Silk Sarees 2018

One of the most preferred natural fibers, South Silk Saree effortlessly radiates an unmatched richness. The word itself is synonymous with sublime, mellow smoothness, coupled with a magnificent charm. History of this enchanting fabric dates back to 3630 B.C. - from when accounts of its initial development in the Chinese civilization are found.

Smoothness and lustrous texture - these wonderful qualities have made it desirable across the world. Importance of the delicately lustrous yarn can be measured from the value it holds till date, and will continue to do so in coming years.

A protein fibre, Silk is produced by silk worms. The larvae of silkworms, most prominently mulberry moths (Bombyx Mori), produce cocoons from which this light-refracting fibre is crafted. Rearing of these worms to produce much sought-after yarn is called as Sericulture.

It is one of the finest threads available to manufacturers and textile producers, which can be used to craft the most delicate and elegant fabrics. Hence, the popularity of this fabric! That explains why the Chinese initially wanted to keep the secret of its production exclusive to them.

The fabric of the royals, Silk has been used to craft all sorts of ensembles, capes, royal thrones, wraps, other blended fabrics, high-end bed linen, exquisite tapestry, upholstery and more. They have always been associated with luxury and class; in the ancient era, these fabrics were a highly sought-after item in trade and business – and continue to be so. They, being an animal fibre, are also used in the medicine sector.

About Silk Sarees

Silk reached India in 140 A.D. and instantly became a huge hit. The South silk trade in those times was one of the most important sources of revenue. The trade route between Europe and India came to be known as the Silk Road. Today, after China, India is the world’s second largest producer of this lovely yarn. Indians had supreme interest in this fine fabric from as early as the days of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Lustrous, gorgeous smooth fabrics that they are - they have been used to create rich ensembles, outfits and saris in India. The biggest industry that uses it in India is the Saris manufacturing industry. Silk sari is one trend that’s popular the world over.

The Southern states of India account for maximum production of these yarns and saris. Bangalore Saris are quite popular, and so are Mysore ones. Silk yarn is avidly used for weaving and creating other intricate weaves and fabrics in various parts of India - like Banarasi Brocade, Pashmina, Chanderi, Kanchipuram, Jamewar shawls etc.

Pure yarn is also blended with various other yarns, primarily cottons, to create splendid fabrics, which are then used to create the popular SiCo fabric and beautiful saaris, like Chanderi, Kota, Gharcholas, Cotton-Silk blend saris – and also popular fabrics like pure Georgette and Crepe.

Pure Silk Sarees

Pure silk refers to the yarn that is absolutely natural gum (fibre) taken from the sericin (of cocoon) – with no other matter added for additional weight. Since this is extremely rare and expensive, the yarn at this stage may be treated in many ways, even fortified with metals – thus, to create other cheaper and low weight variants.

Given their refined lustre and feel, Indian drapes made in this stunning pure fabric are the most sought. The fabric’s luxuriant quality makes it perfect for special occasions. Elegant pure saaris have been used for weddings, celebrations and festivals, since ages. Many Indian brides wear pure silk saris for their wedding rituals. You will get a huge variety of Bridal, Wedding and Designer Silk Saris on Saree.com.

Since natural yarn is breathable and comfortable, the purest form of this fabric is quite popular. Pure as well as raw silk saris are also absorbent and cosy, and can be worn in most weather conditions. Graceful that they are, they can be worn by women of all ages. They are available in a huge variety of colours, textures and finishes. At Saree.com, a popular web destination for all sorts of Indian-wear, you will find most kinds of grand saris and weaves from all over India – and even the trendy and designer varieties.

Most of these drapes are so lush in themselves that they do not require much embellishment. Thus, many of these pure ones come with just a Zari border. These are also called as Pattu Sarees. These saris may or may not have ornate Zari Pallus and Zari motifs on the body and pallu.

Handloom Textiles

The rich handlooms heritage of India rests largely on the silk fabric, cottons being the other staple. The weavers work with the delicate protein yarn to produce exquisite handloom textiles, which represent the rich textile heritage of India.

Since natural yarns – specifically mulberry yarn and cottons - can be dyed in many colours, they are popular in the handloom industry. The reflective lustre of Silk, produced by the prism-like structure of the fiber, lends itself beautifully to dyeing process, resulting in deep, jewel-tones hues.

Almost every region of India has a specific Handloom sari associated with it. Handloom Saris often derive their names from the centres, where they are woven - like Banarasi gets its name from Banaras (Varanasi), Kanjeevaram (actually Kanchipuram) get their name from Kancheepuram region. Gujarat’s famed Patola gets its name from Patan district, where they are traditionally made. Now, you can buy these rare saaris, from the convenience of your home, with complete trust from Saree.com.

