How To Choose The Best Silk Saree: Your Ultimate Guide

The land of vivid cultures and traditions, India is also known for its stunning weaves. India offers some of the finest varieties of silks- all special in their own way. Not just this, silk in India is a precious treasure. Held and passed through generations, they are memories wrapped in silken threads. A bundle of joy, love and emotions, masterpieces of craftsmanship, silk is cherished in every Indian house.But buying a silk saree can be a really daunting task as there are a plethora of silk varieties available. Innumerable weaves, all unique in variable price ranges. Confused which one to buy? Let’s get you sorted.

This guide is all you need to make your silk saree purchase, and bonus, we have you covered for silk saree care, storage and styling tips as well. Ready? Let’s quickly dive in!

1. Why a Silk Saree is Special

Silk sarees are stunning, shiny, rich, and luxurious garments often worn during weddings, festivals, and special occasions. These unstitched beauties are heirlooms passed through generations. Rich in memories, these treasure troves of heritage and an important part of wedding trousseaus. Grand and regal, silk sarees are forever loved and never go out of style.

2. Silk Saree Types – Know Your Purchase

In India every state has its own type of silk- each exclusively unique and beautiful. You just need to understand a few silk basics first only to make sure, you are buying the one that suits your style.

Kanchipuram Silk

This saree comes from Tamil Nadu and is known for rich gold zari, bold borders, and temple motifs. A little on the heavier side, this one will last a lifetime and even for generations. It’s rich, grand, a bit shiny and hence, perfect for weddings.

Banarasi Silk

Hailing from the holy land of Varanasi this one has rich and intricate brocade work. A bridal favourite, this one is a wedding quintessential. No Indian wedding is complete without a bride in a royal Banarasi. Pre-wedding to reception, this one fits all occasions.

Tussar Silk

Tussar is lighter and has a textured, raw look. So, if you’re someone looking for a formal or everyday silk saree, this one is your best fit. It is ideal for office parties or day events. Available in earthy muted colours, this one is great for a natural and grounded look.

Paithani Silk

Hailing from Maharashtra, Paithani sarees are nine-yards of heritage woven in vibrant hues. They feature eye-catching peacock motifs in bright colours. Their subtle glossy finish makes them perfect for weddings and festivals and a bridal favourite.

Mysore Silk

In contrast to the rather heavy silks, the Mysore silk is light weight, soft and simple. Perfect for minimalists, this silk has a very soft texture. These sarees are great for casual and formal wear.

Patola and Ikat Silk

Vibrant and colourful, Patola and Ikat are from Gujarat and Rajasthan. These are sarees made using tie-and-dye weaving techniques where the yarn is dyed before weaving.

Baluchari and Murshidabad Silk

These Bengali sarees which often feature stories. The pallu is the canvas for the tell tales of mythological stories. Artistic and rich these sarees are beautiful narratives of a rich culture and often spark conversations.

3. Occasion Specific Silk Sarees

Now that you’re familiar with the various varieties of silks available, let’s quickly tell you about how to find the right saree according to the occasion. Yes, you need to style right for the occasion.

• Weddings: Go for Kanchipuram, Banarasi, or Paithani. They are rich and grand.
• Festivals: Choose Tussar, Mysore or Chanderi silk. They are festive but light.
• Corporate Events: Mysore silk, Tussar, Chanderi silk are great for professional events. Style appropriately.
• Poojas and Temple Visits: Try traditional temple-border silk sarees. Do not wear heavy silks as you might need to walk in your saree. Go for effortless, lightweight silk varieties like Chanderi, Tussar and Mysore silk. Plain Banarasi sarees with simple border too might work.
• Cocktail Parties: Opt for light silks with shimmer or contemporary patterns. Go for off-beat geometrical designs or plain silk with subtle sheen. Golden, silver and black silk sarees look great for cocktails.

4. Pick According to Your Body Type

The most wonderful thing about a saree is that it looks great on every woman, irrespective of age and body type. It embraces your curves and gets the perfect silhouette. Still there are a few things you must keep in mind to make the most of your saree look according to your body-type. Consider your body type before buying your silk saree and you’ll know how much it difference it can make.

• Petite Women: Try light silk like Tussar or Crepe silk. Small borders and vertical prints create height.
• Tall and Slim Women: You can carry off bold patterns and broad borders. Banarasi and Paithani are great choices.
• Curvy Women: Dark colors and subtle motifs give a balanced shape. Avoid large prints or heavy embellishments.
• Plus-size Women: Prefer plain body sarees with heavy pallus. Kanjeevaram or Mysore silk in darker shades works well.

5. Understand The Colour Game

Colours too play a vital role in determining your silk saree look. They are a game-changer. Also, colours set the right mood for your outfit.

