Saree is one elegant wear for any Indian woman. Given their genetic composition, no other garment can impart the look a saree can give to an Indian woman. India is a land of diversity, and how can one not witness this in the types of sarees? Though the term saree sounds one for foreigners, a closer look at types of sarees in India is bound to astonish them. The unbeatable choice from amongst the different types of sarees and the saree names that originate with reasons of their own will take them into a mesmerizing world of this six-yard elegance.
Even for most of us from India, we do not know the types of sarees names. Shall we have a small test here? Now go to your mother’s wardrobe. Take a look at different types of sarees and try to identify the saree names. How many could you do? Worry not. Here we give a comprehensive list of different types of sarees in India so that next time you won’t be puzzled with identifying saree names.
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1. Kerala Kasavu Sarees
Unique identification for the cultural heritage of the South Coastal state of India – Kerala, Kasavu sarees is one of its kind from Indian saree types. The term Kasavu means a gold thread or zari used to weave this saree. Balaramapuram, Chendamangalam and Kuthampully in Kerala are popular for the production of Kerala Kasavu sarees.
Style mantra for Kasavu saree:
- Pair up with a matching blouse or contrast blouse.
- Leave your hair loose or tie it into an elegant bun, but pair it with jasmine flowers.
- Gold jewelry enhances the richness of Kasavu sarees.
2. Bengal Tant Sarees
Characterized by their intricate motif designs on cotton, Tant sarees are a specialty of West Bengal. Their pastel colors are soothing and impart a decent look. The edges of the Tant saree are thicker than the saree body to make them resistant to wear and tear. The Tant sarees flourished during the Independence struggle. Today, they are the popular options for great female personalities and also for working women.
Style mantra for tant sarees:
- Keep the accessories low.
- Pair up with a printed kalamkari or full printed blouse.
- Wear oxidized jewelry that perfectly matches the saree and the blouse.
- Put on a round bindi to complete the look.
3. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
One of the costliest sarees in India, Kanchipuram silk sarees have their distinction among different types of sarees in India. They are woven from pure silk and gold zari threads. Each saree weighs approximately 500 grams to one kilogram depending on the zari embedded. It is said that one saree takes 5 days to complete provided 3 people work on it together.
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Despite the cost, no wedding in India seems to be complete without the bride wearing a Kanchipuram silk saree. They are so royal, elegant and make the woman wearing them stand out from the crowd.
Style mantra for Kanchipuram silk saree:
- Go heavy with jewelry.
- Design the blouse with the attached blouse piece that comes with the saree.
- Bindi, flowers, and bangles are a must with the Kanchipuram silk saree.
4. Paithani Saree
Paithani is an art woven on a saree. Each Paithani saree takes around 6 months to complete! Also, no two handwoven Paithani sarees look similar. Traditionally, Paithani sarees are woven only in purple, yellow, red, pink, and bottle green colors.
Modern Paithani sarees do come in other palettes too. Though you find machine-made Paithani sarees, handwoven ones have a charm which their counterparts cannot impart. In the olden days, Paithani sarees were used in place of cash too. Paithani sarees are one type of Indian saree that you can find in every Maharashtrian woman’s trousseau.
Style Mantra for Paithani saree:
- Heavy choker, big Maharashtrian Bindi, and hair tied up as a bun.
5. Muga silk
A Geographical Indication of Assam, Muga silk is woven from the silk produced by the Assam silk moth. The uniqueness of Muga silk sarees is they can be hand-washed, unlike other silk sarees. Besides, their luster increases after every wash. Muga silk sarees have a natural yellowish tint.
Style Mantra for Muga silk saree:
- Wear a matching blouse and bun up the hair with flowers.
- Assamese love pairing the saree with a big bindi and red bangles and so don’t miss them to get the complete look.
6. Mangalagiri Sarees
Known for their checkered patterns, Mangalagiri sarees are famous in South India. These handloom sarees of India are available in both cotton and silk. The pastel shades and the light colors are the uniqueness of Mangalgiri weaves. The cotton sarees are light in weight while the pure silk makes the best choice saree to wear for any traditional occasion including weddings and festivals.
