India undoubtedly is the land of silks. Ranging from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, you can find one heritage weave wherever you go. One such exquisite weave is the mysore silk, that hails from the lands of Mysuru in Karnataka and is indistinct to the region. Its beautiful, royal and luxurious. The smooth texture and the lustrous finish gives the fabric a very royal feel. Here’s a little guide for you to explore the history, allure, and ways to style the Mysore silk saree. You’ll also learn how to identify pure Mysore silk and pro shopping tips for purchasing the best authentic saree.
The Origins
Mysore silk originated in the city of Mysuru, Karnataka, where it was introduced during the reign of the Mysore royal family. Since then, it has become a significant part of Indian heritage. The royal family encouraged the production of this high-quality silk by bringing together weavers from various parts of India. Through the passing years, the expertise in weaving this silk passed from one generation to the next.
Production: A meticulous process
The silk fabric is made from mulberry silk moth Bombyx mori, , which produces the finest of silk threads. These threads are known for their smoothness, strength, and subtle sheen. The saliva of the cocoons produces silk threads. For extraction of silk threads, the cocoons are boiled. The extracted thread is twisted and rolled. These threads are woven on dobby or jacquard looms in Mysore, with each saree taking about four hours to complete. The fabric is then dyed, washed, steam-ironed, and cut to the desired length, with the blouse piece attached and the pallu designed.
Because of the careful process involved, every Mysore silk saree has a unique, radiant sheen that adds to its charm. To ensure authenticity, Mysore silk sarees receive a unique identification code and may also bear the Silk Mark certification issued by the Central Silk Board of India.
Mysore Silk Saree: A Symbol of Luxury
The Mysore silk saree is known for its intricate designs and rich colors. These sarees are a common choice for brides, as they represent opulence and tradition. The saree’s texture, combined with beautiful zari work, gives it a royal appearance. The shine of the fabric is unmatched, and the designs are often inspired by nature, mythological figures, and royal symbols.
In contrast to other sarees, Mysore silk has a unique feel. It is light and soft yet rich enough to give you that regal feel. The rich fabric and the beautiful intricate zari work makes it perfect for weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.
Key Features
Every silk fabric is unique with their own indistinctive features. Let’s learn what makes the Mysore silk so special.
- The Texture
Well, Mysore silk has a very smooth, soft and buttery texture. It tends to be a little slippery. The thread is fine and glossy, which gives a little shiny yet subtle appearance. Mysore silk is not very shiny. - Intricate Zari Work
Zari is gold or silver thread that is intricately woven into the fabric to create stunning designs. Mysore silk features intricate zari embroidery that enhances the saree’s appearance. A rich zari pallu is every silk saree lover’s delight. - Vibrant Colours and Designs
From vibrant reds and greens to royal blues and golds, you can find Mysore silk sarees in the brightest hues. The rich colour palette adds to the grandeur of the saree. Traditional motifs like peacocks, flowers, and paisleys are often featured in the design. - Durability
Mysore silk sarees are quite durable. The fine quality of the Mysore silk fabric ensures that the saree lasts for years. Proper care makes the investment worthwhile.
How to Style a Mysore Silk Saree
A saree can be styled in so many different ways, with plethora of available accesories and draping styles. And when it comes to silk it becomes extra special. Style Mysore silk in the most traditional style to get the best and authentic South Indian looks. If you are an admirer of contemporary appeal, you can go that extra mile experimenting with blouse neck and sleeve designs to modern draping styles. Here are a few tips:
- Blouse Choices
Blouses are indispensable to sarees. To break free from ordinary styles, experiment with blouse designs. For traditional style, try puffed sleeves or three-fourth sleeves. For contemporary bold appeal go for backless blouses, one-shoulders, off-shoulder blouses extra. Your blouse can add drama to your style. - Draping Styles
The classic Nivi drape is one common yet classy style to drape your Mysore silk sarees. You can also experiment with different draping styles, like the half saree drape, a lehenga saree or for a more modern twist go for gaati dhoti style, depending on the occasion you are styling for. - Accessories
Gold jewellery works best for Mysore silk sarees imparting a traditionala nd royal look. It also complements the rich texture of the saree. For a very traditional look, add a maang tikka or hair accessories. You can also add a traditional payal or anklet. For modern appeal, go for mismatched earrings, geometric chokers, cuffs and bracelets. Experiment to know your style.
How to Shop for a Mysore Silk Saree
When purchasing a Mysore silk saree, it is essential to keep a few factors in mind to ensure you get the best quality. Here are some shopping tips to help you make the right choice:
- Choose Trusted Stores or Online Platforms
Always buy from reputed stores which specialise in Mysore silk sarees. Well-known brands often offer authentic silk. If shopping online, always shop from a store that provides detailed information about the product. - Inspect the Fabric
A genuine Mysore silk saree is made from high-quality mulberry silk. You can feel the fabric to check its smoothness. Pure Simply rub the fabric between your fingers, it should feel warm and buttery. Mysore silk is soft to touch, glossy and buttery. It should not feel stiff or rough. - Examine The Zari Work
Check the zari (metallic thread) for real gold and silver, which shouldn’t lose its shine easily when gently rubbed. - Check for Authenticity
Many stores provide an authenticity certificate for Mysore silk sarees. This certifies that the saree is made from genuine silk using traditional methods. If certificate is not available, inquire for more details about the fabric.
Identifying Pure Mysore Silk
Pure Mysore silk has a soft and smooth texture. Here are some ways to identify it:
- Feel the Fabric
Pure Mysore silk is soft to touch. It has a smooth texture and a subtle natural. On rubbing between fingers, it should not feel too slippery or rough. Synthetic fabrics often feel harsh or too stiff. - Drape To Know
The fall of the drape tells a lot of tales. Pure Mysore silk falls naturally. A synthetic saree may not drape well and might appear stiff or unflattering. - Check for Imperfections
Genuine Mysore silk is woven carefully by hand. It typically features a simple, plain weave with minimal borders, unlike heavily designed silk sarees and is often free of imperfections. The weaving is tight and consistent. On the other hand, synthetic mysore silks tend to have noticeable flaws in the weave. - Examine the Luster
Mysore silk shines has a subtle shine that comes from its natural properties. Synthetic silks, while shiny, often have an unnatural, plastic-like shine. - The Burn Test
Beware of synthetic versions of Mysore silk. Although they might look similar, synthetic silks do not have the same sheen or texture as genuine silk. To identify synthetic fabric, you can perform a simple burn test and examine closely. Pure silk burn like hair leaving a black residue behind.
Love weaves, Own Mysore Silk!
Mysore silk sarees are a silk lover’s wardrobe staple. It’s a must-have. Simple, elegant, subtle yet so royal, that’s the beauty of this drape. Own a saree in Mysore Silk and you’ll know why we love this weave. It’s so comfortable and manageable. Where silk’s are way too heavy, this one isn’t. Silk but not so silky. You’ll get comfort and royalty blended in one fabric.
