best women wear · saree fabric · types of saree fabric ·

Everything You Need to Know About Types of Saree Fabric

The sarees are a tradition in Indian culture, falling between tradition and fashion. Among the different types of saree fabric, cotton sarees stand out as the epitome of comfort, breathability, and versatility. Cotton sarees fulfill diverse needs and tastes, acting as daily wear, office wear, and festive wear. Cotton textiles are different; each type has its advantages, a range of weaving, feel, and allure.

Cotton sarees come in a wide range of varieties, from plain and dull to colored and printed ones, that can take your style game to a whole new level. By the end of it, you will also get a snippet of how to choose the right saree material for slim and petite women, as well as what saree material is recommended for obese women. Plus, you’ll find a helpful list of fabric types for sarees to make the best choice. Let's get going!

Cotton Fabric Varieties for Sarees

Cotton sarees can be of various weaves and regional specialties. So here are some types of cotton fabric for sarees:

1.1. Handloom Cotton Sarees

Handloom cotton sarees are woven by hand, making them lighter and airier. They are ideal for hot and humid climates.

Most Sought-After Handloom Cotton Sarees:

  • Khadi Cotton: Khadi cotton sarees with a rough feel and hand-spun appearance; they are environment-friendly and highly absorbent.
  • Chanderi Cotton: These are made of silk and cotton blended and they have a transparent texture, mostly adorned with Zari work.
  • Maheshwari Cotton: These sarees are from Madhya Pradesh and have soft geometric designs with shiny surfaces.

If you're looking for a lightweight and elegant cotton saree, you might love the Gulbaagh Cotton Saree Kachi Patti Detailing In Border. Its intricate detailing and soft texture make it perfect for both casual and festive wear.

1.2. Muslin Cotton Sarees

Muslin: The Muslin sarees are the softest and lightest form of cotton fabric sarees. Muslin sarees are fine and airy, woven out of fine cotton yarns.

Features:

  • Soft and silky texture
  • Traditionally embroidered with intricate designs
  • Suits warm climates

1.3. Kota Doria Cotton Sarees

Kota Doria is a naturally sheer, lightweight cotton with a square-checkered design. The sarees are soft and intricately designed, and these are from Rajasthan.

Features:

  • Light and easy to wear
  • Subtle sheen
  • Suitable for summer

1.4. Tant Cotton Sarees

Tant sarees are popular Bengali handloom saris known for their stiff texture and light weave. These sarees can be worn daily also.

Features:

  • Rigid pleats that won’t wrinkle
  • Easy to clean and durable
  • Usually ornate with simple Patterns

1.5. Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees

The ikat process is used to create Sambalpuri sarees of Odisha as well which creates beautiful tie-dye patterns.

Unique Features:

  • Rich, creative designs
  • Rich colors and designs
  • Vegetable dyes used

1.6. Venkatagiri Cotton Sarees

Venkatagiri is from Andhra Pradesh with hand-looms characterized by soft texture and royal looks.

Features:

  • Soft and lightweight
  • Gold or silver zari edges
  • Daily wear and festive wear comfort.

Not sure where to start? Explore Gulabo Jaipur's latest saree collection for timeless elegance and vibrant designs that inspire your perfect look!

1.7. Jamdani Cotton Sarees

Jamdani sarees are made in West Bengal and Bangladesh and feature elaborate floral and geometric designs.

Features:

  • Handwoven minute designs on Semi-translucent
  • Usually made in calm pastels
  • Light yet classy

This list covers the most popular types of cotton fabric sarees that are widely appreciated for their comfort and elegance.

Different Fabrics Used As Saree Borders

For a saree to look complete, the border of the saree contributes a lot. Borders can be simple and tame or ornate and complex, depending on the material utilized. A properly crafted border could provide a final touch to the loveliness of the saree and make it wearable for multiple occasions, from informal to formal events. Here are the types of fabrics used as saree borders:

2.1. Zari Borders

The Zari borders are finished with sparkle threads, usually gold or silver, to give the saree a lavish and regal look. Inspired by the Mughal age, zari work is a mainstay of traditional Indian sarees.

  • Best suited for: Also perfect for wedding sarees, festive wear, and traditional silk sarees.
  • Usually found in Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Paithani, and Chanderi sarees.

