Saree is the oldest form of women’s clothing in India, which essentially is a long unstitched fabric.  Women wrap a Saree around with much elegance and grace. Traditionally, Saree was woven on looms operated by hand.

Sarees are still the most popular women’s outfits in India. While, due to industrialization, most of the Sarees these days are machine-made, many parts of India have kept this tradition alive.

Here are some of the most famous traditional sarees.

Banarasi from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh:

Banaras is a part of the country which produces one of the most elegant sarees all over India. Banarasi handloom silk sarees are known for the best quality silk fabric dyed in bright and colorful hues. Banarasi silk sarees are prized for the intricacy of the zari and Resham work.  For these reasons, Banarasi has always been the first preference for Indian women, especially the wedding. 

Chanderi Silk Sarees from Madhya Pradesh:

Chanderi handloom sarees are prevalent in the central part (aka Madhya Pradesh) of India. Their unique shades with elegant designs make it a class apart. These sarees offer a soft and airy feel and are mostly known for their smooth texture, Buti designs, and pallus. Fashion designers these days are showing interest in Chanderi sarees, and they have taken this refined weave to the ramps.

Bandhani Sarees from Gujarat:

This saree from the western part of India features the traditional art of tying and dyeing. Garchola, Lehariya, and Panesar are the types of Bandhani saree varieties. Bandhani Sarees are known for their colorful look and remarkable depiction of delicate Gujarati design. These Designs are unique among many Indian handloom silk sarees.

Patola Handloom Sarees from Gujarat:

The Patola Sarees are traditional Gujarati Handloom products and widely popular for exemplary design and ethereal patterns. Highly experienced weavers weave these sarees, and a particular type of silk called Patotal is used to produce the saree.

Tussar silk sarees from Bhagalpur, Bihar:

The origin of this craft is not known. Historically, after the 16th century, the first European merchants came to India and surveyed this craft. Tussar silk (aka raw silk) reflects the wilderness and exotic nature of the silkworms from which they are produced. Tussar silk sarees are embroidered with gold and silk threads to create zari work or Resham thread to form floral or geometric patterns. These silk sarees are also famous for their brocade work. These patterns are usually made on the border and pallu.

Baluchari Handloom Sarees from West Bengal:

This saree is made with a handloom weaving technique and offers mesmerizing look with specially created mythological motifs and six-yard draping. The design on the Pallus often depicts local stories or the events from the epics. Baluchari sarees are designed with the finest work in Resham and zari. Baluchari with golden zari weave is called Swarnachari. 

The Munga Handloom Silk Sarees from Assam:

These sarees from the North-Eastern part of India reflect the cultural aspects. They have their own identity across the country. The most notable feature of the saree is that it offers three-dimensional effects and attached woven borders.

Uppada silk sarees from Andhra Pradesh:

These are the finest and lightest silk sarees from Uppada, Andhra Pradesh, and East Godawari District, India. The weaving pattern is jamdani type and the zari used is pure. The designs of Uppada silks are classy, and the colors are vibrant.

Kanchipuram sarees from TamilNadu:

The tradition of weaving Kanchipuram Silk sarees hails back from a 400-year-old legacy of handwoven techniques. Kanchipuram Sarees are famous for their Zari work and elaborate nature-inspired design. Sarees that are made with golden and silver thread are considered perfect for bridal wear.

Mysore Silk Sarees from Karnataka

The process of weaving a Mysore silk saree and zari sari has evolved since the era of kings. Mysore Sarees are known for pure silk and exquisite Zari and golden lacework.  Mysore silk is produced by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC). The Golden Zari in Mysore silk saree contains 65% pure silver and 0.65% gold, making it the most expensive silk saree in India.

Kasavu Sarees from Kerala:

Kasavu sarees are symbolic of Kerala’s tradition and culture. The white and gold sarees are unique due to their natural hues, texture, and gold border, which adds to their elegance.