Saree-lover or not really a saree-lover, the first thing that we notice when out at a wedding party, office party or other such occasion are the stunning Indian designer dresses, especially the evergreen Indian sarees, which everyone of us is fond of.
Sarees are no wonder inherent to Indian women’s DNA and whatever the preferences may be, there are at least a type of saree for everyone. Every Indian state or region has a special saree with weave, designs and material different from the rest. The drape varies, even the length of the saree varies from a region to another.
Although there are literally endless number of designer sarees, and it is not feasible to be cover those all in one or two articles, we’ve picked just a handful of types of sarees that definitely should be in your wardrobe.
Indian Sarees Whose Names Are Enough to Make A Mark
Banarasi Sarees
Banarasi Silk sarees, originating from the Indian city of Benaras or Varanasi, is usually made on a fine silk fabric with rich embossed effect. Among the saree styles available in the wardrobe, this is one of the heaviest of them all.
Banarasi silk sarees have metallic zari borders and pallus and zari motifs, in various sarees all over the body. It is a favourite of North Indian and Bengali brides.
A beautiful Banarasi is a must in a trousseau.
Paithani Sarees
The heritage weaves from Maharashtra are hand-woven silk sarees that are characterised by rich, woven borders, and have decorative and magnificent zari pallus. These are a great choice for festive and other grand celebrations. These can also be added to your trousseau.
The borders of Paithani sarees have a distinct sloping or oblique designs, and the pallus have designs of flower, vine or peacock made on it. Buddhist paintings and Mughal traditions seem to have influenced Paithani sarees majorly.
What makes these sarees so special are the richness of fabric, vibrancy of colours and the uniqueness of designs.
Uppada Sarees
Uppada Sarees are the upgraded version of the Jamdani sarees of Bengal with the borders of South India’s Kanjeevaram. These sarees, brought in life in Uppada, a town with beaches in Andhra Pradesh, along with the added speciality, these sarees have the same, good old grace and charm as the original Jamdani Sarees.
The graceful Uppada Sarees have intricate designs on vibrant colours and patterns and supple textures. The weavers create elaborate patterns in the Jamdani weaving style with gold and silver threads. Considered as one of the most painstaking weaves, an Uppada Silk saree definitely deserves a place in your wardrobe.
Kanjeevaram Sarees
A list of must-have Indian designer sarees without the mention of our all-time favourite Kanjeevaram Silk saree? Not at all possible. Kanjeevaram or Kanchipuram silk sarees have derived their name from a small temple-town, located 80km from Chennai, Kanchipuram.
Kanjeevaram has a fan-base all across the globe because of its soft-silk base, amazing weaves and stunning colours and are specifically known for the zari embroidered traditional Indian motifs. Some of the motifs even depict scenes from Hindu mythology or epics.
Kanjeevaram silk sarees range from heavy, ornate designs to simple, temple borders and classy checks. While Southern India produces the maximum amount of silk in India, it might as well get a rank of producing the maximum variety of weaves of Indian sarees.
Kanjeevaram silks are favoured by brides all around. Though known for the silk variant, Kanjeevarams are also made in cotton and cotton-silk variants which are a great option for day-occasions, work parties, formal meetings, and so on.
Dhakai-Jamdani Sarees
Dhakai sarees, as the name suggest, was originated in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka. When the Hindu weavers came to settle down in West Bengal, India, they introduced it in the Indian side of Bengal.
Dhakai Jamdani is considered to be one of the finest hand-woven muslin sarees available. A cotton version of it is also usually available locally. The art of the Jamdani weaving touched new heights during the Mughal rule. Etymologically speaking, Jamdani in Persian means a flower vase, jam (flower) and dani (vase). The sarees were named after this, after the beautiful floral motifs woven on the sarees.
The base fabric of Dhakai sarees is of a natural colour cotton yarn, while the designs are woven, from bleached cotton yarns, into this yarn. This particular method provides the unique light and dark effect on the sarees. Previously, darker shades of Jamdani sarees were in trend, but now, people also prefer pastel or other light toned sarees. Half and half or bi-colour Dhakai sarees are also quite in vogue.
Now you know the names, why not make a plan and go on a saree shopping-spree today?!
