Traditional Indian Sarees: Top 10 Sarees That Every Ethnic Lovers Should Own

Whenever we think of ethnic wear, every nation has its own uniqueness and India is no exception. All traditional Indian sarees has a story behind the weaving technique. Each thread tells a story that has made Indian sarees a widely popular recognized hub for Indian ethnic attire.

The popularity of traditional Indian sarees have reached worldwide. Since social media and the Internet have played a pivotal role in showcasing the beauty of Indian ethnic wear, especially sarees, its popularity has reached every nook and corner of the globe. 

In this blog, we are going to discuss 10 traditional Indian sarees and it’s popularity globally, but before that let’s know why traditional Indian sarees are popular globally.

Reasons Why Traditional Indian Sarees are Popular Globally

Rich Heritage and Artistry

Traditional Indian sarees are primarily handwoven and handcrafted by skilled artisans. Their creativity is passed on from generation to generation.

As far as heritage is concerned, Indian sarees convey the stories of different regions and communities, along with their weaving techniques.

Sustainability

The vital point is sustainability, which people basically demands. Some traditional Indian sarees are produced by using environmentally friendly methods like handloom weaving.

Breathable and comfortable

No matter what recognition the traditional Indian sarees may earn, the most important thing is how comfortable the fabric is.

Some fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk, play a dominant role in providing comfort and breathability, making them suitable for different climates around the world.

Modern Fashion

Nowadays, we have observed that traditional Indian sarees are not only used in ethnic wear but also in luxury fashion collections. Numerous fashion designers are focusing on evolving trends. One of the biggest examples is Khadi. We generally see that Khadi fabric has gained massive recognition globally.

Influence in the Global Fashion World

In the current fashion world, we have observed that numerous fashion designers are employing new printing techniques, such as embroidery on traditional Indian sarees which are experiencing increasing global demand.

Apart from this, some renowned ethnic fashion brands such as Fabindia, are showcasing bulk quantities of traditional Indian sarees. Interested customers are paying online and having orders delivered to their doorsteps.

List of Top 10 Traditional Indian sarees

1. Banarasi Silk Saree

Banarasi Silk saree is a fine silk fabric originating from Varanasi in the Bhojpur-Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh. It is prepared with pure gold and silver thread, also known as Zari work.

It is very heavy because of the embroidery. It mainly takes a year to make it. Though we know many things about the Banarasi Saree, we do not know its history. So let’s dive into it.

The craftsmanship of these traditional Indian sarees were brought to India by the Mughals, who worked hard to glorify the art of creating it. The skilled artisans included zari works into the silk fabrics to produce shining brocades that looked impressive. These skilled textile impressed the kings, queens and all members of the court. Soon, this Banarasi saree was popular.

2. Kanjeevaram Silk

Kanjeevaram silk is also one of the most prestigious traditional Indian sarees , originating from the Kanchipuram region in Tamil Nadu.

It is better known for its durability, contrasting borders, and embroidery that symbolizes the beauty of temples.

It is worn at various traditional occasions, such as weddings and grand celebrations.

This fabric is woven from pure mulberry silk thread. The border color and design are quite different.

Whenever you are buying Kanjeevaram saree from a vendor, make sure it is authentic. The authentic fabric specifies that the body and border are woven separately and get interlocked.

The joining is done so tightly that even if the saree tears, the border will not be detached.

3. Pochampally Ikat

Pochampally Ikat is one of the renowned hand-woven traditional Indian sarees originating from Pochampally, Bodhan, Telangana. It is best known for the geometric weaving pattern of the Ikat style.

What is the Ikat style?

Ikat is a historic weaving technique in which yarns are dyed before being put into the loom to create a unique design. This term is derived from the Malay-Indonesian word, which means to tie.

4. Chanderi Saree

Chanderi fabric, one of the renowned traditional Indian sarees that originated in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. The renowned garment that is made from it is the Chanderi saree.

When we talk about the fabric’s specifications, it is lightweight and transparent, which will make you feel luxurious. It is one of the most popular among all fabrics because it specializes in producing cotton by adding woven Zari work.

5. Bandhani

Bandhani is one of the most renowned traditional Indian sarees with its origins in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is derived from the root word “Bandh,” which means to tie. This technique is ancient and has endured through generations.

It is generally made by tying portions of the fabric into tiny bindings to create a design, then immersing the fabric in a dye bath to produce different colors.

The vibrant colors of this fabric symbolize Indian festivities and traditions.

6. Jamdani

Jamdani is a handwoven cotton muslin saree, known mainly for it’s geometric and floral designs woven directly on the loom. It mainly originates from Dhaka (Bangladesh), but is now deeply rooted in West Bengal.
This handloom art has been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

7. Muga Silk

Muga Silk, one of the traditional Indian sarees primarily originating from Assam and is popularly known as the “Golden Silk of India” for its natural, glossy yellow – golden color and excellent durability.

Whenever you wash this fabric, it will look shinier and will be softer.

8. Kalamkari

Kalamkari is one of the most renowned handcrafted traditional Indian sarees from Andhra Pradesh. The word “Kalamkari” has been derived from “Kalam,” which means “Pen,” and “Kari,” which means “Art,” and together it means painting done with a pen.
Apart from the pen, it is block printed using natural colors. The designs depict mythological flora and fauna.

9. Bhagalpuri silk Saree

The Bhagalpuri Silk or the Tussar silk saree, is one of the most popular traditional Indian sarees originates from Bhagalpur, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, which is known as the “Silk City of India.

The silk is harvested from wild silkworms. When we talk about the fabric, it has a rich texture and rustic feel. The saree made from this fabric is called “Bhagalpuri Saree”. Besides sarees, numerous garments like shawls and kurtis are made from this silk fabric.

10. Patola Silk

Patola Silk is one of the most renowned traditional Indian sarees originated in Patan, Gujarat. It is recognized as the “Queen of Silk”. It is mainly prepared from pure mulberry silk.

When we look into its weaving technique. It is actually a double Ikat technique in which two foundation-direction threads (warp and weft) are pre-dyed perfectly before being woven into this masterpiece.

Conclusion

From the above, it is evident that traditional Indian sarees dominate the ethnic wear market not only in our country but also across the world. Many social media sites and influencers are playing a pivotal role in highlighting the popularity in the modern world.

Which is your favourite traditional Indian saree? Let us know in the comments below.