2.2. Silk Borders

You find a lot of cotton-silk saree having silk borders. Add silk ones for a smooth, lustrous finish that complements the garment fabric of the saree. Silk borders can be buttery and sheer to thick and heavy, depending on the type of silk used.

Best for: Formal & Semi-formal occasions.

Commonly found in Maheshwari cotton sarees, Chanderi sarees, and Pochampally sarees.

2.3. Velvet Borders

Velvet is a rich and heavy material that gives sarees an elegant and royal look. For formal events, you should choose velvet borders for your sarees. Traditional sarees usually come in deep colors and thus show a contrasting look when worn with light-color sarees.

  • Ideal for: Bridal wear, evening occasions, and ceremonial sarees.
  • Typically, you will find this in Designer sarees, georgette sarees, and heavy-embroidery sarees.

2.4. Net Borders

Net borders are also commonly used in modern and contemporary saree patterns. Pure net sarees have a lightweight, ethereal quality to it, and look to be quite swish, interesting, stylish and trendy. Net borders are usually embellished with sequins, beads and embroidery for added glamour.

  • Ideal for: Cocktail sarees, Party wear, Fusion wear.
  • Commonly used: Net fabric sarees, light georgette, and chiffon sarees.

2.5. Brocade Borders

Brocade borders beautifully interweave metallic and silk threads, adding richness to the saree. Brocade is popular for creating that intricate sensuousness in this texture, specifically in styles of Banarasi saree fabrics.

  • Best for: Bridal and traditional wear.
  • Commonly found in Banarasi, Kanjivaram, and Mysore silk sarees.

2.6. Contrast Borders

The most modern sarees have contrasting borders, where the border fabric has a different texture and color from the saree body. 

  • Adds an eye-catching statement to the saree beauty
  • Best Suited For: Daily use, casual wear, sarees, and trendy sarees.
  • Available In: Cotton Saree, Linen Saree, Poly Crepe Saree

What is Banarasi Saree Fabric?

Banarasi sarees are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and rich textures. They hail from Varanasi, are made of fine silk, cotton, or organza embroidered with motifs drawn from Mughal art and Indian culture. Banarasi sarees are an evergreen option for weddings and grand occasions, owing to their luxurious appearance. Here are some of the most common types of Banarasi saree fabric:

3.1. Pure Cotton Banarasi

Banarasi sarees made of pure cotton may not be very common, but they are highly in demand for their light texture and breathability. They are made with good quality cotton threads and light zari work, making them a good summer wear.

  • Details: Cottony soft, slim fit, perfect for everyday wear.
  • Best for: Work life, casual parties, and summer events.
  • Specialty: Woven on a hand loom, featuring classic designs like paisleys and floral prints.

3.2. Cotton-Silk Banarasi

Cotton-silk Banarasi sarees combine the ease of cotton with the shine of silk, making them appropriate for a range of events. Pure cotton Banarasi sarees are lighter than these, which generally have heavy brocade Work.

  • Features: Glossy surface with ornate designs.
  • Best for: Semi-formal events, festivals, and family functions.
  • Specialty: Combines strength with sophistication, making it perfect for daylong wear.

3.3. Organza Banarasi

The organza Banarasi sarees are so light and transparent and those sarees are generally embellished with delicate brocade embroidery. Elegant and stylish are the qualities of these sarees, so they can be worn for evening events.

  • Strengths: Light texture with precise work.
  • Best for: Function parties, luxury fashion shows, and receptions.
  • Specialty: The breezy fabric makes it the perfect companion for wooden jewels.

If you’d like to add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe, you might want to check out these organza sarees:

3.4. Tanchoi Banarasi

The unique feature of Tanchoi Banarasi sarees is that these sarees are woven without adding any extra thread at the back. The sarees are well-designed and look very beautiful with their complex floral or paisley motifs that have a smooth finish.

  • Features: Matte or shiny hues with soft-touch luxury.
  • Best suited for: weddings & other large celebrations.
  • Texture: Plush with none of brocade’s stiffness.

3.5. Tissue Banarasi

The thin reeled silk and metallic threads are woven very finely, which gives a gossamer-like appearance to tissue Banarasi sarees. These sarees tend to glimmer beautifully when exposed to light and are usually the favorite for bridal trousseaus.