Style Mantra for Mangalagiri sarees:
- Wear a matching blouse and keep the jewellery simple.
7. Pochampally Sarees
While many handloom sarees of India come in light colors, Pochampally sarees are distinct in that they are mainly available in dark colors too. Lack, dark red, maroon, dark green, etc are the most chosen colors for Pochampally handloom sarees. That said, light yellow, orange, white and pink are also highly used in Pochampally weaves.
Style Mantra for Pochampally sarees:
- Experiment with different blouse patterns and wear oxidised jewelry with cotton sarees.
8. Tussar Sarees
The silk with a history dating back to the medieval period, Tussar silk originated as an alternative to raw silk. The main difference between raw silk and tussar silk is that the latter is produced from silkworms that are not fed from mulberry leaves. Tussar is a soft and breathable fabric. It imparts coolness to the body. Jharkhand in India is famous for Tussar silk production. Tussar silk is also called Kosa silk or Tusar silk.
Style mantra for Tussar silk:
- Tussar suits both office wear and traditional wear.
- Pair the saree with flats, a big bindi, and oxidised or gold jewelry.
9. Mysore pure silk
Born in Mysore city, Karnataka, Mysore pure silk is one of the saree fabrics that have their patent registered. The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC) holds rights to the production and management of Mysore silk products. The fabric took birth during the reign of Mysore Maharajas who used this fabric for royal wear and armed forces.
After the independence, the Mysore sericulture department took the management of the silk’s production. Today Mysore pure silk is one of the most sought-after saree names in India.
Style mantra for Mysore pure silk:
- Don pure silk sarees for any traditional function.
- Look for printed varieties to grab attention at parties.
- Go minimalistic with jewelry.
10. Chettinad Sarees
This saree name is famous among all cotton saree lovers. Characterized by their unique style of checks, lines, and borders, Chettinad sarees are one of the famous types of sarees from Tamilnadu. They are lightweight and impart coolness to the body.
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Woven to impart elegance, Chettinad sarees suit well for the office, traditional as well as home wear. The sarees do come in big or small checks along with big and small border ranges. Thus, they suit any body type and make a woman look beautiful.
Style mantra for Chettinad saree:
- Chettinad sarees come in checks or plain.
- To complement the saree style, wear a contrasting blouse.
- Printed and kalamkari design blouse enhances the beauty of a plain Chettinad saree while a plain blouse looks awesome on a checked saree.
- Both oxidized jewelry and gold jewelry look stunning on Chettinad sarees.
11. Chikankari Saree
Probably one of the lightest and delicate types of sarees of India, Chikankari sarees are known for their work. They are widely available in light colors in pale pink, yellow, lemon yellow, white, etc. The cost of Chikankari sarees is high. It is because there is a lot of handwork involved in the making of each saree. Chikankari is the signature saree name and is born in Lucknow.
Style mantra for Chikankari sarees:
- The sarees are translucent. Hence, the petticoat makes a huge difference.
- Choose satin or glossy material petticoats to highlight the saree fabulously.
- Oxidized jewelry gives a perfect look for chikankari sarees.
12. Uppada Silk
Uppada silk sarees are rich in zari. Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the production of Uppada Pattu (Uppada silk). The weaving technique involved in making an Uppada silk saree is Jamdani. The sarees are glossy and rich-looking. They are available in all designs – border or borderless. The palette of colors available in Uppada Silk is royal, professional, and elegant.
Style mantra for Uppada silk saree:
- Uppada sarees are available in plain or simple designs. Thus, gold jewelry makes a perfect accessory for the Uppada silk saree.
13. Benaras silk sarees
Benaras silks are world-famous for their intricate floral designs. They are made from the purest zari threads of silver and gold. They are popular choices for women who love to display royalness.
Banarasi sarees boast of their royalty. Right from ancient queens of India to modern celebrities, the Benaras sarees have stolen the hearts of women of every generation. Today, Banarasi sarees find a place in every bride’s trousseau for the unbeatable charisma they impart to the bride.
Style mantra for Banarasi Silk Saree:
- Go heavy with jewelry, flowers, and bindi. They give the women a stunning look in this beautiful royal saree.
