Types of Sarees of India: An Ode to the elegance of our Sartorial Tradition

India is a melting pot of rich cultures and traditions, since time immemorial different linguistic, cultural, religious identities have always been a part of our national identity. One way in which the diversity of India can be observed, is in all the festivals that are celebrated with vigor and grandeur and the traditional sartorial choices. Nowhere is the diversity reflected more, than in the humble saree, the nine yards of elegance that has evolved over time through various interpretations influenced by our varied traditional art styles. 

Different types of Indian sarees you must have in your wardrobe:

If you love sarees and want to know the various types of sarees in India to expand your collection, then listed below are the different types of sarees that are popular in each State:

1. Taant from West Bengal:

This is a traditional saree from Bengal and it’s made from cotton. Bengali women wear it on casual occasions or as daily wear because it’s comfortable, light, and easy to wear. The sarees are available with thick borders and beautiful prints.

2. Kasavu from Kerala:

The next popular addition to our list of different types of sarees is the Kasavu, also known as Settu, saree. Traditionally, this outfit was worn as a mundu, a blouse, and a stole set. But, the Kasavu saree has evolved into a full-blown saree and is characterized by its gold border; the borders are woven with real gold threads. Now, the sarees have diversified in the market and you will find some Settu sarees that have an artificial thread as well.

3. Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu:

If you have visited Tamil Nadu and are not invested in the iconic Kanjeevaram silk sarees, then you’re missing out! There is a reason Kanjeevaram is known as the queen of sarees, and that’s because it’s made from traditionally woven silk from the Kanjeevaram region. The sarees are loved by Indian women because of their rich color and texture. They also portray a sense of elegance, grace, and class, in one swift drape.

4. Bomkai from Odisha:

The next entry on our list of different types of sarees of different states is the Bomkai saree, which is quite an intricate piece of art. This nine-yard beauty is adorned with ikat embroidery and intricate thread work. With the Bomkai saree, the devil is in the details, and you will notice the fine artisanship of the threadwork set on natural fabric like cotton and silk; this makes it perfect for festive occasions.

5. Paithani from Maharashtra:

An Aurangabad specialty, the Paithani saree is a handwoven silk saree, which is grand and elegant. The zari border, fine motifs, and classy peacock designs are what make this saree unique.

6. Bandhani from Gujrat:

This saree has an interesting manufacturing process, it's created by using the tie-dye methods. Gujarat and Rajasthan are known for excellent Bandhani sarees. But, it’s the weavers from the Khatri community in Gujarat that are pioneers in creating the Bandhani saree as they practice the art exclusively, to this day.

7. Muga from Assam:

Muga silk sarees are made from a special kind of silk that is produced by larvae that feed on two special leaves, in Assam. The silk made from this larvae is considered to be one of the best in the country. The saree material is glossy and durable and you will find golden Muga threads only in Assam.

8. Banarasi from Varanasi:

Just like the Kancheevaram, visiting Varanasi without picking up an exquisite banarasi saree for yourself would make for an incomplete trip. Banarasi sarees are one of the top sarees in India, and that’s why it's included in our list of different types of sarees you must have in your wardrobe. It’s known for its gold and silver zari designs and motifs. In the past, the detailing was quite fine and intricate but now there is a variety to choose from since the demand is quite high.

9. Pochampally from Telangana:

Pochampally silk hails from the Boodham town in Telangana. These sarees are popular among South Indian women because of the geometric ikat designs and fine motifs that are made from a combination of silk and cotton. These sarees look royal and feel like a dream.

10. Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh:

The chanderi fabric is created by weaving silk, zari, and cotton together. The resulting material is light, it has a gorgeous sheen, and looks magnificent. Even though the material may look overwhelmingly shiny, it's quite comfy to wear, and if you are looking for a saree that is low maintenance and looks regal, then the chanderi saree is for you.

11. Konrad from Tamil Nadu:

The Konrad saree is also popularly known as the temple saree because it was originally woven for temple deities. The saree fabric will usually have checks, stripes, or a wide border. It also includes animal or natural element motifs; the saree border is what makes this apparel special.

12. Lehriya from Rajasthan:

This is a type of Bandhani saree, but it follows a different tie-dye technique. The difference in the lehriya technique is the way the cloth is tied during the dying process.

13. Phulkari from Punjab:

Phulkari sarees include thread work in bright hues in floral shapes. The Phulkari embroidery is done on khadi fabric or cotton blends and is quite popular in dupatta forms as well.

14. Chikankari from Lucknow:

Lucknow is popular for its Chikankari sarees because they are made especially for this town. It’s traditionally done on a muslin cloth and is now available in any kind of fabric. If you ever visit Lucknow, ensure that you bag a chikankari saree of your own.

15. Sambalpuri from Odisha:

Another beauty from the State of Odisha, the Sambalpuri is a traditional handwoven saree that includes a delicate weave, made from different techniques. The threads are dyed and then woven, this results in rich hues that don’t fade.

Get all your sarees on one platform

Now that you know about the different types of sarees of different states, you’ll be wondering how to fill up your wardrobe with these beauties. Well, fret not, Beatitude works with weavers and artisans from across India to bring you these beautiful traditional sarees all on one platform. Since we work directly with weavers without middlemen, we are able to give you the most beautiful sarees at great prices while giving traditional craftsmen their rightful share and great impetus to the dying crafts. Invest in a saree from Beatitude and you’re doing your bit to keeping our sartorial traditions alive.