No matter what the weather and occasion, the Indian saree today is a timeless statement of style in world fashion. From bureaucrats to film stars and from the office-going ladies to the women who hustle hard at home, the saree adorns everyone irrespective of their position, nationality, age, and the task they are engaged in.
Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to say that sarees are the ideal clothing option for all. And why not? With the variety in material, pattern, weave, colors, and the innumerable ways of draping that a saree offers, it is bound to be a cherished go-to clothing choice.
Still, the sheer number of options can also be confusing. Which saree to wear? What is the best saree for a wedding? Which saree is good for festivals? And what about the formal, office wear sarees? Well, allow us to handle your questions.
This blog is your guide to everything that the world of sarees has to offer. We will talk about the best wedding sarees and the best casual, formal drapes. We will also give you a few tips to accessorize and style your saree.
The guide ends with a list of ways you can take care of your favorite sarees to ensure your loved drapes remain with you for years to come. So let us begin!
Weddings and festivals are occasions to shine, sparkle in style, and look your absolute best. These are the days when you want to look like a queen. Indian traditional sarees patronized by the royals themselves- Banarasi, Paithani, Kanjivaram, and more are the perfect drapes for celebratory days.
👉 Banarasi Saree- Beautiful colors and pure silk weave, Banarasi sarees are an all-time favorite of women the world over when it comes to making a statement of regal style. A vividly colored Banarasi saree with Zari- gold or silver brocade work on the field, border, and pallu is a beautiful choice to bring your best foot forward on the next big day.
👉 Paithani Saree- From the locales of Maharashtra, this silk saree has grown into a staple when it comes to wedding trousseau in the region. Floral details, peacocks, parrots, and flower pots are a part of traditional Paithani sarees, loved for their iridescent marvelous Dhoop-Chaanv (light and shadow) effect, created by weaving multiple shades of threads together.
👉 Patola Saree- Made with the double Ikat weaving technique that makes the fabric durable and beautiful, Patan (Gujarat) Patola silk sarees are heirloom for the local families and a classic Indian drape when it comes to a festive wardrobe. Colorful warp and weft with Zari border, and traditional geometric patterns that bring a symmetrical beauty and the grace of silk and cotton, make these sarees a royal drape for festivities.
👉 Kanjivaram Saree- Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram sarees from Tamil Nadu represent the best of temple weaves. Having grown around the culture of South Indian temple towns, these sarees feature iconography and architecture-inspired motifs on their body and border, with an intricately brocaded endpiece. The perfect example of heritage sarees ruling the fashion world for decades, Kanjivaram is the ideal option for the bride, her family, or anyone who enjoys the luxury of Indian silk.
👉 Kasavu Saree- Silk and cotton weaves adorned with shimmering silver and gold threads, especially on the border, Kasavu sarees of Kerala are identifiable by their dreamy white and golden look which makes the wearer look effortlessly ethereal. If simple and refined is what you are aiming for, Kasavu saree is the best choice.
👉 Baluchari Saree- The temple sculptures and stories from the two epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata, Baluchari sarees are crafted in West Bengal, ornamented with gold threads and fine silk. The sarees display deep, luxurious tones, contrasted by the sparkling metal threads and detailed endpieces, where entire episodes from Indian and regional culture unfold. A wearable scroll of culture, Baluchari sarees are an elite drape for parties and weddings.
Sarees are not only a good pick for festivities and galas but also make for a comfortable everyday wardrobe choice that can make you stand out while experiencing light and breathable ease. Cotton sarees picked from different regions of India where local women wear them on a daily basis are the best casual and formal wear drapes, where traditional motifs and feathery light threads are woven together to form elegant and easy ensembles.
👉 Taant Saree- A staple of West Bengal and Bangladesh, Taant sarees are almost translucent in their weave and are made with pure cotton. The sarees have decorations of classic Indian motifs on the border with simple butis on the field. Handwoven, these drapes have subtle stylishness about them, which makes them a smart everyday wear option for office and home.
👉 Ikat Saree- Each thread is colored before weaving and put together in intricate patterns, Ikat sarees are made in different Eastern and Southern states of India. Intricate geometrical and ethnic motifs are featured all over a traditional Ikat saree giving them an ornate look, while the use of pure cotton offers a comfortable drape, perfect for elevating your everyday wardrobe.
👉 Khadi Saree- The perfect choice for formal occasions, Khadi sarees have a rugged yet comfortable weave, which gives it an urbane and modern look. Featuring simple patterns and colors, Khadi sarees have a cultivated and cultured appeal that is sought after by office-goers who want to add a traditional touch to their wardrobe.
👉 Cotton Silk Saree- Classic patterns and a blend of silk and cotton that is luxury and comfortable, cotton silk sarees are a traditional drape revived in the modern world for the chic beauty they carry. Motifs inspired by Indian culture all over, tassels on the pallu and broad borders, and cotton silk sarees are comfortable drapes for formal occasions, where you need to look stately and stylish.
Though sarees are themselves the most beautiful wearable, there are some tips for accessorizing your sarees that will help you turn heads.
🌀 Silver Jewellery- Chunky silver jewelry and sterling silver ornaments are in vogue these days. Pair your cotton, cotton-silk, and Khadi sarees with silver statement pieces to channel a boho-traditional vibe.
🌀 Gemstone Statement Jewellery - If you enjoy an edgy and stylish charm, go for statement pieces studded with gemstones. Rubies, jade, lapis lazuli, garnet, moonstone, carnelian, and much more, gemstone jewelry is an effortless way to look refined and regal.
🌀 Traditional Indian Jewellery- For your silk sarees, choose heritage Indian ornaments such as Kemp jewelry, Polki, and Meenakari sets, where the intricate art of traditional jewelers and cut stones let you carry the air of a medieval Indian queen.
🌀 Statement Bags- Potli and clutches decorated with Zari, stones, embroidery, and sequins are a popular choice with sarees, especially for festive occasions. Pick a matching statement bag with your party wear sarees to complete the look with style.
🌀 Shawls- Shawls are not just functional, at least not Indian shawls- Pashminas and pure wool wraps, where intricate patterns, vivid threads, and silken feel offer a royal appeal. During the winter season, pair your sarees with a statement matching or contrasting shawl, draped on your shoulder or wrapped as the aanchal of the saree, a shawl can be a warming and fashionable addition to the ensemble.
🌀 Washing- For your cotton sarees, use a mild detergent. Soak the saree prior to the wash and hand-wash it. Avoid harsh brushes. Use starch after washing to restore the texture of the cotton. Silk sarees on the other hand should not be washed. In case of a stain, clean immediately with cold water. Only use dry cleaning for a silk saree.
🌀 Storing- Fold your sarees and store them in a clean and dry space in your cupboard or box. Instead of hangers, use wooden logs to wrap and store your expensive silk and brocade sarees. In the case of naphthalene balls, do not keep them in direct contact with your saree. Try to use Neem leaves, which is a natural and zero-trouble protection against insects and pests.
🌀 Ironing- When self-ironing the saree, use a steam iron or spritz water on the fabric and put the iron in a low-temperature setting. You can also use the services of a dry cleaner but make sure to instruct them beforehand about carefully ironing the saree, especially the silks.
Exotic India Art has been a proud collector of traditional Indian drapes- silk, cotton, Khadi, georgette, chiffon, and much more. With each saree woven by trained weavers, this collection is a must-visit for lovers of Indian fashion or anyone who wants to bring a touch of this country’s elevated style to their cabinets.
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