14. Net Sarees
If you are in the notion that various types of saree are heavy to wear, try net saree. They are one of the lightest types of sarees in India. Apt for both casual occasions and party wear, the ‘net’ is one of the types of sarees names in India that women love to wear.
Style mantra for net saree:
- Wear accessories depending on the type of occasion.
- A simple chain, bracelet, and watch go perfectly well with a net saree for the office.
- And you can experiment with heavy oxidized jewelry with printed or contrast blouses for casual occasions.
15. Liva sarees
Ask any saree lover, they spell Liva sarees as L-O-V-E. The sarees are so fluid and soft, that a woman’s heart cannot ask for more! Liva sarees are one of the popular types of sarees in India that are known for their elegance.
Available in myriad designs – flora, abstract, block print, bandhani, solid, checks, to name a few – liva sarees find their place in every woman’s collection. The sarees are shiny, glossy yet so smooth. They fit any occasion with ease, just the choice of print matters.
Style tip for Liva saree:
- Play with jewelry and accessories for Liva sarees.
- Oxidized jewelry, beaded ones, or ethnic collection of tribal styles – any model of accessory suits liva sarees with perfection.
- Make sure to keep the accessories simple so that it highlights the elegance of the liva saree.
16. Linen Sarees
The latest entrant into the types of sarees, Linen sarees are now the trend. Be it a solid one or a quirky printed one, Linen is one of the types of sarees in India that is easy to wear. They offer plenty of choices in colors and prints. You can also find them in varied budget ranges ranging from 500 rupees to 50000 rupees or more. Linen sarees suit for both personal wear and office wear.
Style Mantra for Linen Sarees:
- Go simple with thread jewelry on a linen saree.
- Oxidized jewelry also suits linen sarees with ease.
17. Tangail Sarees
Originating from Bengal, the Tangail sarees are a distinct type of sarees in India. They are known for their quality cotton and characteristic prints. Mughal rulers patronized the Tangail sarees in a great way. They were so popular during the Independence fight that Britishers had to ban their production. Tangail sarees are today the choicest types of sarees in India for famous women personalities of India.
Style mantra for Tangail sarees:
- A big red bindi is what you should not miss when wearing any type of Bengal saree.
- Along with it, you can pair a Tangail saree with a heavily printed contrast blouse to stand out amongst the crowd.
18. Sungudi Cotton Sarees
One of the famous cotton sarees of India, Sungudi is a type of quality cotton weave from Tamilnadu. The sungudi cotton sarees are characterized by big borders and signature block prints. They are soft and suit daily wear. For office wear, you can choose a premium range of Sungudi sarees.
Style mantra for Sungudi sarees:
- Wear a matching blouse that most often comes with the saree.
- Simple jewelry looks good on Sungudi saree, as the saree itself comes with full prints.
19. Bagru sarees
Bagru sarees originate from Madhya Pradesh. They are known for their distinct full-block print designs. The name Bagru comes from the river and the village Bagh that is famous for these block prints. The Bagru sarees are stealing the hearts of women in recent years. They are a perfect pick for both casual wear and office wear.
Style mantra for bagru sarees:
- Oxidised and thread jewelry can impart a stunning look over Bagru sarees.
- Either you leave your hair or tie it into a bun, you will not disappoint the audience.
20. Art Silk Sarees
For those who prefer lightweight types of sarees, Art silk is another best pick. The shine of art silk sarees is on par with silk sarees. These sarees are made from rayon. Thus, they are breathable and suit summers. They fit well on both casual and festive occasions.
Style mantra for art silk sarees:
- 3/4th blouses look good on art silk sarees.
- You can also pair them with maggam work blouses for an enriched look.
21. Batik Sarees
Easily identified by their abstract designs and prints, Batik sarees are one of their kind in the types of sarees of India. Though they are available in synthetic fabric, pure cotton is what Batik prints are famous for. They suit summers and casual or office wear like no other.
Style Mantra for batik sarees:
- As the whole batik saree comes with the design of its kind, keep the blouse minimalistic.
