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40 Types of Sarees: Celebrating the Vibrant Mosaic of Indian Textiles

40 Types of Sarees: Celebrating the Vibrant Mosaic of Indian Textiles |Jan 16, 2024

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With their origins dating back thousands of years, sarees have evolved into a symbol of grace, femininity, and enduring style. Every thread whispers tales of tradition, where colours dance in vibrance and patterns weave stories of heritage.

From the regal Banarasis to the playful Bandhanis, each loom tells a story of craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless beauty. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Indian textiles, exploring the nuances and intricacies that make each saree a masterpiece in its own right.

Sarees are more than just fabric; they’re a celebration of the rich tapestry that defines the heart and soul of Indian handiwork. Let's unravel the threads that bind tradition and style and celebrate the elegance that drapes the Indian woman in a symphony of poise and sophistication.


Types of Sarees by Indian Origin

 

1. Bandhani Sarees from Rajasthan and Gujarat

 

Bandhani Sarees are traditional Indian sarees known for their vibrant colours and distinctive tie-dye patterns. The Sanskrit word "bandhna," meaning to tie, gives rise to the word "bandhani." The western states of India, particularly Gujarat and Rajasthan, are the origin of these sarees, which are highly valued for their intricate craftsmanship.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

2. Mysore Silk Sarees from Karnataka

 

All women, despite their modern tastes, have a soft spot for the exceptional quality, luxurious texture, and exquisite finesse of the Mysore sarees. Women highly covet these sarees for their softness, durability, and the refined silk used. Mysore Silk Sarees are often considered a symbol of elegance and grace in Indian traditional attire.

 

 

3. Kalamkari Sarees from Andhra Pradesh

 

Kalamkari Sarees are traditional Indian sarees known for their beautiful hand-painted or block-printed designs. It involves the use of natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and other organic sources.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 


4. Banarasi Saree from Varanasi

 

Banarasi Sarees are the timeless epitome of elegance, adorned with intricate zari work and opulent silk. Renowned for their rich heritage, these sarees draw you in with their luxurious feel, vibrant colours, and exquisite brocade patterns.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

5. Muga Silk Saree from Assam

 

Muga Silk Sarees emanate timeless allure with their golden luster and exceptional smoothness. Woven from the rare Muga silk, sourced exclusively from Assam, these sarees boast intricate traditional motifs.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

6. Leheriya Saree from Rajasthan


Leheriya sarees charm with their vibrant tie-dye patterns, reminiscent of rippling waves. The vivid hues and rhythmic designs make leheriya sarees a lively and festive choice, perfect for celebrating tradition with a modern flair.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

7. Phulkari Saree from Punjab


Originating from the heart of Punjab, Phulkari sarees do not ever fail to enrapture you with their exuberant and intricate floral embroidery. Its beauty lies in the meticulous artisanship and lively patterns that add a burst of tradition and joy to every Phulkari saree, making it a cultural treasure.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

8. Kanchipuram Sarees from Tamil Nadu

 

Kanchipuram Sarees, Renowned for their rich texture and opulent motifs inspired by temple architecture, these sarees effortlessly blend tradition and sophistication, making every drape a symbol of cultural grandeur and enduring beauty.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

9. Nauvari Saree from Maharashtra


Nauvari sarees exude timeless elegance with their unique nine-yard drape, distinctive pleats, and traditional Maharashtrian style. The vibrant colours, intricate borders, and rich fabric showcase a perfect blend of cultural heritage and contemporary grace.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

10. Sambalpuri Saree from Odisha


These sarees feature elaborate ikat patterns and vibrant hues. The meticulous tie-and-dye technique creates a symphony of colours, and the traditional motifs narrate stories of Odisha's rich culture.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

11. Ajrakh Sarees from Gujarat


The symmetrical patterns and earthy tones create a visual appeal that reflects the cultural heritage of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Ajrakh sarees are a masterpiece of textile artistry, renowned for their intricate block printing and rich natural dyeing techniques.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest


12. Paithani Saree from Maharashtra

 

