Types of Handloom Sarees You Must Know: A Complete Guide
In this guide, we look at the different types of handloom sarees, their origin, respective regions, unique characteristics and ideal use cases. While the most popular fabric for handloom sarees is silk and cotton, there are many other fabrics and materials as well. However, what remains consistent is the level of skill involved, the high quality of fabrics, the intricate designs, the beautiful motifs, and the stunning work. Thus, buying a handloom saree means buying a luxurious piece of clothing that will remain exceptional for several years to come.
Over time, handloom sarees have become a status symbol, owing to their luxurious look, rich feel and stunning texture. Handloom sarees are crafted by the most skilled artisans who have been practising their techniques for several years. Thus, while buying a handloom saree, it is important to be wise and make a smart purchase. But before you jump into buying it, first, explore the different types of handloom sarees. In this blog, we look at the types, regions, characteristics, and unique features of handloom sarees. Continue reading to find out!
Types of Handloom Sarees
In the following table, we explore the different types of handloom sarees, their origin, and their unique attributes.
|
Types of Handloom Sarees |
Region |
Unique Characteristics |
Ideal for |
|
Handloom Cotton Sarees |
Pan-India |
- Lightweight - Ideal for hot weather. |
Everyday use. |
|
Handloom Silk Sarees |
Popular in Southern India |
- Luxurious - Rich texture and colour |
Weddings, festivals. |
|
Khadi Handloom Sarees |
Pan-India |
- Culturally significant - Eco-friendly |
Festive celebrations, special events. |
|
Bengal Handloom Sarees - Bulchari Sarees |
West Bengal |
- Traditional motifs - Mythology-related designs |
Festive celebrations. |
|
Bengal Handloom Sarees - Tant Sarees |
West Bengal |
- Traditional motifs - Nature-related designs |
Festive celebrations. |
|
Banarasi Handloom Sarees |
Banaras |
- Silk - Luxurious and grand saree designs - Zari work - Floral and Mughal-inspired designs |
Weddings, festivals. |
|
Handloom Linen Saree |
Pan-India |
- Cotton and Silk - Elegant Designs |
Professional settings, casual wear. |
|
Handloom Tussar Silk Sarees |
Bihar and Odisha |
- Rough yet beautiful texture - Golden shine - Geometric patterns, floral designs. |
Formal events, festivals, casual wear. |
|
Kanchipuram Handloom Saree |
Tamil Nadu |
- Luxurious fabric - Rich texture - Silk - Delicate designs - One of the most popular handloom sarees of India |
Weddings, celebrations, religious events. |
|
Sambalpuri Handloom Sarees |
Odisha |
- Designs based on tribal art and culture - Traditional motifs |
Festivals, special occasions. |
|
Handloom Jamdani Sarees |
Bengal |
- Luxurious feel - Lightweight fabric - Nature-related floral designs and motifs |
Traditional events, festivals. |
|
Muga Handloom Sarees |
Assam |
- Assam Silk - Golden shine - Durable - Floral and geometric patterns |
Formal occasions, festivals. |
|
Chanderi Handloom Sarees |
Madhya Pradesh |
- Silk and cotton - Lightweight fabric and texture - Floral patterns |
Hot weather. |
|
Handloom Maheshwari Sarees |
Madhya Pradesh |
- Contrasting borders - Intricate patterns - Zari work |
Formal events. |
|
Mangalagiri Handloom Sarees |
Andhra Pradesh |
- Minimalistic design - Detailed motifs |
Everyday use and formal events. |
|
Chettinad Handloom Sarees |
Tamil Nadu |
- Bold colours - Geometric-shaped designs |
Festivals and celebrations. |
|
Handloom Tissue Sarees |
Pan-India |
- Silver and silk threads - Shimmering texture - Expert craftsmanship |
Weddings, formal occasions. |
|
Ikkat Handloom Sarees |
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh |
- Detailed designs - Unique process of dyeing - Contrasting colour combinations |
Weddings, festivals. |
|
Odisha Handloom Sarees |
Odisha |
- Bomkai, Berhampuri sarees - Cultural motifs, detailed patterns |
Formal occasions, celebrations. |
|
Handloom Paithani Sarees |
Maharashtra |
- Peacock motifs - Pure silk - Elegant designs |
Weddings, festivities. |
|
Handloom Pattu Sarees |
Southern India, primarily Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh |
- Zari work - Detailed patterns |
Grand celebrations, weddings. |
|
Pochampally Handloom Sarees |
Andhra Pradesh |
- Geometric patterns - Traditional craftsmanship |
Weddings, festivals, cultural events. |
|
Gadwal Handloom Sarees |
Telangana |
- Silk and cotton - Contrasting colours and borders |
Formal and casual wear. |
|
Handloom Kalamkari Sarees |
Andhra Pradesh |
- Hand-painted - Block-printed - Mythology-related designs - Intricate floral patterns |
Festivals, special occasions. |
|
Venkatagiri Pattu Sarees |
Andhra Pradesh |
- Gold brocade - Zari work - Lightweight fabric |
Hot weather. |
|
Pashmina Handloom Sarees |
Kashmir |
- Crafted from the fine undercoat fibre of Changthangi goat - Warm fabric - Detailed motifs |
Cold weather. |
Why Should You Buy a Handloom Saree?
