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Handloom sarees are more than just pieces of fabric. They are woven tales of heritage, craftsmanship, and culture. When you buy a handloom saree, you are not just making a fashion statement—you are supporting centuries-old traditions and skilled artisans who dedicate their lives to this art.
Purchasing an authentic handloom saree can be daunting, especially with mass-produced alternatives flooding the market. To help you make an informed decision, WeaverStory brings an informative guide about things you should know before investing in a handloom saree.
GOTA PATTI SAREES
1. Handloom vs. Powerloom: Understanding the Difference
The first step in making a confident purchase is distinguishing between handloom and power loom sarees. Handloom sarees are woven manually on traditional looms by skilled artisans, making each piece unique. The weaves often display minor irregularities, which add to their charm and authenticity. In contrast, power loom sarees are machine-made, uniform, and lack the intricate details that define handwoven textiles.
WeaverStory handloom sarees are one-of-a-kind, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every drape reflects authenticity and superior craftsmanship.
2. Weave and Origin: Know Your Saree
Handloom sarees vary widely based on their region, weave, and fabric. Here are some of India’s most iconic weaves:
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Banarasi Sarees (Uttar Pradesh): Woven in Varanasi, these rich silk sarees feature intricate gold and silver zari work, perfect for weddings and festive occasions.
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Kanjivaram Sarees (Tamil Nadu): Known for their bold colors, thick silk, and wide temple borders, these sarees exude regal elegance.
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Chanderi Sarees (Madhya Pradesh): Lightweight and sheer, Chanderi sarees are woven in silk-cotton or pure cotton, ideal for summer and day events.
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Jamdani Sarees (West Bengal): Made with fine muslin, these sarees have floating floral and geometric motifs, giving them an airy, artistic appeal.
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Patola Sarees (Gujarat): A rare double ikat weave, Patola sarees boast vivid patterns identical on both sides, making them highly prized.
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Parsi Gara Sarees: Renowned for their detailed floral and bird embroidery, these sarees reflect Persian and Chinese influences, often worn at Parsi weddings.
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Batik Sarees (West Bengal & Madhya Pradesh): Created using a wax-resist dyeing technique, Batik sarees feature striking patterns with artistic flair.
WeaverStory offers a wide collection of handloom sarees, including resplendent Banarasis, luxurious Kanjivarams, gossamer Chanderis, vibrant Gujarati Ikat Patolas, and more, each woven with the finest fabrics and zari.
BATIK SAREES
3. Authenticity Check: Ensuring You Buy Genuine Handloom
With so many imitations in the market, it is crucial to verify authenticity. Look for:
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Irregularities in the weave—true handloom sarees may have slight imperfections due to the manual weaving process.
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Traditional motifs and designs—these often have cultural significance and can help you distinguish handwoven sarees from machine-made ones.
WeaverStory’s sarees come with a promise of purity and authenticity, so you can invest in a piece that is truly handwoven with care and tradition.
4. Fabric Composition: Choosing the Right Material
Handloom sarees come in a variety of fabrics, including pure silk, cotton, linen, and blends. The choice of fabric depends on your occasion, climate, and personal preference:
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Silk Sarees – Ideal for festive and formal occasions.
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Cotton Sarees – Perfect for daily wear and summer months.
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Linen Sarees – Lightweight and breathable, great for a modern yet traditional look.
WeaverStory offers sarees in the finest pure fabrics, ensuring a luxurious feel and unparalleled quality.
5. Zari & Embellishments: Real vs. Artificial
Verify the authenticity of any zari work on your saree. Real zari, which is made from silver or gold-plated threads and keeps its shine over time, is used in traditional handloom sarees. Artificial zari, on the other hand, which is composed of synthetic metallic fibres, might deteriorate and lose its shine. Before making a purchase, always inquire about the composition of the zari.
At WeaverStory, every zari weave is meticulously crafted, using authentic gold and silver-plated threads to enhance the grandeur of each saree.
BANARASI SAREES
6. Drape & Fall: Selecting a Saree That Suits You
The way that different weaves drape varies. While Kanjivaram and Banarasi sarees are heavier and give off a more regal appearance, Chanderi and Jamdani sarees are lighter and airier, making them easy to carry. To make sure the saree fits your body type and falls elegantly, try draping it before buying.
WeaverStory’s handloom sarees are known for their graceful drape and elegant fall, making them a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
7. Pricing & Investment: Understanding the Cost
Handloom sarees are priced higher than power loom sarees due to the labour-intensive process and the skills involved. The cost depends on factors like fabric, weaving technique, zari content, and design intricacy. Consider your saree purchase as an investment—authentic handloom sarees retain their value and can even become heirloom pieces over time.
WeaverStory’s sarees are timeless investments, ensuring that you own a piece of India’s handwoven heritage that can be cherished for generations.
BALUCHARI SAREES
8. Maintenance Needs: Caring for Your Saree
Handloom sarees require careful maintenance to retain their beauty and longevity.
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Silk sarees should be dry-cleaned and stored in a muslin cloth to prevent moisture damage.
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Cotton sarees should be dry-cleaned too to avoid colour bleeding.
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Zari sarees to be dry-cleaned and stored away from direct sunlight to maintain their sheen.
WeaverStory provides detailed care instructions with every purchase, ensuring your saree remains in pristine condition for years.
9. Sustainability Factor: Supporting Artisans and Slow Fashion
Handloom sarees are not just exquisite; they are also environmentally friendly. They are made using traditional methods with minimal carbon footprint, and purchasing them directly supports weavers and artisans. Choosing handloom over machine-made alternatives helps preserve India’s textile heritage and promotes sustainable fashion.
By choosing WeaverStory, you are not just buying a saree; you are supporting India's handloom weavers and embracing ethical, slow fashion.
10. Buy from Trusted Sources: Avoiding Fake Handlooms
To ensure authenticity, buy from reputable sources such as:
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State-run handloom emporiums
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Government-certified handloom stores
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Directly from artisans and weavers’ cooperatives
WeaverStory is a trusted name in authentic handloom sarees, offering a curated collection that celebrates India’s finest weaving traditions.
VENKATAGIRI SAREES
A handloom saree is not just an attire; it’s an art form and a legacy. Understanding these key aspects will not only help you make a confident purchase but also deepen your appreciation for the artistry behind each weave.
Discover the magnificence of India’s rich handwoven traditions with WeaverStory’s exquisite collection of handloom and hand-embroidered sarees. From resplendent Banarasis & Kanjivarams to eye-catching Batik sarees and the exquisite Parsi Gara, our six-yard drapes cover the length and breadth of India’s handwoven treasures.
So, the next time you shop for a handloom saree, take your time, ask questions, and choose a piece that resonates with your style and values. Don’t forget to explore WeaverStory’s wide range of handloom sarees today and bring home a masterpiece woven with love and tradition!
Author : Pallavi Rohatgi Gupta
