25 Types of Sarees | Traditional and Regional Sarees in India
Sarees have been an integral part of Indian tradition for centuries, loved for their beauty and versatility. They are available in a wide range of fabrics, styles, and designs, making them perfect for any occasion.
Types of Sarees: From the luxurious silk sarees worn at weddings to the lightweight cotton sarees ideal for everyday use, each saree tells a story of craftsmanship and culture. No matter your preference, there’s a saree to suit every taste and celebration. In this article, we’ll explore the types of sarees in India, highlighting the distinct features of each one.
Types of Banarasi Saree
A Banarasi saree is a traditional saree from Varanasi, a city in India. These sarees are known for their luxurious look and are often worn at special events like weddings. Banarasi sarees are made of silk and are famous for their beautiful gold or silver designs, which are called Zari work.
The designs on these sarees usually include flowers, paisleys, and other traditional patterns. Banarasi sarees are heavy and rich in texture, making them a favorite for brides and for grand celebrations. They are considered a symbol of elegance and tradition in Indian culture.
Types of Kanjivaram Saree
A Kanjivaram saree is a special saree from Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. These sarees are made from rich, shiny silk and are known for their beautiful patterns and thick borders. They are usually worn at weddings and big events because they look very fancy and traditional.
The special thing about a Kanjivaram saree is its wide borders, which are often made with gold or silver threads. The sarees have lovely designs like flowers, temples, and shapes that make them unique. Kanjivaram sarees are loved because they are strong, long-lasting, and feel luxurious.
The bright colors and detailed designs make them a great choice for brides and special occasions.
Types of Paithani Saree
A Paithani saree is a traditional saree from Maharashtra, known for its beautiful and intricate designs. It is made from silk and often has gold or silver thread woven into it. The saree features colorful patterns, including peacocks, flowers, and other nature-inspired designs.
Paithani sarees are famous for their rich look and are usually worn during special occasions like weddings and festivals. The borders of the saree are usually wide and decorated with detailed designs, making it stand out. Paithani sarees are loved for their elegance and craftsmanship.
Types of Handloom Saree
A handloom saree is a saree made using traditional hand-weaving techniques. In this process, skilled artisans weave the fabric by hand on a loom, rather than using machines. This makes each saree unique and gives it a personal touch. Handloom sarees are known for their quality and craftsmanship.
They come in different fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool, and often feature beautiful designs and patterns that reflect the culture and traditions of the region where they are made. These sarees are popular because they are eco-friendly, comfortable, and can be worn for both casual and special occasions.
Types of Cotton Saree
A cotton saree is a comfortable and lightweight saree made from cotton fabric. These sarees are perfect for hot weather because they are breathable and allow air to pass through, keeping you cool. Cotton sarees are soft and easy to wear, making them ideal for everyday use, casual events, or even office wear.
They come in various styles and designs, from simple and plain to more decorative ones with prints or embroidery. Cotton sarees are popular in many regions, like Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, and they are often worn in both summer and festive seasons due to their comfort and versatility.
Types of Silk Saree
A silk saree is made from silk fabric, which is soft, shiny, and luxurious. Silk is a special material that gives the saree a rich and elegant look, making it perfect for important events like weddings, festivals, and parties. Silk sarees come in many styles and designs, and they are known for their smooth texture and beautiful shine.
They can be heavy or light, depending on the type of silk used. Kanjivaram, Mysore silk, and Banarasi silk are some popular types of silk sarees, each with its own unique pattern and style. Silk sarees are often decorated with fancy embroidery, Zari (gold or silver thread work), or beautiful motifs, making them even more attractive.
These sarees are a popular choice for brides and people who want to look elegant at a special occasion.
Types of Chiffon Saree
A Chiffon saree is made from a light, soft, and sheer fabric called chiffon. It is known for its smooth texture and flowing appearance, which makes it look elegant and graceful. Chiffon sarees are very comfortable to wear because they are lightweight and breathable.
They are often chosen for parties, evening events, or weddings because of their delicate and stylish look. Chiffon sarees come in many colours and designs, and they can be simple or decorated with embroidery, beads, or sequins for added glamour.
Georgette Saree
A Georgette saree is made from a soft, light, and slightly crinkled fabric that flows easily. It’s known for being comfortable and easy to wear. Georgette fabric has a smooth texture with a slight bounce, making it perfect for parties and formal events.
These sarees are often decorated with designs like embroidery, sequins, or prints, which add extra style. They come in many bright colours and are a popular choice for modern women because of their elegant look and light feel. Georgette sarees are ideal for those who want to look fashionable while staying comfortable.