• Fair Skin Tones: Try bright colours like red, pink, sky blue, or emerald green.
• Medium Skin Tones: Olive green, mustard yellow, maroon, and beige look lovely.
• Dusky Skin Tones: Deep tones like wine, navy blue, black, maroon and rust look magical.

Also, consider the time of the event. Light shades look better during the day whereas, deep tones add drama during night events.

6. Budget-Wise Silk Saree Shopping

Silk sarees are available in almost every range. From a few thousands to lakhs, there is a silk saree to suit every pocket. Confused which one to go for? We’ve curated this little guide to help you choose.

• Premium Range (₹15,000 and above): Kanchipuram, Banarasi, Patola with pure zari. Great wedding investments, these will last for generations.
• Mid-Range (₹5,000 – ₹15,000): Tussar, Paithani, Mysore silk with minimal zari. Good for regular use.
• Budget (Under ₹5,000): Blended silks (half silk, half polyester). These are affordable and easy to maintain, great for frequent use.

However, beware of fake silk. Always buy from trusted stores. Look for Silk Mark certification.

7. How To Style Your Silk Saree

Once you got the perfect saree, styling is the next milestone. Done right, you can create stunning silk saree looks and bag tonnes of complements. Here’s a quick guide.

• Blouses: Go for the blouse that comes with the saree for a classic look. If you wish to go a little experimental, try contrasting blouses. Experiment with sleeve and neck-designs. For a bold look try, corsets and crop-tops. For a regal look, you can try embroidered saree blouses.
• Jewellery: For weddings and grand occasions, try heavy temple jewellery with your Kanjeevaram and Banarasi silk sarees. For a minimalistic and professional look, go for gold and diamond studs, cuffs, chains and bracelets with your Tussar, Chanderi and Mysore silk sarees.
• Hair: Try buns with gajra a traditional and festive look. Open hair, sleek ponytails and hair bun without gajras are great for casual and professional looks.
• Makeup: Go for bold lips, smoky eyes and kajal with heavy sarees. Nude and natural makeup works great for simple and lighter ones.
• Footwear: Always wear a heel or wedge to with your saree, it adds and enhances your look. But, if you have to walk a lot, go for sneakers, flats and kolhapuris according to the occasion.

8. Saree Draping Hacks

Even the best silk saree won’t look good if not draped well. Here are some tips:

• Use safety pins smartly to avoid slipping.
• Make sharp, crisp pleats using a pleat maker or iron.
• Always choose a petticoat that matches and fits snugly.
• Adjust the pallu to get the right length according to you drape style.
• Practice walking and sitting in your saree beforehand, especially for heavy sarees, so that you can walk effortlessly.

9. Silk Saree Care Guide

Got the right saree and flaunted it in all glory. Now let’s store your love with immense love. Let’s talk about the care tips.

• Always dry clean your silk saree. Never wash silk at home.
• Air your saree every few months to avoid moisture.
• Fold your sarees with tissue paper to prevent creases.
• Always store in a muslin cloth and keep in a dark and dry place.
• Do not hang your silk saree for a long time as this stretches the fabric and your saree will get distorted.

10. How to Tell if a Silk Saree is Real

With a market flooded with fake silks, you need to know how to spot the real ones. Try these proven methods:

• Burn Test: Real silk burns with a smell like burnt hair.
• Silk Mark: This certification guarantees authenticity.
• Touch and Sound: Pure silk is smooth and makes a crisp sound when rubbed.
• Price Point: If the deal is too good, it’s probably fake.

11. Gifting Silk Sarees – A Thoughtful Tradition

Silk sarees make for beautiful and memorable gifts. Gifts that are close to the heart and last a life-time- best gifted for weddings, anniversaries and occasions to show unconditional love. In South India, giving a silk saree is a tradition and is considered very auspicious.

While gifting, consider the recipient’s age, personality and lifestyle to find the best saree for your loved one. For younger women, go for modern silks, lighter hues and contemporary shades. For older women, classic Kanjeevaram and Banarasis are ideal.

12. Sustainable Choices – Ethical Silk Options

In recent years, many activists have promoted cruelty-free silk. Also known as Ahimsa silk, this one is a type where silkworms are not killed. Many brands are now promoting eco-friendly silk sarees too. Silk is a sustainable fabric that creates little or no carbon foot-print.

So, if you are an eco-conscious buyer, asking about the origin and process will help you finding a sustainable and cruelty-free piece.

Shop Right And Flaunt In Style!

Now that you’re equipped with all the right silk saree shopping info, we’re sure you’ll make a great purchase for yourself and your loved ones. Being informed makes a whole lot of difference. Find the right saree for your body-type and personality, style appropriately and flaunt it in all pride and glory. Keep slaying diva. Happy shopping!