For me, a sari is more than just another garment; it's a memento from my grandmother, a keepsake passed on from generations that reminds me of my heritage. It is also a sartorial demonstration of India’s cultural diversity. Each region of the Indian Subcontinent has their version of this classic and timeless piece of clothing. Not just that, the drape of the sari also varies between region, community and sometimes, the event.
Break fashion stereotypes, and work a sari every chance you get. This versatile garments is perfect for a wedding, a traditional soirée, a corporate affair, or even a brunch, a casual workday, date-night, and informal gatherings. Whether you are a sari junkie like me or just a newbie looking to add a few to your wardrobe, here are our top picks that are must have in your closet!
KALAMKARI SARI
Origin: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Picture Courtesy: @traditionally_in (Instagram)
Kalamkari saris are known for their elegance and rich heritage that dates back to the medieval times. Kalamkari is a type of hand printed or hand block printed cotton textile using natural dyes. Usually done on organic fabrics like cotton or silk, they never go out of style.
BENARASI SARI
Origin: Varanasi
Picture Courtesy: @karagiri_ethnic (Instagram)
Benarasi silk saris are an epitome of artistic brilliance, and one of the finest and oldest handloom products of India. Crafted using gold or silver threads and created with the highest grade silk fabrics, these saris are the preferred picks for the wedding trousseau. They can also be worn at formal corporate events or a cocktail.
CHIKANKARI SARI
Origin: Lucknow
Picture Courtesy: @noorkari.lucknow (Instagram)
Chikankari saris are a classy and elegant pick for any occasion. The use of lightweight fabrics dyed in light pastel colours with intricate embroidery, make them ideal for everyday wear – accessorise it right and you can achieve glamorous day and night looks.
PATOLA SARI
Origin: Gujarat
Picture Courtesy: @patola_bynirmalsalvi (Instagram)
Patola means ‘Queen of Silks’,due to its high monetary value. There are two varieties of Patola sarees – the Rajkot Patola and the Patan Patola. These silk handwoven timeless pieces are a result of months of meticulous and intricate work, and they cannot be mass produced; each piece in itself is unique.
KASAVU SARI
Origin: Kerala
Picture Courtesy: @yahvi_by_maneesha (Instagram)
The traditional classic Kasavu sari is an off-white/white cotton or silk sari that has a thick golden border, which is woven with threads of real gold. Keeping up with the times and its popularity, the artisans have diversified to include artificial golden thread.
NAUVARI SARI
Origin: Maharashtra
Picture Courtesy: @karagiri_ethnic (Instagram)
Also known as Kasta saris, the uniqueness of this sari is the drape. This particular type is a nine yard long saree which is usually draped like a dhoti. Traditionally, Maharashtrian brides and the wedding party wear Nauvari saris on the wedding day. To create a more modern look, pair it with a sleeveless blouse.
JAMDANI SARI
Origin: Bangladesh. This type of weave is widely available in Bengal.
Picture Courtesy: @amrapaliboutique (Instagram)
Declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, Jamdani is widely known as the most advanced hand weaving technique in the world. Each motif has to be veneered into the fabric by adding denser threads to fine threads. The process is so time consuming that on a usual day, an artisan can weave only between a quarter and one inch of fabric which is a year if we're looking at a handwoven Jamdani sari. The sari is the epitome of grace and beauty.
KANJEEVARAM SARI
Origin: Tamil Nadu
Picture Courtesy: @sailesh_singhania (Instagram)
Kanjeevaram is a silk sari woven from pure mulberry silk. Owing to the rich zari work, thick fabric and bright colours, it is preferred for festive occasions and celebrations. While the silk belongs to South India, the pure gold and silver zari comes from Gujarat.
TANT SARI
Origin: Bengal
Picture Courtesy: @gonative.in (Instagram)
“Tant” essentially means handloom in Bengali. Tant saris are woven on a loom using the finest cotton threads, to produce soft and airy fabrics. They are perfect for summers.
CHANDERI SARI
Origin: Madhya Pradesh
Picture Courtesy: @karagiri_ethnic (Instagram)
Chanderi saris are famous for their light-weight, airy and transparent fabrics – they are woven in silk, cotton, and cotton silk, which makes them versatile for everyday and occasional wear depending on the zari in the weave.