SWAYAM VASTRAM KNOWLEDGE

FABRIC GUIDE

Understanding the art of handloom — from the looms of Varanasi to the weaving villages of Telangana. Learn what makes each fabric unique, how to care for your sarees, and which occasions they shine brightest.

Banarasi Silk Kanchipuram Silk Gadwal Silk-Cotton Uppada Silk Handloom Cotton Paithani Silk

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Banarasi Silk

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Banarasi Silk

The crown jewel of Indian handlooms, Banarasi silk sarees have been woven for over 600 years. Each piece can take anywhere from 15 days to 6 months to complete, depending on the intricacy of the design.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Heavy zari work with gold and silver threads
Opulent Mughal-inspired motifs and florals
Rich, dense weave with a luxurious drape
Often features intricate brocade patterns

BEST FOR

Weddings, grand festivals, bridal trousseau, special celebrations

CARE TIPS

Dry clean only. Store in muslin cloth. Avoid direct sunlight. Air out periodically.

PRICE RANGE

₹8,000 - ₹80,000+

ORIGIN

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Kanchipuram Silk

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Kanchipuram Silk

Also known as Kanjivaram, these sarees are renowned for their wide contrast borders and pure gold zari. The silk used is so strong that it is said a Kanchipuram saree can last a hundred years.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Pure mulberry silk with a brilliant sheen
Distinctive temple borders and checkered patterns
Body and border woven separately, then interlocked
Extremely durable — lasts generations with care

BEST FOR

South Indian weddings, temple visits, Pongal, Diwali, milestone celebrations

CARE TIPS

Dry clean recommended. Fold along zari lines. Store with silica gel packets to absorb moisture.

PRICE RANGE

₹10,000 - ₹1,00,000+

ORIGIN

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Gadwal, Telangana

Gadwal Silk-Cotton

Gadwal, Telangana

Gadwal Silk-Cotton

A Telangana specialty, Gadwal sarees masterfully combine the breathability of cotton with the grandeur of silk borders. The kuttu border technique — where silk is interlocked with cotton — is unique to this region.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Unique silk borders on a cotton body (kuttu border technique)
Lightweight yet festive appearance
Rich temple-inspired border motifs
Perfect balance of comfort and elegance

BEST FOR

Festive gatherings, daily luxury, office wear, pujas, casual celebrations

CARE TIPS

Gentle hand wash or dry clean. Iron on low heat on reverse side. Hang dry in shade.

PRICE RANGE

₹3,000 - ₹15,000

ORIGIN

Gadwal, Telangana

Uppada, Andhra Pradesh

Uppada Silk

Uppada, Andhra Pradesh

Uppada Silk

Woven in the coastal town of Uppada, these sarees use the jamdani technique borrowed from Bengal. The motifs appear to float on the fabric, giving an ethereal quality that is instantly recognizable.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Lightweight and incredibly soft hand-feel
Jamdani weave technique for motifs
Subtle, elegant patterns that float on the fabric
Semi-transparent with a delicate drape

BEST FOR

Elegant evening events, receptions, cultural programmes, light festival wear

CARE TIPS

Dry clean only. Handle with care due to delicate weave. Store flat or rolled, not folded.

PRICE RANGE

₹5,000 - ₹25,000

ORIGIN

Uppada, Andhra Pradesh

Various regions across India

Handloom Cotton

Various regions across India

Handloom Cotton

The backbone of Indian handloom, cotton sarees come in an extraordinary variety of weaves and techniques. From the geometric precision of Pochampally ikat to the elegant simplicity of Mangalagiri, these sarees are everyday luxury.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Includes Ikat (resist-dyed geometric patterns)
Mangalagiri (fine checks and stripes from Andhra Pradesh)
Pochampally (double ikat technique from Telangana)
Breathable, skin-friendly, and perfect for Indian climate

BEST FOR

Daily wear, office, casual outings, summer festivals, travel

CARE TIPS

Machine wash gentle or hand wash. Use mild detergent. Iron when slightly damp for best results.

PRICE RANGE

₹1,500 - ₹8,000

ORIGIN

Various regions across India

Paithan, Maharashtra

Paithani Silk

Paithan, Maharashtra

Paithani Silk

Dating back 2,000 years to the Satavahana dynasty, Paithani is Maharashtra's most prized textile. The silk thread is dyed using vegetable colours and each saree is woven entirely by hand using the tapestry technique.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Signature peacock (mor) and lotus motifs
Vibrant colour combinations — purple, green, red, gold
Hand-woven with interlocking weft technique
Pallu features elaborate scenes and borders

BEST FOR

Maharashtrian weddings, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, festive celebrations

CARE TIPS

Dry clean only. Never fold on zari lines. Wrap in acid-free tissue paper for storage.

PRICE RANGE

₹15,000 - ₹2,00,000+

ORIGIN

Paithan, Maharashtra

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