  • Weight: If you've tried YSL's Volupte Tint-in-Oil, you know how oily it feels while still retaining color. The oil feels unctuous yet lightweight and glides on with ease.
  • Ideal for: Weddings, engagements, and formal events.
  • Department: The metallic shading gives them a regal and grand look.

3.6. Jangla Banarasi

The most heavy is the Jangla Banarasi saree, these have bold floral print or animal motifs covering the entire length of the body. The heavy use of zari work makes these sarees heavy.

  • Features: Heavy combination of silk and heavy weaving.
  • Ideal for: Cultural weddings and festivities.
  • Jangla sarees' specialty: Due to their heaviness, Jangla sarees are hereditary.

Sarees Net Fabrics Types Used

Fashion-forward women have always had a net saree in their wardrobe. They are light and transparent, adding an ethereal aesthetic look to the clothing. Net sarees come in different styles and forms of jewelry and can be used for casual, semi-formal, and formal events. If you are looking for different types of net fabric sarees, you’ll find a variety of options ranging from contemporary chic to regal and graceful styles.

4.1. Bridal Net Sarees

Bridal net sarees are lavishly embellished with embellishments such as beads, sequins, pearls, and embroidery. Zari on bridal lehengas Zari adornment continues to be a trend up to 2023, adding intricacies that highlight bridal radiance, thus becoming a great wedding and extravagant reception choice.

  • Traits: Over-the-top adornments, sumptuous drapes, and fine workmanship.
  • Best For: Bridal dresses, engagement events, and ceremonial functions.
  • Common embellishments: Swarovski crystals, gold thread embroidery, stonework, and heavy lace borders.

4.2. Floral Net Sarees

Subtle floral embroidery or printed designs are featured on the net-like fabric of the floral net sarees. They are super feminine, and graceful so ideal for summer and also a daytime event.

  • It’s lightweight, airy and able to be worn for hours.
  • Best for: Daytime functions, afternoon tea, and informal events.
  • Common patterns: 3D floral embroidery, pastel motifs, contrasting-colored floral work

4.3. Soft Net Sarees

Soft net sarees, on the other hand, have a beautiful fall and glide over the body effortlessly, unlike the traditional stiff net sarees. These sarees provide a perfect blend of form and flow and, thus, are both comfortable and stylish.

  • Features: Not as stiff, hangs beautifully, and clings.
  • Best for: Party nights, cocktail parties, and relaxed gatherings
  • Style Tip: Style with a simple blouse and bold accessories for a smart, chic look.

4.4. Designer Net Sarees

These sarees are designed by top designers using net fabric along with other fabrics like satin, velvet, or georgette. Designer net sarees feature contemporary elements like ruffles, see-through capes, and asymmetrical drapes.

  • Stylings: Contemporary silhouettes, a plethora of mix-and-match material, and fun, striking designs.
  • Who’s it best for: Fashion shows, celebrity parties, and upscale parties.
  • Common Styles: Layered net sarees, cape blouse net sarees, and pre-stitched designer sarees.

Saree Synthetic Fabrics

These synthetic fibers have revolutionized sarees by offering a budget-friendly, durable, and maintenance-free fabric. Types of saare synthetic fabrics provide options that, as opposed to natural fibers, resist losing shape and require little to no ironing, lending themselves to everyday and travel use.

5.1. Georgette Sarees

Georgette is a lightweight synthetic fabric that adds the beauty of mere drape to the saree. It has a slight texture to it, so it doesn’t slip and is easier to pleat.

  • Features: wrinkle-resistant, soft drape, available in cantaloupe (shown), light teal, navy, and white.
  • Best for: Everyday wear, office attire, and semi-formal functions.
  • Common Types: Faux georgette, printed georgette, and embroidered georgette.

If you’re considering adding a georgette saree to your collection, you might want to explore these beautiful options:

  • Georgette Bhandej Gulshan Saree with Kachi Patti Work – A stunning blend of traditional Bhandej patterns with intricate Kachi Patti detailing, perfect for both casual and festive wear.
  • Gulnar Taari Jaal Leheriya Georgette Saree – A delicate leheriya design paired with shimmering taari jaal work, making it ideal for semi-formal events and celebrations.