- Choose a plain blouse and sleeveless for a rich look of batik saree.
22. Bandhej Sarees
If you want to don a desi look, no other type of saree can beat bandhej. Full of designs in lively colors of pink, yellow, orange, and green, Bandhej sarees are famous among the saree names of India. They are easy to wear and maintain. Suit well on both special and casual occasions.
Style mantra for Bandhej sarees:
- Though Bandhej sarees come in full designs, you should go heavy on jewelry.
- Because that’s what is the style secret of wearing Bandhej sarees.
- Wear bangles, a heavy choker or necklace, and earrings to highlight your bandhej saree and yourself!
23. Cashmere Sarees
Yet another premium sarees of India, Cashmere sarees are known for their weight and work. They are available in plenty of fabrics, with georgette being one of the most used ones. Cashmere sarees are rich in look and suit special and festive occasions.
Style mantra for cashmere sarees:
A contrasting blouse brings out the highlights of the cashmere work of the saree, giving you a rich and elegant look.
24. Chanderi sarees
Another heritage sarees of India, Chanderi sarees are in vogue since royal times. They are known for their quality fabric and signature style of jari and weaves. They are available in cotton and silk and suit pretty well for casual, festive, or office wear.
Style mantra for Chanderi sarees:
- These sarees are light in weight. You can experiment with contrast blouses or matching blouses and simple jewelry.
25. Chiffon sarees
The saree journey of any woman in India begins with chiffon sarees. They resemble the youthfulness of women with their floral prints and color combinations. Chiffon sarees are synthetic sarees that are easy to wear and maintain. Just choose the design and color that fits the occasion, and you are good to go with either a casual or a festive occasion.
Style mantra for chiffon sarees:
- Wear a blouse that comes running with the saree.
- Often short sleeves blouses look good on chiffon sarees.
26. Crepe sarees
Another synthetic fabric saree name of India, Crepe is a highly durable material. They are easy to maintain too. They differ from chiffon in that crepe is a little high in weight, glossy, and gives a party look. Chiffon suits both casual and party wear depending on the quality of the fabric and the design.
Style mantra for crepe sarees:
Go authentic and experiment to get the classic look of olden days with crepe sarees.
27. Dobby Sarees
Dobby is another term that you can give for handloom sarees of the special weave. For instance, Narayanpet sarees of Telangana and Bhagalpur sarees of Bihar are some examples of Dobby weaves. They suit both daily wear and office wear and for summers.
Style mantra for Dobby Sarees:
- A contrast blouse looks stunning on a dobby saree.
- Go minimalistic with jewelry and keep them simple.
28. Dharmavaram Sarees
Distinguishable by their broad contrasting borders, Dharmavaram sarees are another pure silk sarees of India. There is also a wide range of Dharmavaram cotton sarees. The quality of both silk and cotton is premium. Dharmavaram silk sarees are chosen for South Indian marriages while cotton sarees suit best for office and daily wear.
Style mantra for Dharmavaram Sarees:
- Wear heavy jewelry on Silk sarees and keep it minimal on cotton sarees.
29. Gadwal sarees
Known for their unique style of weaving with cotton body and silk border, gadwal sarees are from Telangana state. They are so lightweight that you can fold them and fit them in a matchbox! These sarees were patronized by the royal families of Gadwal Sansthan. Today, Gadwal sarees have their GI and are one of the reputed handloom sarees of India. Gadwal sarees are also called sico sarees as they are a combo of both silk and cotton.
Style mantra for gadwal sarees:
- A high neck matching blouse looks stunning on a gadwall silk saree.
30. Georgette sarees
These are synthetic fabric sarees known for their lightweight and ease of maintenance. They are available in multiple price ranges and are easy to wear. They fit perfectly for daily home wear or casual outings.
Style mantra for georgette sarees:
- Matching blouses look so elegant on georgette sarees just like simple jewelry.
31. Ikat Sarees
Ikat sarees are handloom sarees based in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The Ikat sarees of both states differ slightly in their design patterns though for onlookers they look similar. One can recognize the difference between Pochampally ikat and Patola ikat with their cross-over of designs. Irrespective of the style, Ikat is one of the popular handloom saree names of India. They suit festive and office wear with perfection.