Tussar Silk Saree
A Tussar Silk Saree is made from a special type of silk that comes from wild silkworms. This silk is known for its natural, earthy look and texture, which gives the saree a unique, rich appearance. Tussar silk is not as shiny as other types of sarees of silk, but it has a beautiful, natural shine.
Tussar Silk Sarees are popular for their simple yet elegant designs, often in soft, warm colours like gold, beige, and brown. These sarees are comfortable to wear and are perfect for both casual and festive occasions. They are often chosen for traditional events because of their understated beauty and natural feel.
Madhubani Saree
A Madhubani saree is a type of saree that features beautiful hand-painted designs. These designs are inspired by the Madhubani art form, which comes from Bihar, a state in India. The art often shows nature, animals, flowers, and even stories from mythology.
The Madhubani saree is special because of its bright colours and intricate patterns. It is made from different fabrics like cotton, silk, or georgette. People wear this saree during festivals, celebrations, or traditional events because it looks very artistic and unique.
The handmade paintings on the saree make it stand out and give it a personal touch.
Chikankari Saree
A Chikankari saree is a saree that has delicate hand-embroidery done on it. The embroidery comes from Lucknow, a city in India famous for this beautiful art. Chikankari involves stitching intricate patterns, like flowers, vines, and paisleys, using threads.
These sarees are usually made from fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or georgette, and the embroidery makes them look very elegant. They can be worn for casual or semi-formal occasions and are especially popular in summer because of their light and airy feel.
Chikankari sarees are often chosen for their detailed craftsmanship and their graceful, traditional look.
Patola Saree
A Patola saree is a special and beautiful saree from Gujarat. It is known for its bright colors and unique patterns. What makes the Patola saree special is the way it is made – it uses a technique called double ikat weaving, where both the threads for the design and the fabric are dyed before weaving.
This process creates very detailed and clear patterns. Patola sarees often have geometric designs and vibrant colors like red, green, and yellow. They are usually made from silk and are considered very luxurious.
These sarees are often worn for important occasions like weddings and festivals because of their elegance and the hard work that goes into making them.
Bandhani Saree
A Bandhani saree is a type of saree that is made using a special tie-and-dye technique called “Bandhani.” This method involves tying small portions of the fabric with thread and then dyeing it. The tied parts resist the dye, creating beautiful patterns on the fabric.
These sarees are known for their bright colors and unique designs. Bandhani sarees are popular in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. They often have patterns like dots, waves, or stripes and come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for festivals and celebrations.
The saree is typically made from cotton or silk, depending on the occasion, and gives a vibrant and festive look.
Organza Saree
An Organza saree is a light, transparent saree made from a thin, crisp fabric called organza. This fabric is often made from silk, polyester, or nylon and has a beautiful, delicate appearance. Organza sarees are elegant and graceful, often chosen for evening events or parties.
They have a stiff texture, which gives them a structured look, and they are sometimes decorated with embroidery, beads, or sequins for extra glamour. Organza sarees are a great choice for those who want a fashionable, lightweight saree that still looks formal and stylish.
These are just a few types of sarees from the vast collection of Indian fabrics. Each type offers something special, whether it’s the craftsmanship, history, or aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious bridal saree, a party wear saree, or a casual cotton saree, there’s a saree for every occasion and personal style.
Linen Saree
A Linen saree is made from linen, a natural fabric that comes from the flax plant. Linen is known for being light, breathable, and comfortable, making it perfect for hot weather. These sarees are easy to wear and feel cool, which is why they are popular for everyday use and casual events.
Linen sarees often have a simple, elegant look and are available in many colours and styles. They can be plain or have patterns like stripes, checks, or embroidery. Though linen sarees are lightweight, they can still look very stylish, especially when paired with simple accessories for a casual or semi-formal occasion.
Rajasthani Saree
A Rajasthani saree comes from the state of Rajasthan in India. These sarees are known for their bright colours and beautiful patterns. They are often made of cotton or silk and are perfect for special occasions like weddings and festivals.
Two popular types of sarees of Rajasthan:
- Leheriya sarees: These sarees have a unique wavy pattern created by tie-dyeing the fabric. They are usually in bright colours like yellow, pink, and red.
- Bandhani sarees: These are made by tying small knots in the fabric and then dyeing it, which creates dot-like patterns. Bandhani sarees are often worn during celebrations and are known for their lively, vibrant colors.
Traditional Saree
A Traditional saree refers to sarees that represent the cultural heritage and customs of different regions in India. These sarees are usually simple, elegant, and deeply rooted in tradition. They are often made from natural fabrics like cotton, silk, or wool and feature classic designs that have been passed down through generations.
