A quintessential item of Indian fashion is undoubtedly the Sari. In fact, when considering Indian style, the first thing that many often think of is the sari. The word “sari” itself comes from the Sanskrit word “sati”, which means strip of cloth. From the very meaning of the word, the Indian sari, which can also be spelled as “saree”, is one long piece of cloth, which is unstitched and usually measures between four and a half to nine yards long and twenty-four to forty-seven inches wide.
Now, a sari is not just any simple piece of cloth. Sarees come in a wide range of eye-catching colors, and striking designs that often feature various prints, embroideries, and embellishments, and are made of different fabrics. There are said to be approximately thirty different regional varieties of Sarees in India. The nation’s well-known tradition and expertise in dyeing, printing, and silk-weaving fabrics all come alive in the countless saris worn by women in India and beyond the country’s shores.
The innumerable designs and styles of saris that one can choose from is matched by the many different ways that one can wear a sari. A sari’s long length allows one to drape it comfortably and fashionably around the body, which is particularly favorable when worn in tropical countries and hot climates like India.
Different regions in India have different styles and techniques for draping the saree. There are also different draping styles that are appropriate for different occasions, including the Bengali, Nivi, Marathi, and Gujarati styles, to name just a few of them. One of the most popular ways of wearing a sari is the Nivi style, which pairs the sari with a tight-fitting blouse, called a choli, and a long skirt or petticoat, known as a ghagra.
The choli usually ends below the bust, in the style of a crop top as women today would be familiar with. The ghagra skirt, on the other hand, sits right at the waist and falls to the floor. However, one can actually drape a saree around the body and forego wearing a blouse or skirt with it altogether. While it may seem like the weaving, embellishments, embroideries and the many other different designs that sarees are very well-known for are purely for aesthetics, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Sarees are actually specially constructed and designed with heavier sections in order for it to drape around the body just right. A saree’s border or side hem is often woven with a heavier density. The same goes for the saree’s decorative end piece, known as the “pallu” or “anchal”, which is heavily adorned in order for it to drape beautifully along the body.
The origins of the saree have clear and close ties to the very history of India. It’s a brilliant piece of fashion that transcends time and will never go out of style. Today, more than a long strip of unstitched cloth and more than a part of one’s wardrobe, the sari is draped around the nation’s identity and woven with its rich and vibrant culture.
Handloom sarees since forever have been a favorite of women. It is because of their intricate weaving, the handiwork that goes into making and embellishing them, and their timeless quality and durability which makes these sarees are a must-have for anyone who wants to create a personal heirloom collection.
Any saree that is passed down from one generation to another is a gem in itself and is priceless for the young women of the family. Here is a list of a few traditional Indian sarees that you can keep your eyes on and collect, to build a treasure of Indian drapes that everyone would love to inherit and borrow.
Banarasi sarees are all about opulent making, elaborate patterns, and the unadulterated use of metallic Zari (gold, silver, copper) that gives the drape its rich texture and appeal. Made with pure silk, silk cotton, and other soft blends, Banarasi sarees are a top choice for brides as their favorite traditional Indian bridal wear.
In families where Banarasi sarees were purchased by the elder women, the young girls inherit the drapes during the big days aka the wedding day, when they dress themselves in the wealth and blessings of their mothers and grandmothers. Many museums have collected heirloom selections of Banarasi sarees from all over India, belonging to elite families, where a Banarasi saree was no less than a priceless jewel.
Upadda or Upadda Pattu sarees come from the East Godavari area of Andhra, made with silk threads and Zari. Made with silk that has a rich and shimmering texture, these sarees are beautiful and light, perfect for long hours of wearing the drape, and are embellished with exquisite floral patterns.
Upadda sarees are a favorite for the brides and women of Southern India, who drape them in traditional styles and wear them with gold jewelry. Easy to maintain and dress, Upadda sarees are a great choice for modern women, with their effortless wearability and regal silk weave.
These sarees are woven in the Bishupur town and surrounding areas in Bengal. The story of these luxurious sarees of the East goes back to the journey of Banaras weavers to Murshidabad, where the Nawab of Bengal provided them with the motivation and money to create drapes and clothing that were fit for the royalty.
