Buyers Guide | Sarees Palace

Saree

The ancient and exotic saree, India’s traditional national dress for women, has withstood the test of time and is now over 5,000 years old. For those who’ve never put one on, a sari can be a bit of a mystery with its many pleats and folds. However, a visit to India wouldn’t be complete without at least trying one! This information will help you with sari shopping in India.

What is a Sari

A sari is simply a long length of fabric, typically six to nine yards, that’s worn elegantly wrapped around the body. In this regard, one size truly fits all. One end of the material is richly decorated and is called the pallu. It's usually worn pleated and pinned over the shoulder, draping down the back. It can also be worn open over the shoulder and draped over the arm.

A special blouse that bares the midriff, called a choli, and a petticoat is worn under the sari. As the saree is wrapped around the body, the material is tucked tightly into the petticoat so it doesn’t fall down. No pins are needed.

Types of Sarees

Every state across India has its own special weaves and fabrics for its sarees. Below are the Types of the sarees which are available in India.

Kanjeevaram

It Comes from south India. This saree is made out of heavy silk material and has broad decorative borders and contrasting colors. Many of the patterns are derived from temples, palaces, and paintings.

Banarasi Saree

This Saree is hand woven in Banaras (also known as Varanasi). These sarees became fashionable way back when the Moguls ruled India, and they exhibit patterns from this era. Banarasi sarees are admired for their eye-catching, colorful dyed silk fabric. Many feature designs of villages, flowers, and temples.

Bandhini / Bandhej Saree

This Saree comes from Rajasthan and Gujarat. A notable feature of most sarees is the zari (gold thread) work in them. This fine gold thread is woven throughout the sari but appears mostly on the borders and pallu. The zari itself traditionally comes from Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Lehenga Choli

Lehenga Choli, which is also known as Ghaghra choli, is the traditional clothing of women in Rajasthan, Gujarat and all over north India. Chaniya choli is another term commonly used to refer it. It is a combination outfit of a Lehenga, Choli and a Dupatta.

Types of Lehenga Choli

Lehengas are popular among Indian brides and have been the preferred wedding outfit for many years. Traditionally all lehengas used to have a full cut but with changing trends in bridal fashion, nowadays you get an array of options. Today lehengas are available in various cuts and styles to suit every body type. They look graceful and elegant and can be tailor-made or bought off the rack. Here are some types which will help you to select a lehenga for the occasion.

Straight Cut

This cut resembles a wrap-around skirt and is straight from the waist to the hem. It has slits on the side for ease of movement. This can complement most body types and creates an illusionary slimming effect. Soft fabrics are advisable for this style.

Fish Tail style

This style is fitted till the knee and then flares out to the bottom. It fits well on the hips and is hence recommended for women with a curvaceous or an hourglass figure. It is also known as a mermaid lehenga as it resembles the tail of a mermaid.

A – Line Lehenga

In this style, the skirt flares from the waist to the hem resembling the alphabet A. It has a little flare and will fit thin as well as pear-shaped brides.

Circular or Flared Lehenga

This style has a large circumference along with lots of pleats near the waist. This adds volume looks very classy. This style will best suit thin brides. Flowy fabric with a good fall can be used to stitch this type of lehenga.