For example, a Kasavu saree from Kerala is a traditional white saree with a gold border, commonly worn during festivals. Similarly, Sambalpuri sarees from Odisha are known for their handwoven designs and tribal motifs. These sarees are not just worn for special occasions but are also a symbol of cultural pride and history.
South Indian Saree
South Indian Saree refers to sarees that are popular in the southern states of India, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. These sarees are known for their rich fabrics, bright colours, and traditional designs.
Some of the most famous types of sarees of South India include:
- Kanjivaram Saree: Made from silk, this saree is known for its heavy, intricate borders and beautiful patterns. It’s a popular choice for weddings.
- Pattu Saree: A traditional silk saree often worn during festivals and weddings in South India. It is known for its shiny texture and heavy designs.
- Kasavu Saree: A simple yet elegant saree from Kerala, typically made from cotton or silk, with a gold border. It is often worn during festivals like Onam.
South Indian sarees are known for their rich textures, beautiful designs, and vibrant colors, making them a perfect choice for special occasions like weddings and festivals.
Types of Nauvari Saree draping
A Nauvari saree is a traditional saree worn by women in Maharashtra, especially during festivals and special occasions. What makes this saree unique is how it is worn. Instead of the usual draping style where the saree is pleated in the front, the Nauvari saree is draped in a way that makes it look like a dhoti at the bottom, with the pallu (the end part of the saree) thrown over the shoulder.
This saree is usually made of cotton or silk and comes in bright colors with beautiful patterns. It is often worn during celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and other traditional events. The Nauvari saree is also popular in dance forms like Lavani, which is performed in Maharashtra.
The style is comfortable and functional, yet elegant and rich in cultural significance.
Party Wear Saree
A party wear saree is a saree that is worn for special occasions like parties, gatherings, or celebrations. These sarees are designed to look stylish, trendy, and glamorous. They are often made from fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or silk, which are lightweight and look elegant.
Party wear sarees are usually decorated with beautiful details like sequins, embroidery, or beads to make them stand out. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose one that matches the mood of the event.
Whether you’re attending a cocktail party, a wedding reception, or a festive celebration, a party wear saree is a great choice to look fashionable and feel confident.
Wedding Saree
A Wedding saree is a special saree worn by brides on their wedding day. These sarees are made to show the importance and beauty of the occasion. Wedding types of sarees are carefully chosen because they represent the bride’s style, culture, and the meaning of the wedding ceremony.
Wedding sarees come in different fabrics, colours, and styles. They are usually heavier than regular types of sarees because of the beautiful designs and luxurious materials used. Some of the most common fabrics for wedding sarees are silk, banarasi, satin, and georgette. These fabrics give the saree a rich and elegant look.
Bridal Saree
A Bridal saree is a special saree worn by a bride on her wedding day. It is usually more beautiful and detailed than regular sarees. Bridal sarees are carefully chosen to make the bride look stunning and to suit the importance of the wedding.
These sarees are often made from rich fabrics like silk, banarasi silk, or satin and have lots of beautiful decorations like embroidery, Zari (gold or silver threads), beads, and stones. Bridal sarees are usually bright and bold colours, with red being the most popular, as it symbolizes love and good luck.
Other colours like gold, maroon, or pink are also common. The saree is designed to make the bride look her best and is often worn with special jewellery and accessories to complete the look.
Types of Sarees | Draping Styles
The draping style of a saree can make a significant difference in how it looks. Popular types of sarees draping styles include the Nivi style, Bengali style, Gujarati style, and Maharashtrian style. Each style offers a unique way to flaunt the saree and adds to its beauty.
Kashmiri Saree
Known for its intricate embroidery, Kashmiri sarees often feature floral designs, paisleys, and patterns inspired by nature. These sarees are usually made from silk or wool and are perfect for winter weddings and festivals.
Bengali Saree
Bengali sarees, also called “Tangail,” are traditionally worn by Bengali women. They often feature thin borders and vibrant colours, and they are paired with traditional accessories like a “shola” headpiece during festivals like Durga Puja.
Bottom line on Different Types of Sarees
The wide variety of types of sarees showcases the rich cultural and regional diversity of India. Whether it’s the intricate Zari work of Banarasi sarees, the traditional elegance of Kanjivaram sarees, or the artistic designs of Madhubani sarees, each type has its own story to tell.
Choosing the types of sarees depends on the occasion, your personal style, and the statement you wish to make. With this guide to 25 types of sarees, you can now explore the beautiful world of sarees and pick the one that best suits your needs.
