Sarees, the 6-yard fabric, have always been the wardrobe favourite of every Indian woman. With a heritage tracing back thousands of years, sarees have transcended time to become an embodiment of elegance, femininity, and enduring style.
From the breezy embrace of cotton sarees to the regal charms of Banarasi silk sarees, each fabric narrates a tale of craftsmanship, heritage, and the timeless beauty of its region. Join us as we unwind the artistry behind every fold, celebrating the diversity of the sarees that continue to leave an indelible mark on the fashion industry with grace and poise.
33 Saree Material Types
1. Cotton Saree
Although various saree fabrics are available, one that stands out is undoubtedly the cotton saree. Its breathability and comfort are what make it a beloved choice. The natural cotton fibres facilitate unrestricted airflow, making them suitable for warm and humid climates. The fabric is gentle on the skin, ensuring you remain cool and comfortable throughout the day. From formal events to casual outings, a cotton saree is known for its versatility to suit every occasion.
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2. Silk Saree
Silk sarees have been a part of Indian culture for centuries, stealing the spotlight at every special occasion. Celebrated for their opulent and graceful appearance, these sarees emanate a powerful sense of dignity. Extracted from silkworm cocoons, pure silk is highly valued for its natural lustre, softness, and durability. One of the most distinctive features of pure silk is its texture, which imparts a silky-smooth, soft, and slightly cool sensation when touched.
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3. Georgette Saree
You can never go wrong with a georgette saree. A timeless choice, georgette sarees, with their vibrant hues and intricate patterns, have always had a distinct place in every wardrobe. The airy and lightweight nature of georgette sarees enables your skin to breathe comfortably during the summer months. This fabric, originally crafted from silk and characterised by a crepe texture, provides the necessary drape for an elegant saree look.
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4. Linen Sarees
Extracted from flax, a plant-based fibre, linen sarees rival the durability of cotton. Known for their strength, these sarees excel in sweat absorbency, though at a slightly higher cost than other fabrics. Embraced for their airy, light feel and elegant appearance, linen sarees stand out with their lightweight fabric and antimicrobial properties, ensuring comfort and style throughout the year.
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5. Satin Saree
Satin sarees blend comfort and elegance with their glossy surface and dull back. Typically woven from silk or polyester, they offer a luxurious appearance while being surprisingly comfortable and easy to drape. Their durability and body-enhancing qualities make them a wise investment for a timeless, glamorous look.
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6. Jacquard Sarees
Jacquard sarees, a recent popular trend, are celebrated for their intricate woven patterns. The embossed design not only provides unmatched flexibility but also imparts a thick texture, significantly enhancing the draping ability of the fabric. Available in both silk and cotton, these sarees are known for their versatility and comfort.
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7. Cotton Silk Sarees
Cotton silk is a graceful blend of woven cotton and silk fibres to create a luxurious fabric. Combining the lustre of silk with the comfort of cotton, this lightweight material offers a soft, caressing texture that provides both warmth and coolness. Ideal for various weather conditions, cotton silk is highly breathable and easy to maintain, ensuring comfort and elegance.
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8. Tussar Silk Saree
A Tussar silk saree can speak volumes about your style and elegance. A Tussar silk saree, also known as a Kosa saree, is made from Tussar silkworm. These sarees are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, resisting wrinkles due to their natural strength. Celebrated for their golden sheen and rich texture, they're a popular choice in Indian traditional wear. Ideal for warm climates, these lightweight sarees with intricate handwoven designs symbolise elegance and cultural heritage in Indian fashion.
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9. Chiffon Sarees
Chiffon sarees are a timeless and elegant choice for any occasion, often the first preference when discussing sarees. Lightweight and sheer, they have become a wardrobe staple for women. Renowned for their softness, chiffon sarees exude grace and are breathable, ensuring comfort even during extended wear in hot and humid weather. Versatile in styling for various occasions, these sarees are also easy to maintain.
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10. Banarasi Silk Sarees
Handwoven in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, these opulent Banarasi silk sarees exude luxury and are sure to turn heads at any celebration. Initially reserved for royalty, these finely crafted sarees have captivated a wider audience with their exquisite gold and silver brocade or zari works, often featuring Mughal-inspired designs. They stand among the finest sarees in India.
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11. Handloom Sarees
Handloom sarees, cherished by women globally for their distinctive qualities, offer a wide range of styles, from simple to embellished. Recognised by identical prints on both sides and a flawless finish, these sarees are celebrated for their durability, comfort, timeless beauty, and elegant drapes. Whether cotton or silk, handloom sarees cater to diverse preferences.
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12. Kota Sarees
Kota silk sarees, handwoven in Rajasthan, feature a captivating checkered weave with square-like patterns called khats. Renowned for their finesse and lightweight nature, these sarees are ideal for various occasions. The fine weaves create a breathable fabric, ensuring comfort in warm climates, and their easy maintenance adds to their lasting elegance.
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13. Khadi Sarees
Khadi sarees, a popular choice in India during the summer, are crafted from hand-spun and hand-woven natural fibre cloth. Lightweight and breathable, they ensure comfort and versatility. With the ability to regulate temperature, these sarees keep the wearer cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather. The use of natural dyes adds a unique, earthy appeal.
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14. Tissue Sarees
The tissue saree, prized for its sheen and luxurious feel, is an exquisite choice for both formal and casual occasions, effortlessly imparting a classy look. With a soft touch and rich feel, it is highly sought after, making it perfect for flaunting at formal events and weddings, lending a royal appearance to your ensemble.
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15. Crepe Sarees
Crepe sarees, obtained from silk, are lightweight, incredibly soft, and easy to manage, emanating a rich look. With a versatile nature, they feature a soft sheen, are typically lightweight, and exhibit a unique crinkled texture. Suitable for any body type, crepe sarees are effortlessly stylish.