Varieties

Mulberry Silk or the one that is produced from the domesticated moths is what we use the most. This variety is smoother and more lustrous than Non-Mulberry varieties. Over 90% of yarns used in textiles industry are Mulberry Silks.

Somewhat coarser wild silks - Tussar (Tasar), Muga and Eri in India - are Non-Mulberry types that are also used in the handlooms sector and for creating other forms of ethnic ensembles. Some regional embellishments and embroideries demand a specific fabric variety. For example, the popular Kantha embroidery is generally done on the naturally beige Tussar. Golden, glistening Muga is a popular type, extracted from wild moths, indigenous to Assam in India. Other Non-Mulberry forms include Anaphe, Spider, Fagara, Coan and Mussel Silks.

The unrefined variety, where gum is still attached to the cocoon, is called as the raw silk. At times, non-mulberry types are called as raw – though the correct terminology is Wild. However, raw yarn is also extracted from mulberry worms.

Pure (Mulberry) silk sarees are made in umpteen other finishes and textures. Fabrics like Crepe de Chine and Chiffon are also made using this fibre. Even pure georgettes are made from these yarns.

Here are some popular varieties of Indian handlooms –

Kanjivaram:

Famed Kanjivaram saaris from Tamil Nadu are crafted from extremely fine silk yarn. Also known as Kanchipuram drapes, they are worn in weddings and special occasions. Most of these are extremely vibrant and eye catching and have flamboyant borders and pallus.

Bhagalpuri:

Bhagalpuri Tussar is very well known for its unique and striking resilience and superior quality. Bhagalpur from Bihar is famous for tussar saaris. These rustic tussars have a special rustic charm, and are available in many interesting prints and details. Bihar’s famous Madhubani Paintings are also done on them – and so is Kantha embroidery.

Banarasi:

Banarasis, one of the most popular Indian Bridal Saris, are among the finest weaves of India, and are recognised for their gold and silver brocade or zari work, fine fabric and opulent embroidery. These rich drapes are made of finely woven yarns and are decorated with intricate designs and, because of these inscriptions, are relatively heavy. Till a few decades back, rich Benarasis too were an integral part of weddings in India.

Patola Patola:

Expensive and rare, Patan Patolas are stunning Ikat-style weaves. Once, they were only worn by royals and the nobility- these still continue to be quite sought-after. They are generally made in SiCo bleneded fabrics and are known for their spectacular coloring and symmetry of design. Velvet patola styles are also made in Surat. Patola-weaving is a guarded family tradition.

Gharchola:

Gharchola are the wedding saris used by the Hindu and Jain communities in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. You can know about these lovely red and green Indian drapes here – http://www.saree.com/about-gharchola-sarees

Blends and Artificial Varieties

Silk is a delicate fiber, and is generally blended with many other yarns to achieve a variety of textures and finishes.

Weighted Silk, often used to create saaris, is actually fortified with metallic yarns, and thus it has greater sheen. Adding metal yarns also increases the weight, and leads to reduction in cost.

The fibre is also commonly blended with cotton to get a sturdier, more rustic fabric, which is avidly used in crafting regional and handloom weaves. Ikat, Patola, Panetar, bases used for block printing and Bandhani also use this SiCo fabric.

To achieve cheaper versions, artificial silks (art silks) are made. These are close imitations, sometimes indiscernible to the unsuspecting eye, where man-made fibers like nylon, polyester, viscose are used. Polyester is also commonly mixed with pure yarn to create textiles that are cheaper and shinier. But, these do not have any qualities of a natural fiber. Fabric variants like crepe, georgette and chiffon are also created using artificial yarns. Thus, you must be careful, while buying silk.

Maintaining Silk Sarees

Pure and Weighted Silk, generally, do not wrinkle heavily, and are perfect for whole-day wear.

A pure fabric will never ‘burn’ – that is the way to identify the purity of silk yarn. They, however, must be ironed only on very low temperatures – as they run the risk of getting charred/ scorched.

These textiles must be stored carefully. Wrap them in muslin cloth, before storing. Zari ones should be kept away from perfumes and other chemicals. Saris marked for ‘Only Dry Clean’ should not be washed at all. Others may be washed, but recurrent washing should be avoided.

Buy Silk Saris Online

To ensure that you are buying the latest and the purest saris – in trendy colours, styles, variations and designs – trust Saree.com. This web destination that is trusted now for its high quality and reasonable pricing brings you weaves and textiles – and ethnic-wear - from all corners of India. With our trendy fashion and a traditional touch, you can enhance your charm and personality, like never before. You can be assured of excellent quality and purity, and can order from all across the world. Saree.com ships to all major locations across the world. Shipping in India is entirely free. Feel free to get in touch with our customer service team. COD facility (cash on Delivery) and hassle-free returns (which we promise, you won’t need) makes shopping with us a treat.