Women are always known for their elegance and grace. India is a state with a diverse population following distinct customs. Their practices and culture involve a lot of color and intensity. The rich culture, heritage, and tradition they practice are deep-rooted in which saris play a significant role.
The saree has many variations throughout the Indian subcontinent, it has several designs and symbols used on it. The colors used in sarees also had some precise meaning behind them.
Regardless of new trends and fashion statements, sarees will always be close to heart. Banarasi silk sarees are the most sought-after kind.
The dress one wears creates impressions and speaks volumes about oneself. But saree does not adhere to any single statement. It’s something like a constant emotion with which we have traveled a more extended period and still have more to go.
TYPES AND FEATURES :
There is a wide range of sarees available in the market. Sarees can be classified under many categories namely,
- Casual or regular wear
- Designer or modern wear
- Pure silk sarees
Each category has multiple varieties, and price ranges according to customer’s requirements. A typical handmade or woven saree takes 15 days to complete. A customized saree with sophisticated details may take from 1 – 6 months to achieve.
To weave one saree involves 2-3 workers. It requires absolutes skills and knowledge of the craft to get the customer satisfied. Weaving isn’t just another job; it is a traditional art form. Here, we are going to look at some of the finest saree collections.
Banarasi silk sarees :
They are finely woven sarees from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. This saree is quite famous all across India. It is known for its zari border or brocade which are made in silver or gold. These are worn mostly during special occasions, the festive season which gives an exquisite yet classic look.
This type has four main varieties namely
- Pure silk or Katan
- Organza or kora
- Georgette
- Shattir
It is further classified into four categories based on their designs namely,
- Jangla
- Tanchoi
- Vaskat
- Cutwork
- Tissue
- Butidar
POCHAMPALLY SAREE :
This saree is famous and woven in the regions of Telangana. They are popularly known worldwide as Pochampally ikat or Double ikat.
They include geometric patterns and the fabric used is sico-cotton which is silk, cotton mixed. The dyes used are also from natural sources. This saree gives a classy and professional look.
SOFT SILK SAREE :
This saree offers tenderness, weighs less, perfect pleats, and easy to drape. They are manufactured from fine silk and fiber and involve less zari. Yet it can give a rich and stylish look. Many youngsters prefer this kind as it is comfortable.
UPPADA SILK SAREES :
This type is woven in the looms of Uppada, Godavari district of Andra Pradesh. It is well recognized for its lightweight among the people.
It involves the jamdani weaving technique, which goes back up to 300 years, and the unique feature is that the designs are woven on both sides of the saree. This weaving is faster than the rest.
TUSSAR SILK SAREE :
The threads of this silk are elicited from the winged yellowish-brown worm. This material is also known as ‘Wild Silk’.
This maintains the lustrous texture, nature of the saree for a more extended period. It requires a lot of skill to weave a tussar silk cloth, and it takes a minimum of 10 days for even a well-trained professional to do it.
WEDDING SILK SAREE :
A wedding saree remains to be that one particular memory that every girl will cherish throughout her life. Vivaha and Kanchipuram silk sarees hold a prominent place worldwide. Many Brides choose these for their marriage.
This saree involves lots of craftsmanship as it needs three shuttlers. The significance of this saree is that its threads are pure mulberry silk and contrast heavy borders. It is available in vibrant colors.
GUIDE TO MAINTAIN SILK SAREES:
Women generally give their silk sarees for dry cleaning to avoid any risks. Here are a few tips to maintain your silk sarees:
- Avoid hand washing or machine washing your saree.
- Do not crush or bundle up your saree; it may break the threads or damage the intricate designs.
- Do not wash it until three uses.
- If stained, soak it in cold water immediately.
- Do not keep it in the area of direct sunlight as the color may fade.
- Store saree in a spacious area.
- Do not store in plastic bags or boxes.
- If it needs ironing, don’t forget to damp it so that it preserves the shine.