Due to its association with the elites, Baluchari sarees are made with pure gold threads, giving them the name of “Swarnachari”, in which the cloth appears to be shining with the blend of silk threads and metallic Zari. The sarees are unique because of the weaving of stories from Indian mythology and folk culture on their pallu or endpieces, inspired by the scroll paintings popular in Bengal and Odisha.
Produced in the ancient royal city of Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram or Kanjeevaram sarees are silk drapes synonymous with the heritage of not just the Southern region but the whole of India. These sarees are known for the prized pure silk and gold used in their weave, the traditional auspicious motifs that adorn them (temple, pine, peacock, coin, parrot, jasmine, paisley, lotus), and the skill of the weavers.
Kanjivaram sarees have a root in the history of Kanchi, considered a favorite of the queens and elite women of the town, who were among the earliest patrons of these drapes. Kanchipuram sarees then became a traditional bridal wear for Tamil brides, who styled in the regional styles with heritage jewelry. Today, Kanjivaram sarees are a global phenomenon, worn as a statement of style and refinement, and cherished by many women as an heirloom.
In the town of Paithan, close to the historic city of Aurangabad, Paithani sarees have been woven for some centuries. These silk drapes are an essential part of the bridal trousseau of Marathi women, who style it with heirloom jewelry such as Nath, Haar, anklet, waistbelt, and other ornaments on a special day.
The rituals of the wedding are conducted with the bride dressed in a Marathi-style Paithani drape, usually in the auspicious red, yellow, green, and deep pink colors, with a silk shawl called shalu or dushala. The sarees are decorated with sacred symbols like lotuses, floral vines, peacocks, gold coins, parrots, and pots of plenty, which are motifs of wealth, fortune, and beauty. Precious in their price and emotional value, Paithani sarees are traditional heriloom drapes that can be added to your wardrobe as well as classic Indian ethnic wear.
Made by the women of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Bandhani sarees are a tie-dye drape, worn by the traditional bride of western India. These sarees are dipped in auspicious colors, with the Bundi or dot pattern all over, that is a cultural symbol, adding beauty and value to the drape. Bandhani sarees come in silk, cotton, and blend fabrics, and are an ethnic heriloom, which now has a contemporary buyer base, who love them for their simple designs and heritage status.
The Gharchola saree, made with the technique of Bandhani and decorated with Zari and other embellishments is a traditional masterpiece in this category of sarees and is an heirloom filled with emotions and memories for the Gujarati brides.
Ikat sarees, whether Pochampally Ikat or the Patola of Patan, are known for intricate designs and use of durable and comfortable cotton threads. These are handloom magic pieces, created by the weavers by tying together already colored threads in warp and weft, to create ornate patterns, with especially rich elements on the border and pallu. The use of cotton and silk ensures that the saree will get easier to drape and beautiful with every use, making Ikat sarees a traditional drape that is passed from mother to daughter.
Especially the Patan Patola, decorated with auspicious motifs and fine Zari work, is a part of the Gujarati bride’s wardrobe, worn with their mother or grandmother’s jewelry, usually in beautiful red, green, yellow, and other fortunate colors, as the symbol of the good wishes of the elders to the young girl starting a new chapter in her life.
Made with georgette, chiffon, silk, organza, and other festive fabrics, bridal sarees are a distinct part of traditional Indian drapes. These are mostly made in classic bridal colors such as red, green, and yellow, which are considered auspicious and beautiful, decorated with Zari, Zardozi, mirrorwork, and intricate embroidery using colorful threads giving the bride a rich and luxurious look.
Bridal sarees are a special part of the wardrobe of many Indian women, who inherit them from their mothers. While sometimes lehengas and gowns came into vogue, heirloom bridal sarees are making a comeback now, and are styled by many celebrity brides who love the traditional Indian look for their big day.
Styling an heirloom saree is an experience in itself. The drape received as a gift from the family elders, feels like their eternal blessings, wrapping in which is just like getting a warm hug from them! Heirloom Indian sarees are not just for weddings. You can pair them with traditional Indian jewelry for festivals, along with Potli bags and statement footwear. Explore Exotic India Art’s collection of Indian sarees collected from the weaving centers and homes of artists from all over the country, and start creating your heirloom treasure from these handpicked gems.
Your email address will not be published *
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist