Traditional silk sarees are a must-have for those who love Indian wear. They are regal, graceful and simply timeless! Even Bollywood celebs love to wear different types of silk sarees and some even collect them for their heirloom value.
Despite their popularity, people still remain unaware of the vast variety of silk sarees. Let’s fix that. Read on for 25 types of silk sarees:
1. Patola Silk Sarees
Patola is a double ikat woven saree made in Patan, Gujarat. They are very expensive and were once only worn by members of rich aristocratic families. Due to the lengthy process of tying and dyeing each thread separately before weaving them together, these types of silk sarees take six months to a year to make which explains the hefty price tag!
Price Range: 13-14k onwards
2. Tanchoi Silk Sarees
Tanchoi silk sarees are made from twisted, two-fold mulberry silk yarn, known locally as “Katan,” in both the warp and the weft. Tanchoi is a weaving technique that uses a single colour for the warp and up to five colours for the weft. These types of silk sarees are intricate, with small weaving patterns all over the fabric. Tanchoi fabric also has the same texture as satin fabric.
Price Range: ₹18-19k onwards
3. Gadwal Silk Sarees
This is a handwoven saree style from Gadwal in Telangana’s Jogulamba Gadwal district. These types of silk sarees are popular for their beautiful gold and silver zari. The most famous version of this weave is called “Sico” where the cotton body is merged with a silk border and pallu. Kupadam is the technique used to make these sarees, and kumbam is the weaving style used for the borders. This saree has the ability to fold down to the size of a matchbox. Fascinating, right?
Starting Price Range: Rs 15-16k
4. Paithani Silk Sarees
Paithani is a silk and zari saree. Paithani is derived from the Paithan town in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. These are one of the most vibrant types of silk sarees in India, made from fine mulberry silk. These sarees are known for their kaleidoscopic colours marked by floral and bird-inspired motifs. the most fascinating bit? Both sides of a pure Paithani saree look the same and that’s how you make the distinction between handloom and power loom drapes.
Starting Price Range: Rs 11-12k onwards
5. Swarnachari Silk Sarees
Woven in vibrant colours, this type of silk saree is well-known due to its intricately woven motifs. They are typically inspired by Indian mythological such as stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In fact, some of these sarees are known to carry illustrations from the entire Bhagavad Gita!
Starting Price Range: Rs 15-16k onwards
6. Banarasi Silk Saree
Banarasi silk sarees are easily the best silk sarees in India. They are well-known for their gold and silver brocade which was originally woven with real silver and gold! Due to the intricacy of the Mughal-inspired motifs on this fine silk weave, the sarees take months (sometimes even years to make). They are frequently included in an Indian bride’s trousseau because these sarees are synonymous with class and wealth.
Price Range: Rs 11-12k onwards
7. Baluchari Silk Sarees
These types of silk sarees are from West Bengal. They are distinguished by depictions of mythological scenes on the pallu. They are originally from the small village of Baluchar in the Murshidabad district of Bengal, but are now made in Bishnupur. Crafted from the cocoon of a silkworm, these sarees are also regarded as woven poetry with rich pallus that tell a story!
Starting Price Range: Rs 13-14k onwards
8. Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram silk sarees are made in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram region. In these types of silk sarees, the body and border are woven separately and then interlocked together. The border is so tightly woven that even if the saree tears, it will not detach. They are very popular among South Indian brides and popular for motifs inspired by temple architecture.
Price Range: Rs 10-11k onwards
9. Bomkai Silk Sarees
The Bomkai silk saree is an Odisha handloom weave. It originated in the Ganjam district’s Bomkai village but it is now primarily produced by the Subarnapur district’s Bhulia community. It is also known as a Sonepuri saree. This variety of silk sarees is traditionally designed with alluring colours and fish motifs as a symbol of success and affluence.
Starting Price Range: Rs 10,000-11 onwards
10. Banglori Silk Sarees
Banglori silk sarees are known for their simplicity and smooth texture. They are produced in Bangalore, Karnataka’s silk farms and thus the name! Originally only available in dark colours with gold borders, these types of silk sarees are now available in double-coloured, printed, and reversible variants as well.
Starting Price Range: Rs 6-7k onwards
11. Dharmavaram Silk Sarees
Dharmavaram handloom pattu sarees, also known as paavadas, are made of mulberry silk and zari. They are manufactured in Dharmavaram (located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh). This variety of silk sarees is popular among South Indian brides. They have richly woven motifs of flora and fauna. You will also spot designs inspired by the temple murals and paintings of Hindupur’s famed Lepakshi temple.
