Introduction
Saree is one of the oldest garments in the world and has been in style for the past 5000 years. Over the centuries, it has evolved in many ways. Not only have the designs evolved but also the methods of draping and usage, weaving/ manufacturing techniques, etc.
Saree Design and Structure
It is a long rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, generally five to six yards (some of them are nine yards too), worn mostly by women in India. It is generally worn over a petticoat (like an underskirt) and teamed with a tight fitting blouse or a choli (like a bodice). The loose end of the Saree usually has more designs (buttis, embroidery, prints , etc.) than rest of the body of the Saree. This part of the Saree is called pallu (a throw), generally thrown over the shoulder either ways. The bottom of the saree is always lines, irrespective of having a border, to prevent wear and tear. This is known as fall.
Types of Sarees
Sarees in India are of varied types and have diverse ways of draping. They can be broadly classified into Contemporary and Traditional categories according to their art styles and type of manufacturing.
Saree is one of the oldest garments in the world and has been in style for the past 5000 years. Over the centuries, it has evolved in many ways. Not only have the designs evolved but also the methods of draping and usage, weaving/ manufacturing techniques, etc.
Saree Design and Structure
It is a long rectangular piece of unstitched cloth, generally five to six yards (some of them are nine yards too), worn mostly by women in India. It is generally worn over a petticoat (like an underskirt) and teamed with a tight fitting blouse or a choli (like a bodice). The loose end of the Saree usually has more designs (buttis, embroidery, prints , etc.) than rest of the body of the Saree. This part of the Saree is called pallu (a throw), generally thrown over the shoulder either ways. The bottom of the saree is always lines, irrespective of having a border, to prevent wear and tear. This is known as fall.
Types of Sarees
Sarees in India are of varied types and have diverse ways of draping. They can be broadly classified into Contemporary and Traditional categories according to their art styles and type of manufacturing.
Traditional Sarees
Traditional sarees can be further classified into the work or craft. Every region in India has its own style of weiving/embroidery ahich have developed over time. Traditional sarees/crafts can be classified according to the regions they belong to.
Punjab - Phulkari
Uttar Pradesh- Banarasi , Lucknow Chikankari
Punjab - Phulkari
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| Phulkari Embroidered Saree |
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| Banarasi Brocade Saree |
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| Lucknavi Chikankari Embroidered Saree |
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| Kantha Embroidered Saree |
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| Batik Printed Saree |
Assam- Tassar silk, mekhla chadar, Muga silk
Orissa- Bomkai, Ikkat
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| Ikkat Saree |
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| Bomkai Saree |
Bihar- Bhagalpuri Silk, Madhubani
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| Bhagalpuri Silk Saree |
Madhya Pradesh- Chanderi, Maheshwari, Vafta
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| Chanderi Saree |
Rajasthan- Leheria, Bandhani, Kota Doria, Bagru Printed
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| Bandhej Saree |
Gujarat- Ajrak, Patola, Kutch Embroidery, Gharchola
Maharashtra- Paithani, Pitamber
Karnataka- Mysore silk, Molakalmuru Silk, Ilkal
Andhra Pradesh- Mangalgiri, Narayanpet, Ponchampally, Gadwal, Guntur, Venkatgiri, Iklal, Uppada, Dharmavaram
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| Mangalgiri Cotton Saree |
Tamil Nadu- Kanchipuram, Chettinad, Konrad, Coimbatore, Kanchi, Madurai, Kumbakonam, Mundum Neriyathum, Sungri, Arani
Kerala- Kasavu
Kerala- Kasavu
Contemporary Sarees
Contemporary sarees or fashion sarees are majorly made of synthetic materials like Georgettes, Chiffons, Crepes, Nets, Satins etc. Various types of printing, embroidery (machine), patchwork, etc. are done for value addition. Surat, Pali are the major manufacturing hubs for these sarees.
Lately there have been modifications in the saree to make draping hassle free. Prestitched sarees, popularly known as lehenga sarees, have become popular party wear attire.
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| Lehenga Saree |
Lately there have been modifications in the saree to make draping hassle free. Prestitched sarees, popularly known as lehenga sarees, have become popular party wear attire.
