The love for silk sarees that can be seen across ramps, red carpets, movies, and TV shows is part of the ethnic revival trend, but ultimately it goes much further. It represents a renewal of interest in the treasure trove of ancient Indian techniques and regional handicraft industries, not only for “traditional” occasions but as part of the general wardrobe of modern women. Silk woven sarees have specifically become something of a “symbol” of this interest, perhaps due to their unforgettable beauty and universally flattering style. This revival of traditional techniques and methods has brought many regional varieties to the fore and made these ethnic outfits a fixture not only at special events in India, but also in offices, business conferences and semi-formal gatherings and even in daily use. Different varieties are suitable for different occasions, as each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that must be carefully considered.
For informal occasions, for day to day and for the office, the best varieties would be cotton-silk and Dupion. These have a lighter and airier look and are also more comfortable due to their light weight and smooth texture. Another good option would be raw silk sarees that are made by retaining the ‘rubber’ of the raw material in the final fabric. This creates a somewhat coarse texture and a dull appearance with less traditional shine. Many women love this distinctive look as it creates a certain ethnic and earthy vibe; At the same time, this elegant effect can be achieved at low prices, since it is a fairly inexpensive fabric.
At the other end of the scale we have the luxurious and resplendent Kancheepuram silk saris spun exclusively in the village of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. These are quite heavy, with gold threads woven into the fabric, as well as beautiful gold edging and zari designs. Kanchi silk sarees have a famous reputation for how often Bollywood actresses wear them on the red carpet, but the truth is that their beauty and attraction is such that they don’t really need the Bollywood factor to glamorize them. They have been traditional wedding clothes among the upper classes in South India for many decades and now, they are popular throughout India for various wedding ceremonies as well as festivals and other high-end celebrations. Other elite and magnificent pure silk sarees include the Banarasi, Muga and Paithani varieties.
In between these two extremes are tremendous varieties of silk sarees that can be worn for various “semi-formal” occasions. For example, Bandhini sarees are colorful and attractive, but without ornate embellishments, making them perfect for festive occasions where a fun ethnic look is required. Dupion sarees have a sharp, elegant and sophisticated look that is the perfect choice for business conferences; With the addition of subtle accessories, one can get a formal look, while the eye-catching accessories will get you ready for the party.
For beginners, it may be preferable to shop in person at an ethnic store so that they can understand the actual look of each fabric. On the other hand, online shopping has become child’s play nowadays as online stores strive to provide customers with all the information they need.