Variety of weaves makes tradition of India. There is richness in every weave and every region specializes in its different style.  From the eastern India comes the Bengali style cotton Tanth and Muslin. Muslin is made from the finest of cottons grown on the banks of Brahmaputra. The texture of this type of cotton is extremely fine and transparent. The term “malmal” also refers to the finest quality of muslin cotton. They are very expensive even today.

From the western coast of India it’s the Patola sarees which creates magic. In patola sarees there is another beautiful weave, the ikat. There is single ikat and double ikat. The sarees are based on special tie and dye technique. These sarees generally sport traditional parrot, elephant, diamonds and flower motifs.

From eastern central Deccan comes Gadwal. These sarees have a cotton body with designed pure silk border. The silk border is tassar or mulberry. There is also a pure silk version of this saree, woven in bright contrasting colours. Then there is Kanchipuram. As the names suggests it’s based on the place where it’s woven. Sarees are rich cotton or heavy silk with traditional motif.

Tassar comes from Central India. It is a coarse silk fabric that is made from wild or uncultivated silkworms and the silk state is raw. Fine fabric is used for sarees while the coarser version is used for other garment. It is a very durable fabric but tends to look coarse with wear.

Then there is rich weaves from the Northern region. The Benarasi silk saree, its vibrant body colours and golden and silver silk thread border make these sarees very expensive and special occasion wear.

When you think of sarees think of the different weaves, pick up what suits your body type best and drape yourself in this very traditional yet chic wear. A saree, as simple as it may be in worksmanship or artistry, never fails to emulate the elegance and grandeur of celebrating the feminine exurberance.