“I’m going to wear a saree.” – we bet you’ve heard this statement out loud a gazillion times. Be it cocktail parties, weddings, birthdays or even high-school farewells, sarees are a wardrobe staple that almost ALWAYS becomes a go-to fit option for just about anyone. Over the years, this versatile piece of clothing has undergone several style and design transitions (mostly fun ones!), experimenting with off-beat prints and colours. But nothing surpasses the charm of traditional sarees from different regions, handwoven with care, and reflecting their artistic beauty and craftsmanship. They serve as a window to the cultures and traditions of the regions they belong to, each more unique than the next. And while you may be tempted to own every single one of them, here’s 10 sarees from across the country that will have you whipping out your shopping card, even when you don’t need one. Let’s scroll!
Bandhani
Also called Bandhej, hailing from Gujarat, these are made by using the tie-dye technique to create unique geometric patterns. A popular choice for weddings and festivities, bandhani sarees are commonly made in cotton and silk fabrics such as this little number by Kalamandir. Reminiscent of Anushka Sharma’s appearance in a stunning pink Bandhani saree by Manish Malhotra, we’d pair this with a sleeveless blouse just as she did!
Leheriya
We can’t tell you how many times we’ve been awestruck by Shilpa Shetty in a Leheriya saree. Made in Rajasthan and as the name suggests, this saree is derived from the hindi word ‘leher’ translating to wave. A bright and colourful piece, this saree is designed with wave-like patterns in parallel lines across the fabric. Just look at this Tikhi Imli multicoloured georgette one. Perfect for a mehendi or just brunch!
Banarasi
From Vidya Balan to Rani Mukerji – there isn’t a celebrity that hasn’t donned a Banarasi saree. Durable and timeless in its appeal, it is the perfect go-to piece for festive occasions. Made with silk, covered in intricate embroidery, and rimmed with zari borders. The work is done using gold, silver, or copper threads depending on the colours of the saree. What we wouldn’t give to possess this black Kadhuwa Banaras one!
Kanjeevaram
Hey, if the iconic Rekha and Sridevi can opt for a timeless Kanjeevaram each time they step out, so can we! Originating from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, Kanjeevaram is considered to be one of the most prized sarees to own, owing to its luxuriant look and feel. Weaved with pure mulberry silk, it is covered in intricate patterns created with real zari. We’d pick this gold Akhilam one to look our finest best, if we were you.
Chanderi
Named after the town this saree is crafted in, in Madhya Pradesh, these sarees are made with silk, cotton, or a mix of both fabrics. Lightweight and extremely breathable, chanderi sarees feature delicate buta work or have motifs embroidered using gold, silver, or copper threads. We’re pretty sure we’ve spotted Alia Bhatt in a stunning coral orange one and nothing can stop us from splurging on this House of Begum one, TBH.
Chikankari
Timeless and elegant like chikankari kurtas, chikankari sarees make for an elegant addition to one’s closet. I mean, remember when Deepika Padukone blew our minds in a white stunner, not once, but TWICE! Originating in the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, the chikankari saree features delicate threadwork. Done on cotton or muslin fabrics, the design of this saree traditionally involves only thread embroidery, but modern variations include sequins, beads, and mirror work too. Peek at this Vastranand saree for an option that’s pretty close to DP’s.
Paithani
A type of silk saree crafted in the town of Paithan, Maharashtra, it is made of the finest silk fabric and features intricate zari work. Its statement borders and contrasting colour combinations set this beauty apart from the rest. Paithani sarees are woven using the ‘kadiyal’ technique that makes it so durable. Look up Sonali Bendre, Shraddha Kapoor and the legendary Madhuri Dixit to truly know how to work one or just put on this scarlet Karagiri one – same thing.
Taant
Light to wear, taant sarees are woven cotton sarees made in West Bengal. This saree gets its name from the natural dye that is used for the making of these, derived from the tansetta tree. Traditionally these sarees are dyed, but they are also available in hand-painted, embroidered, and printed. Kajol, Bipasha Basu – the OG Bengalis of Bollywood are known to pick this breezy style from time to time. Try it out today with this Chakukriti one!
Patola
A double ikkat woven saree created in the town of Patan, Gujarat, the weaving process of the patola saree is a time-taking one. It can take up to two years to weave a saree, which adds to its exquisiteness and exclusivity. Although, the double ikkat weave makes it difficult to differentiate one side from the other. Last year, Nita Ambani was spotted in a pretty white one, similar to this Odette saree.
Bomkai
A handloom saree made in Odisha, cotton is the fabric of choice for weaving this piece. Silk may be used occasionally to create a heavier piece with embellishments like mirror work, or even intricate embroidery. This All Silks saree is subtle enough to be worn on any other day, but elegant enough to be worn for a special occasion.
