight and have a beautiful shine to it. The Ajrakh form of block printing is done by hand and was originally developed in the Sindh region of modern-day Pakistan. The unique block prints on a lightweight, free-flowing material make a saree that makes you stand out from the crowd.

 

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Saree

Now that we have explored a few different styles of sarees from across India, how do we go about understanding what fabric is the right fit for us? Let’s have a look at some of the most popular fabrics to consider:

1. Handwoven Cotton Sarees

In the boiling hot summer months where temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius, cotton clothes come in handy to beat the heat. With cotton sarees, you can be assured of staying cool but also looking your best be it at work or at a formal event. Handwoven cotton sarees can feature minimalist designs or hand block printed patterns or more carefully embroidered patterns.

2. Silk Sarees

Silk sarees hold a lot of value for most families. It is seen as an heirloom item that is passed down from generation to generation. As a fibre that occurs naturally, sarees woven from silk exude a shine and brilliance that cannot be replicated.

3. Material Blends

Cotton silk, polyester silk, wool and silk – these are just a few combinations of materials that sarees are available in. An example of the wool and silk combination is the Kashmiri Jamawar saree. With silk’s heat-regulating properties and wool, this saree is the best option for the colder months.

Taking Care of Your Sarees

Accidentally spilt food on your saree? Did not store your saree properly and it now looks dull? Thinking of washing it to make it feel fresh and new? Before washing your sarees, take a look at our guide to learn a few tips on caring for your sarees:

1. Handwoven Cotton Saree: Washing your cotton sarees is a simple process. To prevent the colours from leaking, soaking the saree in warm water for 5-10 minutes helps. Then, hand washing the saree with a soap/detergent that is not too harsh. Air drying is recommended however be careful about drying it out in direct sunlight. This can cause the colour of the saree to fade..
2. Banarasi Katan Silk Saree: The best way to protect your silk sarees and prevent the material’s threads from getting damaged is to dry clean them.
3. Jamawar Saree: As this type of saree is made from both woollen and silk threads, dry cleaning is the best option to maintain the saree and make sure it doesn’t lose its lustre.
4. Modal Silk Ajrakh Saree: This fabric should be hand-washed in cold water or dry-cleaned to maintain its vibrant prints and softness.

To Wrap It Up

In the Indian subcontinent, different styles of sarees continue to be the preferred wardrobe choice for women. While the market is flooded with a variety of materials, designs, colours, weaving styles etc. – what has not changed in decades is that wearing a saree can never go out of style. When you shop ncuihaat.online saree collection, you are not only sourcing uniquely handmade items for your wardrobe but also giving back to the artisans’ skill and talent. Shop the collection today!