From time immemorial, the handloom industry of India has been under the spotlight for its intricate fabrics. It is called “handloom,” woven on a non-motored loom and involves manual labour. Each state produces a variety of sarees and fabrics which reflect the culture of that particular region. A typical handwoven saree takes a few days to a few months, depending on the design and the intricacy of the weave. Women highly treasured these sarees, and they are passed down as a family heritage. Handwoven sarees come in many varieties, with the most popular being the Ikkat, Ilkal, Kanchi Silk, Baluchari, Tant, Tussar, and Banarasi etc.; each of these sarees is beautiful in their way, be it the technique, the fabric used or the design. In this article, we shall discuss more about these beautiful handwoven sarees of India and their speciality.
Importance of Handwoven Sarees:
Handwoven sarees are quite durable and easy to maintain. They are also made with natural fibres like cotton and silk, making the fabric airy and suitable for Indian weather conditions. Handwoven sarees are also important in contributing to the Handloom sector of India, the country’s largest Industrial sector. Also, power looms can never replace the beauty of the intricate motifs made using traditional weaving methods. Handwoven sarees are the first choice for women for all important occasions like festivals, weddings etc., for their superior quality and exquisiteness.
Features Of Handwoven Sarees:
Here are the top reasons why most women prefer Handloom sarees:
- Handwoven sarees involve intense labour, making them one of the finest pieces that money can buy.
- Made using pure fibres, the sarees get a smooth feel with a natural shine.
- They are extremely comfortable and skin-friendly, unlike artificial machine-made ones.
- Handwoven sarees are known for using pure golden and silver zari, which makes them last for many generations.
- The sarees usually come in bright colours to suit the grandeur of Indian occasions.
Fabrics Used In Handwoven Sarees:
Handwoven sarees, as mentioned earlier, are made with natural fibres like cotton, silk, bamboo etc., These are used in their pure forms without the mix of any artificial threads like polyester nylon. This renders a smooth finish to the saree and makes it suitable for hot weather conditions. The sarees are also light in weight, owing to the fabrics used.
Amazing Collection of Handwoven Sarees With Images:
Here we have picked a selection of our top 15 handwoven sarees. Take a look.
1. Handwoven Linen Sarees:
Linen sarees are creating quite a storm in the fashion industry, with many celebrities opting for them. This airy cotton saree comes in a bright hue of yellow with rust and orange coloured border. The simple yet elegant-looking saree can be teamed with different styles of blouses to look no less than a celeb. Beaded jewellery works well with this saree.
- Design: Yellow Linen Saree With Orange Border
- Material: Linen Cotton
- Preferred Occasions: Ethnic and Daily wear
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
2. Handwoven Kanjivaram Saree:
If you want a handwoven silk saree, check out this beauty! This saree is made with the finest of silk and golden Zari. It is heavily embellished with an intricate weave of floral patterns all over the body. The red and golden saree has a simple golden border, adding a beautiful look.
- Design: Red and Gold Handwoven Kanjivaram Saree
- Material: Silk
- Preferred Occasions: Weddings
- Suitable Body Shape: Suitable for all body types
3. Handwoven Kota Sarees:
This golden-coloured Kota saree is a real stunner! It is intricately woven with the finest threads of cotton and gold with a dash of silver on the border. This saree is an example of the beauty of handwoven sarees. It is best paired with a bright-coloured blouse and minimal accessories to elevate the beauty of the drape.
- Design: Gold Color Handwoven Kota Saree
- Material: Cotton and Zari
- Preferred Occasions: Weddings, Special Occasions
- Suitable Body Shape: Suitable for all body types
4. Handwoven Kalamkari Sarees:
This magnificent Kalamkari saree is a real show-stopper! The black saree with bold block prints of birds, flowers and leaves will leave you spellbound by its beauty. It comes in a breezy cotton material and is perfect for work and ethnic wear. Pair it with a simple blouse to look enchanting in this saree.
- Design: Black Handwoven Kalamkari Saree With Block Print
- Material: Cotton
- Preferred Occasions: Ethnic and Daily Wear
- Suitable Body Shape: Suitable for all body types
5. Handwoven Party wear Sarees:
This exquisite piece is a perfect pick for weddings and parties. The black beauty is carefully handwoven with cotton and golden Zari to create a statement piece. The pleats come with big golden Zari motifs, and the rest of the body is kept simple. The saree is best paired with golden temple jewellery to steal the show!
- Design: Black Handwoven Party Wear Saree With Golden Zari
- Material: Cotton and Zari
- Preferred Occasions: Weddings and Parties
- Suitable Body Shape: Suitable for all body types
6. Handwoven Jamdani Sarees:
This white and rust-coloured Dhakai Jamdani looks like a dream! It is intricately handwoven to create a stunning pattern all over the saree. The pure white, shaded with hints of rust, makes it a unique piece. It can be matched with a rust-coloured blouse and ethnic jewellery for a beautiful look.
- Design: White and Rust Handwoven Jamdani Saree
- Material: Cotton
- Preferred Occasions: Weddings, Occasional Wear
- Suitable Body Shape: Suitable for all body types
7. Handwoven South Indian Silk Saree:
This amazing Kanchipuram handwoven silk saree is the pure definition of class and sophistication. This stunning gold and maroon saree has a detailed story woven in gold on the border and a traditional painting woven on the pallu, making this a classic, exclusive piece of art in its own right. This is one of the best South Indian silk handwoven sarees.