Starting Price Range: Rs 7-8k onwards
12. Pochampally Silk Sarees
Pochampally sarees (also known as Pochampalli ikat) are made in Bhoodan Pochampally in Telangana’s Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. These types of silk sarees are known for their unique ikat designs and high quality. Their distinguishing feature is the yarn dyed in patterns for the distinct tie and dye effect.
Starting Price Range: Rs 12-13k onwards
13. Sambalpuri Silk Sarees
Sambalpuri from Odisha is a different type of silk saree in which the warp and weft yarns are tie-dyed before the process of weaving. The saree’s appearance is associated with simplicity and has a tribal tinge to it. Most of the designs come in red, black, and white and represent Odisha’s tradition.
Starting Price Range: Rs 8-9k onwards
14. Konrad Silk Sarees
Konrad silk sarees from Tamil Nadu have earned a high reputation for their opulence and high-quality fabrics. These South Indian sarees are popularly worn for temple visits.
Starting Price Range: Rs 7-8k
15. Matka Silk Sarees
Matka is a coarse silk produced from a damaged or hatched cocoon. The silk extracted is spun rather than reeled. These types of silk sarees are primarily produced in the states of Karnataka and Kashmir. However, the pinning takes place in the West Bengal districts of Malda and Murshidabad. These sarees are rougher and stiffer than other silks.
Starting Price Range: Rs 7-8k onwards
16. Mysore Silk Sarees
Mysore silk sarees are renowned for their sheen and easy-to-drape and lightweight fabric. These sarees have a royal feel to them and are popular bridal wear in Karnataka. These are among the most popular types of silk sarees owing to the ease of carrying them.
Starting Price Range: Rs 6-7k onwards
17. Assam Silk Sarees
There exist three major types of Assamese silks: golden muga, white pat, and warm eri silk. Not as shiny or heavy-looking as the other silks, these sarees are ideal for everyday purposes. This is why you’d often see college professors and teachers opting for them. These types of silk sarees are entirely handwoven and take over a month to complete. Best part? They are one of the most affordable silk categories!
Starting Price Range: Rs 5-6k onwards
18. Organza Silk Sarees
This variety of silk saree is delicate and thin, but it has a graceful feel. The finish on a pure organza silk saree will be crisp. Lately, these sarees have become very popular in India with renowned designers exploring the fabric!
Starting Price Range: Rs 5-6k onwards
19. Kota Silk Sarees
This saree is made from the silk version of Kota Doria, a lightweight fabric hand woven on traditional pit looms in Kaithoon, Rajasthan. These types of silk sarees are the lightest of them all and super comfortable to wear. They are loved for their semi-sheer appearance and subtle sheen.
Starting Price Range: Rs 3-4k onwards
20. Chanderi Silk Sarees
The finest types of silk sarees, Chanderis are produced in Madhya Pradesh. They’re lightweight, glossy, and have a sheer texture. These sarees are best worn during hot weather and are ideal for summer weddings.
Starting Price Range: Rs 10-11k onwards
21. Bhagalpuri Silk Sarees
These types of silk sarees are crafted in Bhagalpur, the “silk city” of India. They have been around for over a century and are popular among tribal communities. The silk for these sarees is derived from Vanya silkworms which are unique to India.
Starting Price Range: Rs 5-6k onwards
22. Korial Silk Saree
Bengali women wear Korial sarees for pujas, festivals, and weddings. This type of silk saree is an opulent version of the Garad saree. It is a comparatively plush and glossier weave. The sarees stand out for their white and red combination.
Starting Price Range: Rs 5-6k onwards
23. Uppada Silk Sarees
These silk sarees are from Uppada, a beach town in Andhra Pradesh. The Uppada Jamdani technique is used to weave this variety of silk saree and each piece takes about 10 to 60 days to make depending on the intricacy of the weave. These sarees are woven in a manner that the design appears on both sides.
Starting Price Range: Rs 5-6k onwards
24. Art Silk Sarees
Art silk sarees aka artificial silk sarees are made of synthetic fibre. The material looks like silk but is heavier, stiffer, and doesn’t flow that well. That said, they are much cheaper than other types of silk sarees.
Starting Price Range: Rs 1k onwards
25. Narayanpet Silk Sarees
These sarees are made in the Narayanpet town of Telangana. These handloom sarees are relatively light and can be worn comfortably by women all year as well as for casual occasions. These types of silk sarees are known for their rich pallus and contrasting borders.
Starting Price Range: Rs 6-7k onwards
Silk sarees are a very important part of the Indian tradition and are usually a part of every festival. With a wide range of different types of silk sarees available, you can choose one based on what suits your price range and the occasion.
Feature Image: Instagram