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16. Organza Sarees
Organza sarees, with their subtle sheen, are remarkably versatile and suitable for any occasion. Reflecting light for an ethereal appearance, the corrosive treated silk yarn gives them a slight solidity. Lightweight and breathable, organza makes extended wear simple.
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17. Lycra Sarees
Lycra sarees offer comfort and contemporary style with their form-hugging, easy-to-drape fabric. Known for exceptional elasticity, this man-made material provides a graceful fall and is a popular trend for its ease, lustrous appeal, and ability to enhance your figure.
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18. Net Sarees
Net sarees, a fashionista's delight, are made from see-through net material, offering a unique and contemporary look. The diaphanous texture makes them completely see-through, redefining traditional Indian attire with chic elegance.
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19. Bengal Cotton Sarees
Bengal cotton sarees, also known as Tant sarees, cherished by ethnic wear enthusiasts, are carefully woven on traditional handlooms. Lightweight and breathable, these sarees feature fine cotton threads for a soft touch, ensuring extended comfort. Adorned with intricate handwoven designs, they seamlessly blend tradition and style, offering a timeless and versatile wardrobe essential.
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20. Chettinad Cotton Sarees
Chettinad cotton sarees, native to Tamil Nadu, are a unique textile art form appreciated for their artisanal skills, distinct patterns, and vibrant colours. Skillfully handwoven from premium cotton, these sarees offer a shimmery look, ensuring durability and easy maintenance.
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21. Sambalpuri Sarees
Sambhalpuri sarees from Odisha offer a touch of sophistication to your traditional look. Renowned for their vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and luxurious texture, these lightweight and breathable sarees are perfect for daily wear and the summer season.
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22. Viscose Sarees
Viscose sarees are trendy for their soft drapes and vibrant designs. Favoured for foil, digital, and woven prints, these sarees are made from a semi-synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp, offering wearability for all seasons—lightweight for summers and heat-retentive for winters.
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23. Art Silk Sarees
Artificial silk, commonly known as art silk, is a synthetic material designed to resemble pure silk. Similar to pure silk sarees, art silk sarees are airy, incredibly light, and exceptionally comfortable, making them an ideal choice for the hot summer months. Typically made from materials like rayon, mercerized cotton, and polyester, the specific composition may vary depending on the type of silk being imitated.
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24. Bandhani Sarees
In the world of fast fashion, Bandhini sarees stand strong, connecting tradition with trends and embodying the essence of Indian artistry. Originating predominantly from Rajasthan and Gujarat, this tie-dye technique has transcended its traditional roots to become immensely popular in mainstream fashion, all crafted with natural dyes.
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25. Jute Sarees
Crafted from jute fibres, jute sarees stand out with their distinctive colour and texture. Typically, the incorporation of other materials, such as cotton and silk, enhances the appearance, durability, and washability of these sarees.
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26. Jamdani Sarees
Originating from Bangladesh, these Jamdani sarees are popular wedding attire in West Bengal. Infused with delicate traces of cotton and crafted from muslin, these sarees offer a soft touch and are perfect for the summer season.
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27. Pochampally Sarees
Crafted in Bhoodan Pochampally, Telangana, the Pochampally saree features traditional geometric patterns through the Ikat style of dyeing. As geographical indicators, these sarees are primarily handwoven, showcasing distinguished geometric motifs, and are renowned for their exceptional colour-retaining properties. The extravagance and powerful aura they exude increase their appeal.
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28. Velvet Sarees
Radiating elegance and sophistication, velvet sarees have a luxurious, soft texture and a subtle sheen. Ideal for winter events, these sarees effortlessly impart a regal touch to your attire.
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29. Patola Sarees
A Patola saree, originating from Patan, Gujarat, is a double ikat woven silk saree featuring intricate designs. The process involves dyeing the silk with natural colours before weaving them together to form detailed designs and patterns. Taking 4 to 7 months to weave, it is reversible and suitable for everyday wear and special occasions, though the process makes it costly and time-consuming.
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30. Gadwal Sarees
Originating from Telangana, the Gadwal saree is a handcrafted masterpiece known for its exquisite zari work. Consisting of a cotton body, silk border, and zari pallu, the weave is remarkably lightweight, providing a breezy feel. Renowned for their rich look, vibrant colours, and simple yet ornate zari work, Gadwal sarees embody timeless elegance.
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31. Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
Pure Kanchipuram silk sarees, South India's equivalent to Banarasi silk, have been the bridal choice for centuries. Made from heavy silk with intricate patterns, these sarees are durable and washable at home. Produced in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, their unique feature is the separate weaving of pallu and borders, later joined together, ensuring both strength and durability.
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32. Kerala Sarees
Also called Kasavu sarees or Kerala sarees, these sarees reflect Kerala's rich tradition and culture. With their natural hues, texture, and elegant gold border, these white and gold sarees are indispensable for Kerala's occasions. The traditional Kerala Kasav, featuring a cream-coloured saree with a gold border, is a timeless classic. Woven from unbleached cotton or Kora cloth, the Kerala Cotton Saree boasts a minimalistic design with a golden zari border and motifs, predominantly white with a plain weave on the body, exuding unique charm.
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33. Chanderi Sarees
Chanderi sarees, from Madhya Pradesh, blend lightness and sheer transparency. Crafted from pure silk, chanderi cotton, and silk cotton, these sarees are renowned for gold and silver brocade, fine silk, and intricate embroidery. The handwoven motifs and sheer texture achieved with single-feature quality yarn make Chanderi sarees distinct.
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34. Pattu Sarees
Yet another famous saree. It is more popular in South India. Famous for its vibrant colors, Pattu Sarees turn to be unavoidable for every women's wardrobe.