Style mantra for ikat sarees:
- Tribal jewelry and oxidized jewelry impart a unique look to ikat sarees.
32. Kantha sarees
The Kantha sarees are signature variants of sarees of India originating from the North East. They are unique with their quality fabric and embroidery work. Floral designs are another attraction of Kantha sarees.
Style mantra of Kantha sarees:
- Sleeveless blouses are in vogue for Kantha sarees while 3/4th blouses impart an ethnic look with elegance.
33. Khadi sarees
Khadi sarees are hand-spun sarees. They are durable, available in silk and cotton, and are rough in texture. Khadi sarees are also called khaddar sarees. They impart a classy look to the wearer. Khadi sarees have been very popular during the pre-independence era. Currently, Khadi is ruling the fashion world, and even in the sarees domain.
Style mantra for khadi sarees:
- Keep styling as simple as possible. If possible, skip the whole jewelry and wear only small studs and a watch.
34. Maheswari sarees
If you think a saree is not reversible, Maheswari sarees will change your thinking. These sarees have a double border. You can wear them upside down too! They are available in zari, floral prints, and block prints. They suit pretty well for special occasions and office wear.
Style mantra for Maheswari sarees:
Simplistic look adds to the elegance of Maheshwari sarees. Choose a simple blouse and makeup to look stunning in these fabulous saree types of India.
35. Organza Sarees
Thin, sheer, and light in weight, organza sarees can make anyone fall in love with them. They are so beautiful, and they impart a classy look to the woman. Mostly found in floral designs, the color palette of organza is stunning. The pastel colors and the hues of organza make it a choice for special evenings and honeymoons.
Style mantra for organza sarees: Keep accessories very minimal. Sleeveless blouses look good on organza.
36. Sambalpuri sarees
A signature style of Odisha, Sambalpuri is another famous handloom saree names of India. They are premium cotton sarees and are durable. The prints are grand and rich and the fabric is so comfortable to wear. They suit summers as well as office and special occasions.
Style mantra for Sambalpur sarees: Oxidized jewelry looks beautiful on sambalpuri sarees. Bindi and Kajal enhance the beauty of the face and tie up your hair like a bun to obtain an elegant look.
37. Kalamkari sarees
Hailing from SriKalahasti of Andhra Pradesh, Kalamkari designs are now a heartthrob for saree lovers. Kalamkari sarees are available in all fabrics – cotton, silk and synthetic. However, for the rich authentic look of Kalamkari saree, choose a handloom one and flaunt your style. They suit fabulously for office on any special occasions.
Style mantra for Kalamkari sarees:
Experiment with blouse patterns to bring out your own style quotient.
38. Satin sarees
Satin sarees are timeless fashion in saree trends of India. They are smooth and feathery in touch. They are long-lasting and need very little maintenance. Though they look shiny and made of synthetic fabric, they are breathable and hence suit summers too.
Style mantra for satin sarees:
A contrast blouse enhances the look of satin sarees. Sleeveless blouses too, do the magic!
39. Mul cotton sarees
Also called mulmul cotton, these are the smoothest cotton sarees of India. They are comfortable to wear at home or at the office. You can find them in various shades and prints. They impart coolness to the body and suits hot summers perfectly.
Style mantra for mul cotton sarees:
- Wear the blouse that comes running with a saree.
- A big bindi and bangles completes the look of mul cotton sarees.
40. Venkatagiri sarees
Another royal lineage sarees of South India, Venkatagiri sarees are initially made for queens and women of royal families. They are popular handloom sarees of India that are available in both pure silk and pure cotton. They are characterized by the finest weaves and distinct zari patterns.
Style mantra for venkatagiri sarees:
Wear heavy jewelry for Venkatagiri pure silk sarees and go minimal with accessories on cotton sarees.
Thus, there is no end if we keep discussing different types of sarees of India. Each of them has its distinction and steals a woman’s heart in its way. How many of these sarees have you worn? What else famous saree names would you love to add to this list? Please share your love of different types of sarees in India.