Paithani Sarees, known for their luxurious zari borders, these sarees exude timeless elegance and cultural richness. Paithani sarees are a visual delight with their vibrant silk fabric adorned with intricate 

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

13. Tussar Silk Sarees from Bengal


The exquisite threads of wild silk, created by silkworms found in Indian forests, are used to make Tussar Sarees. Characterised by a rich, golden sheen and often adorned with intricate hand-woven designs, Tussar Silk Sarees effortlessly blend tradition with modern aesthetics.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

14. Gota Patti Saree from Rajasthan

 

The artisans meticulously stitch small pieces of zari and silk onto the fabric to create delicate gotta patti work on these sarees. Gotta Patti Sarees are a popular choice for weddings and festive occasions. 

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest


15. Kota Daria Saree from Rajasthan


Known for their transparent and breathable texture, Kota Doria sarees are comfortable yet stylish, making them a popular choice for warm climates and festive occasions. The hallmark of Kota Doria lies in its distinctive square-shaped weave, called 'khat.'

 

16. Kasavu Saree from Kerala


People often wear Kerala sarees on auspicious occasions, festivals, and cultural events. Artisans craft these sarees from fine cotton and adorn them with an elegant gold border known as kasavu. The pristine white backdrop of the saree symbolises purity and simplicity, while the gold border adds a touch of opulence.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

17. Assam Silk Sarees


The durability and resilience of these sarees make them suitable for both formal and festive occasions. Woven from indigenous Assam silk, such as Muga and Eri, these sarees boast a unique lustre that only improves with time.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

18. Chanderi Sarees from Madhya Pradesh

 

Crafted from a blend of silk and cotton, these sarees are very popular for their lightweight texture and luxuriant feel. Chanderi Sarees often feature a unique border and pallu that express the art of traditional weavers.

 

 

19. Samudrika Pattu Sarees from Andhra Pradesh


What sets Samudrika Pattu sarees apart is their elaborate zari work, often depicting traditional motifs and mythological themes. They are woven using pure silk threads and the fabric adds a natural sheen. Vibrant hues contribute to the regal appeal.

 

20. Mashru Sarees from Gujarat

 

Known for their soft texture and comfort, Mashru sarees feature silk on the upper side and cotton on the underside. They exhibit brighter colours and geometric patterns.

 

Get Plain Mashru Silk Fabric and Mashru Printed Fabric from Mysore Saree Udyog.

 

21. Jamdani Sarees from West Bengal

 

The sheer muslin or cotton texture of Jamdani sarees adds to their elegance, making them airy and wearable. Jamdani Sarees are favoured for their sheer grace and versatility, suitable for both formal events and casual wear.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

22. Ikkat Sarees from Odisha


Resist-dyeing the yarns before weaving creates the intricate patterns of Ikkat sarees, resulting in geometric designs. With their rich cultural heritage and eye-catching aesthetics, these sarees stand as timeless expressions of skilled craftsmanship.

 

23. Venkatagiri Sarees from Andhra Pradesh

 

The hand-woven artisanship and the use of cheeky colours add to the timeless beauty of Venkatagiri Sarees. Crafted predominantly from lightweight cotton or silk, these sarees boast a fine texture and delicate zari work. 

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

24. Taant Sarees from West Bengal


With their cultural significance and ease of wear, Taant sarees embody the traditional charm and practicality of West Bengal's weaving heritage. The simplicity of the design and the breathable fabric make them a staple in every Bengali woman's wardrobe.

