Saree – Indian Traditional Wear

Saree is an Indian traditional costume worn by females. It is a long cloth that goes from four to nine yards long and it is draped in various styles. Saree is a national dress in India. But besides that formal tag, it is a garment that accentuates the beauty of an Indian woman to the fullest. Saree is also one of the most versatile clothes. There is a type of saree for every occasion. Different types of sarees are worn on different occasions.

Sarees are made from many different types of materials and decorated with many different styles of embroidery. The different types of materials all create different textures and styles of drapes and therefore very much shapes the overall look of the saree. The embroidery must also match the material of the saree. The various types of sarees are:

1.Georgette Sarees

One of the most common materials used for modern sarees is georgette. This is a reasonably sheer lightweight fabric which is slightly heavier and less opaque then chiffon. This makes georgette sarees ideal for creating pleats and creates an elegant saree drape. Georgette is often made of silk or polyester and has a slightly springy quality which makes it move on it’s own. This is again ideal for the saree pleats when walking and the saree drape. On a georgette sari you can have both lighter and heavier types of embroidery and any type of print. A versatile sari and Indian suit material.

                                     

2. Chiffon Sarees

Chiffon is a material which gives an elegant floating appearance to any outfit and especially to the Indian sari. A chiffon sari, being so elegant is ideal for evening wear. Chiffon is a sheer lightweight fabric which creates a lightweight sari which is suited to both light and heavier embroidery. Chiffon can be made from silk, nylon or polyester.

             

                                     

3. Silk Sarees

Silk is a material famously associated with the Indian sari. Traditionally silk sarees have been considered a sign of wealth. Silk sarees these days are less common although silk sarees still create a real look of elegance and are often simple and light to manage. Silk sarees have a natural shine which is great for showcasing traditional Indian prints.

                                  

4. Crepe sarees

Crepe is an increasingly popular material used for both sarees and in Indian fashion in general. Crepe is a woven or knitted fabric and often regarded as a luxurious material. Crepe sarees have a great drape and fall, again making crepe sarees perfect for evening wear.

                                         

5. Cotton Sarees

Cotton sarees are often light-weight and easy care sarees. Cotton sarees are normally associated with a more casual sari style.

                    

6. Bandhani Sarees

The bandhani sari can be traced back to its roots in Rajasthan and Gujarat in India. The bandhani print in both Indian fashion and Indian sarees has seen a recent revival. Bandhani sarees and prints are recognisable by their distinct tie-dye print.