- Design: Maroon and Gold Handwoven Silk Saree
- Material: Silk
- Preferred Occasions: Weddings and Special Occasions
- Suitable Body Shape: These are Suitable for all Body Types
8. Red And Pink Handwoven Cotton Saree:
This is a traditional, hand-woven cotton saree from the weavers of Bengal. Stand tall and look refined in this beautiful pink and red blended tapestry with a green border. The traditional colours and patterns of East India have been used in this saree. Casual and comfortable, wear it wherever you wish. This is one of the best cotton handwoven sarees.
- Design: Pink and Maroon Handwoven Bengal Cotton Saree
- Material: Cotton
- Preferred Occasions: Ethnic and Daily wear
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
9. Green Hues Handwoven Silk Saree:
Like colours on a canvas, this exquisite hand-woven silk saree in hues of green and bordered with vibrant pink and yellow is truly a work of art. Feel like a masterpiece as you step out in this exclusive saree woven in blocks of colour.
- Design: Green and Blue Handwoven Silk Saree
- Material: Silk
- Preferred Occasions: Ethnic and Daily wear
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
10. Uppada Silk Black And Yellow Handwoven Saree:
Look like an artist’s painting in this Uppada hand-woven saree. The soft, black silk fabric has beautiful lotus flowers in green, gold and pink hand woven onto it. The thick border is a golden yellow. The saree sits on the figure beautifully. This is one of the best Uppada handwoven sarees.
- Design: Black Uppada Silk Saree With Floral Weave
- Material: Silk
- Preferred Occasions: Festive Occasions and Weddings
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
See More: Brasso Saree Collection
11. Royal Blue Banarasi Handwoven Saree:
Looking alluring in the traditional silk banarasi saree. A vibrant royal blue, the colour of royalty, this beautiful silk saree is hand woven, all with silver paisley designs. This is one of the best banarasi handwoven sarees.
- Design: Light Blue Banarasi Silk Handwoven Saree
- Material: Silk
- Preferred Occasions: Festive Occasions and Weddings
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
12. Tussar Silk Black Handwoven Saree:
Exclusive black, designer saree. Wear this saree with style and look forever elegant. Hand-woven tussar silk, the pallu has a large, multicoloured plant design woven by hand which stands out perfectly against the black background. The saree border is beautiful, golden zari work. A classic saree which would suit any classy lady.
- Design: Black Tussar Silk Handwoven Saree With Floral Palla
- Material: Tussar
- Preferred Occasions: Festive Occasions and Weddings
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
See More: Printed Sarees
13. Cream And Gold Kanchipuram Handwoven Saree:
Dazzling and graceful, this hand-woven, pure Kanchipuram saree is a classic. Reminiscent of the royal era, this saree is perfect for any special occasion. It’s a beautiful combination of cream with a glimmering gold border. The body of the saree is woven in a beautiful leaf design, whilst the pallu is woven with the traditional paisley pattern in golden zari accompanied by golden tassels on the end. The border is also a golden zari weave. It is one of the best Kanchipuram handwoven sarees.
- Design: Cream and Gold Kanchipuram Handwoven Silk Saree
- Material: Silk
- Preferred Occasions: Festive Occasions and Weddings
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
14. Black And Red Ikkat Cotton Handwoven Saree:
Be fashionable this season with this hand-woven, ikkat design cotton saree. Perfect for the summer, be a trendsetter and step out in style and comfort in this exclusive, black cotton saree hand woven in a white ikkat design. The pallu and border are red with a white striped weave.
- Design: Black Ikkat Handwoven Saree With Red Border
- Material: Cotton
- Preferred Occasions: Ethnic and Daily wear
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
See More: Indian Handloom Sarees
15. Plain Organic Silk Handwoven Saree:
Make a statement with this exclusive designer piece. The hand block silver-grey leaf print glistens against the earthy purple and yellow tones, evoking feelings of the autumn sun. The saree is a pure organic hand-woven silk fabric and will look remarkable on any lady who adorns it.
- Design: Designer Organic Cotton Handwoven Saree
- Material: Cotton
- Preferred Occasions: Ethnic and Daily wear
- Suitable Body Shape: These are suitable for all body types
How To Style Handwoven Sarees:
Handwoven sarees offer an elegant and decent look when styled well. Here are some tips to look regal in a handwoven saree:
- For a daily wear saree, fabrics like linen can be teamed with a simple cotton blouse for a comfortable yet stylish look.
- Try wearing printed blouses with simple woven sarees to add a contemporary touch.
- A handwoven silk saree can be teamed with temple jewellery to look like a million bucks.
- You can wear nice beaded jewellery along with your sarees to add a style statement
- Don’t forget to wear your bindi and carry a nice handmade bag to complete the look.
We hope these handwoven sarees have inspired you to try some of these varieties. When you buy a handwoven saree, remember that you are not adding a saree to your wardrobe but also supporting many artisans who spend more than a few days making them. Handwoven sarees are slowly gaining back their well-deserved place in the market. They are also breaking the stereotypes of being boring, routine and elderly-looking. Whether you want to look sober or sensual, there is a handwoven saree to give you the perfect look!