5.2. Chiffon Sarees

Chiffon sarees are light, breezy and silky smooth. They fall elegantly without effort and, therefore, they are loved to wear in summer and evening events.

  • Features: Airy, flowing, and in pastel and bright shades.
  • Best for: Work wear, parties, and summer vacations.
  • Common styles: Plain chiffon saree, gradient-dyed chiffon saree, embroidered chiffon saree.

5.3. Crepe Sarees

Crepe sarees feel a little crispy on the touch and shine slightly. They hold pleats nicely and provide a sculpted look without being rigid.

  • Features: Lightweight and sleek drape, textured finish
  • Best for: Business conferences, everyday functions, and parties.
  • How to wear it: Opt for an extravagant statement belt to add a trendy touch.

5.4. Lycra Sarees

These are body-fitting and stretchy Lycra sarees, very modern and stylish. The sarees give a western look and younger women like it.

  • Features: Belly-hugging, easy stretch, and shiny appearance.
  • Best for: Cocktail parties, modern festive wear, and fusion fashion.
  • Popular Styles: Pre-stitched sarees, Ruffle Lycra sarees, Metallic Lycra sarees.

Saree of All Types of Fabric

Sarees are made in a wide variety of fabrics, each having its charm. Here is a classified list of fabric types for saree and types of fabric in saree made in more than one fabric:

6.1. Silk Sarees

Silk sarees are rich and elegant, so it is always a wedding and festive season. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Kanjivaram Silk: Characterized by elaborate designs and bold hues.
  • Tussar Silk: Lightweight with natural shine.
  • Bhagalpuri Silk: Earthy texture with rustic charm.

6.2. Cotton Sarees

Cotton sarees are comfortable and light, making them a perfect choice for summer wear. Popular varieties include:

  • Handloom Cotton: Long-lasting and found in different regional weaves.
  • Khadi Cotton: Rough texture with a natural appeal.
  • Jamdani Cotton: Has woven designs.

6.3. Blended Sarees

Blended sarees take the best of two or more materials and add comfort and style.

  • Cotton-Silk: Smooth like cotton but with the luster of silk.
  • Cotton-Georgette: Drapes well but is still light.
  • Cotton-Chiffon: Light and airy with a crisp finish.

6.4. Linen Sarees

Linen sarees possess a refined texture and are ideal for minimalist fashion. They have great moisture-wicking properties and are an ideal summer pick.

Ideal for: Office wear, casual parties, and cultural functions.

7. What Type of Fabric Saree is Best for Fat Women?

For a fuller figure, the appropriate saree fabric can make the woman look slimmer and more confident. Here are the best choices:

  • Georgette and Crepe: Drape well and create a slim figure.
  • Silk-Cotton Blend: Provides support without the bulk.
  • Soft Cotton Sarees: Light fabrics such as Kota Doria avoid a bulging effect.

Fabrics to Avoid:

  • Tough cotton sarees (Tant) since they do not drape well.
  • Thick ones like velvet, which provide unwanted bulk.

8. Type of Saree Fabric for Thin and Short Ladies

Slim women can opt for fabrics that give volume and a long look. The following are the best ones:

  • Cotton-Silk Blends: Defines curves with a structured look.
  • Banarasi Sarees: Weighty borders give a height illusion.
  • Organza and Net Sarees: Lightweight but structured for a classy appearance.
  • Chiffon and Georgette: Soft drapes provide movement and elegance.

Fabrics to Steer Clear Of:

  • Stiff cotton sarees, as they could appear flat on a slender body.
  • Heavy silk sarees can overwhelm a small figure.

Conclusion

It is a matter of personal preference, body type, and occasion while deciding the right types of fabric for saree. Right from various saree fabrics such as cotton, silk, and net to various fabrics worn as saree borders, there are countless varieties to choose from.

Whether you are searching for saree fabric types with images, saree synthetic fabric types, or the most suitable saree fabric type for petite and short women, knowing fabric options will enable you to make the best choice.

Gulabojaipur can be the ultimate destination to visit and purchase intricately designed sarees that are perfect for all tastes and occasions. Shop through an extensive variety of sarees and experience the beauty of ancient and modern weaves!

Back to Blog