 

25. Santali Sarees of Odisha


Originating from the tribal regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, these sarees feature bold geometric patterns and bright colours.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

26. Patola Sarees from Gujarat


Renowned for their double ikat weave, these sarees involve a meticulous process of resist dyeing both the warp and weft threads before weaving. They are the pinnacle of textile artistry.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

27. Kashmiri Saree


The beauty of Kashmiri sarees(Pashmina Sarees) lies in their intricate hand embroidery, often showcasing traditional Kashmiri motifs such as Chinar leaves, paisley patterns (boteh), and floral designs.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

28. Narayanpet Sarees of Telangana


The weaving tradition in Narayanpet dates back centuries, and the sarees produced here are known for their unique check patterns, contrasting borders, and vibrant colour combinations.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

29. Baluchari Sarees of West Bengal


Baluchari sarees are known for their vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and a stark contrast between the body and border. The weavers use fine silk threads to create the intricate designs through the Jacquard weaving process.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

30. Uppada Saree from Andhra Pradesh


Uppada sarees are favoured for both casual and formal occasions, and their timeless appeal and craftsmanship make them highly prized in the world of Indian hand-woven textiles. The distinguishing feature of these sarees is the elaborate zari work on the borders and pallu.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

31. Gadwal Sarees of Telangana


One of the most peculiar features of the sarees is the“ kuttu” technique, where the silk and cotton are interwoven into a harmonious drape. Gadwal Sarees are celebrated for their unique blend of silk and cotton, creating a luxurious fabric.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

32. Coorgi Sarees of Karnataka


Crafted from pure silk, they are characterised by bold colours and are often said to be inspired by the lush landscapes and floral abundance of the region. They usually feature motifs like elephants, peacocks, and temple structures.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

33. Chikankari Sarees from Lucknow


Wearing a Chikankari saree is not just a style statement; it's embracing a legacy of artistry that dates back centuries. Crafted on fine muslin or cotton fabric, Chikankari sarees feature intricate white threadwork, creating delicate patterns and motifs such as paisleys, floral, and vines.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

34. Mangalagiri Sarees of Andhra Pradesh


The hallmark of Mangalagiri sarees is the Nizam border, which is a distinctive feature that consists of a solid-coloured border with a contrasting pattern. Its fabric is known for its rich texture and comfort of wear.

 

35. Pashmina Sarees of Jammu and Kashmir


Pashmina Sarees, embodying luxurious warmth and ageless grace, they are symbols of opulence and traditional artistry. They are soft, feel light-weighted, and hold matchless sophistication.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

36. Bomkai Sarees from Odisha


Also known as Sonepuri sarees, these hand-woven pieces of clothing are characterised by their unique meld of intricate ikat patterns and vibrant threadwork. The distinctive characteristic of Bomkai sarees lies in the incorporation of traditional motifs like flowers, animals, and temple designs.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

37. Pochampilly Sarees of Telangana


Craftsmen create intricate designs on both the warp and weft threads of these handwoven ikat sarees using a tie-and-dye technique before weaving. Pochampilly sarees often feature traditional motifs like flowers, parrots, and diamonds, reflecting the skilled artwork.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

38. Chettinad Sarees from Tamil Nadu


They are known for their distinctive checked or striped patterns and vibrant colour combinations. Chettinad sarees are also popularly adored for their durability, comfort, and colour combinations.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

39. Pattu Saree


Also known as silk sarees, they are frequently chosen for weddings, festivities, and other celebratory occasions. Lustrous texture, intricate zari work, and, of course, the myriad of colours they come in, all make Pattu sarees an excellent option for multiple occasions.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest

 

40. Ikkal Sarees from Karnataka

Ikkal sarees are known for their distinctive and elaborate geometric patterns. They are traditionally woven in cotton or silk, and the unique feature of these sarees is the resist-dyeing technique used to create intricate designs. The pallu is very often embellished with bold and contrasting patterns.

 

Pic Courtesy: Pinterest


A Glorious Ode to the 40 Threads of India's Textile Heritage


As we draw the curtains on delving into 40 gorgeous saree types, we find ourselves immersed in the beauty and cultural significance that these fabrics reflect. Each fold tells a tale, and every thread weaves a narrative of tradition, artistry, and heritage. We hope you enjoy draping and celebrating the living legacy of Indian textiles.

 

Tune into the world of grace—shop your favourites from our authentic collection of traditional Indian sarees from artisans around the nation. Visit the online or offline store of Mysore Saree Udyog today and plump for what suits you the best. Flaunt your style with pride while staying true to tradition.