Now that we’ve explored the different types of handloom sarees, let’s look at why you should buy one:
-
Handloom sarees have stunning designs. They provide a naturally luxurious look that can’t be replicated in normal power loom sarees.
-
Because handloom sarees are crafted with the best materials, they’re incredibly soft to the skin and comfortable for long hours.
-
These sarees are made to be durable and last for several years.
-
You get a wide variety of options to choose from because of the many different types of handloom sarees.
-
Handloom sarees are an environmentally sustainable clothing option. The carbon footprint generated from manufacturing these is relatively much lesser.
-
By choosing to buy handloom sarees, you’re choosing to support artisans and empower local cultural growth.
Thus, handloom sarees are a great choice for all saree lovers. They’re timeless designs that suit everyone, look elegant and classy, and are perfect for all occasions!
Best Handloom Sarees at Blush Mango
At Blush Mango, we have the most exclusive collection of handloom sarees, designed to be the gems of your saree collection. Our sarees are crafted by skilled artisans who have decades of experience in this art. We use authentic fabric that’s soft to the skin and comfortable for long hours. Most importantly, our designs are all unique, turning the sarees into stunning pieces of fashion. You can explore beautiful plain sarees, vibrant colours, intricate motifs, and much more.
To check out all options of handloom sarees available at Blush Mango, head over to our website today: Buy Authentic Weaves & Premium Style Handloom Sarees in India.
Conclusion
Handloom sarees are more than just normal clothing; they’re a timeless symbol of India’s culture, tradition and heritage. These are elegant pieces of clothing, crafted by expert craftsmanship, that are designed to be luxurious yet comfortable wear. India, owing to its cultural diversity, has several different types of handloom sarees based on fabrics, regions, origin, techniques and style. Each saree is designed and made with skill that’s been passed down several centuries.
When you choose a handloom saree, you’re choosing to encourage these traditions and cultural heritage. Handloom is also a more sustainable choice, since it’s environmentally friendly. So when you invest in handloom clothing, you’re investing in a long-term, durable solution of stunning sarees and graceful outfits for all occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of handloom sarees?
Cotton, Silk, Khadi, Bulchari, Tant, Banarasi, Linen, Tussar, Kanchipuram, Sambalpuri, Jamdani, Muga, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Mangalagiri, Chettinad, Tissue, Ikkat, Odisha, Paithani, Pattu, Pochampally, Gadwal, Kalamkari, Venkatagiri, Pattu, and Pashmina are some of the popular types of handloom sarees.
2. How to identify handloom sarees?
To identify handloom sarees, check for minor imperfections and irregularities that arise due to hand-weaving and crafting. Another safe option is to look for the official handloom mark or certification.
3. Why is handloom so expensive?
Since handloom sarees are crafted by hand, the amount of effort and manpower required is quite high. Moreover, the fabric and materials used are also of the best quality, which ultimately increases the price of the saree.
4. What is the difference between brocade and zari?
Zari is the metallic thread of gold, silver or synthetic used for intricate detailing of motifs or designs in the saree. Brocade, on the other hand, is the actual fabric of the saree.
5. What are the different names of handlooms?
Typically, weavers use three types of looms - pit loom, stand loom and frame loom.