Indian Accessories

Indian sari fabrics are different and distinctive. Important fabrics used for Indian saris are cotton,

crepe, georgette, silk, and chiffon. Cotton sari is light in weight and very cool to wear in summer. Cotton sari is easy to wash and iron. Different colors make cotton saris exciting and preferable to all. It could be worn on festival days as well as a daily wear. .

Georgette sari is a traditional wear, usually made up of nylon and polyester yarn and is the most graceful fabric. It will add the charm and beauty of the lady if properly draped. As the texture is very soft and delicate it is comfortable to wear. It is a party as well as festive wear which has the most intricate designs. Zardozi or embroidery work will enhance the look of georgette fabric.

Saris, made out of Chiffon fabric, are a symbol of elegance and firmness making it an ideal choice for daily as well as evening wear. Chiffon is a very fine fabric found in nylon and silk. Various prints and embroideries such as block prints, bandhni style, resham work and gold embroidery give these saris a unique fabulous and enchanting look. It is a bit difficult to carry as it is bumpy.

.Crepe fabric’s attraction lies in its simplicity and sobriety and crepe is a fine light fabric originally woven in silk, but now woven in other fabrics also. Crepe saris are suitable for many occasions like wedding, any get together, parties etc. Various colors and designs make crepe saris exciting. . The printed crepe saris, and crepe saris with resham and gold metallic embroidery works increase the beauty of a lady.

Silk, a precious gift of nature and an evergreen fashion fabric is used to make exquisite and gorgeous silk saris, ranging from Kanjeevaram to Banarasi, Patola and Mysore silk. Since silk requires extra care steam press is recommended. Silk saris having zari work on them are very high in demand. Silk saris are the most exotic, sensual, glamorous and smart fabric saris.
Other categories of fabric include Tissue, Net, Faux, Linen, Velvet, Viscose, Art silk, Satin, Organza, Lizi-Bizi, Soft Crush, Laser and many other cool fabrics.

Each Indian state has developed its own unique sari style, with different fabric and weaving

style. The reservoir of Indian sari is very large comprising embroidered sari, classy silk saris and special bridal wedding sari. Bandhani is a classic handwork style of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This handwork involves tying and dying of cloth resulting in the production of elaborate patterns and designs on the sari fabric.
Kota Doria, a traditional style of Rajasthan, is created in small villages of Kota City. This style uses a combination of threads to create fine designs, cotton lending firmness and silk giving airy soft feel.

Banarsi, of Banaras City in UP state, is popular and widely appreciated as an exclusive silk sari. This sari exhibits Mughal patterns and designs. Pure silk (katan), organza with zari work, georgette and shatter are the diverse styles in Banaeasi sari collection.

Kanjeevaram silk sari, originated in Kanjeepuram, is one of the finest and most popular forms of silk in Tamilnadu. Its specialty is a combination of colored threads and a lot of zari work. Its significant attractions are the beautiful tribal designs. Now latest patterns are also getting attention.

Orissa Ikat silk saris – The word Ikat means “tied” and justifying it this style handles tie and die process to produce eye catching patterns. It has a heavy gauge and a fine metallic touch, including wide temple style borders.

The light and simple Chanderi saris of Madhya Pradesh are unique with an airy feel and narrow borders and decently designed anchals with buttis.

Paithani saris of Maharashtra are hand-woven and simple looking. The borders are designed with delicate square and pallus with a peacock pattern while the kaleidoscope designs are enchanting.

Cotton printed saris, the cool summer wear, are available in large fabulous varieties, including batik work, bandhni style, block printing and hand made drawings are printed in cities like Mumbai and Kolkotta.

Cotton handlooms, such as Tant, Jamdani and Baluchari Bengal Handloom saris, are known for their lightness and great comfort. The borders exhibit delicate silk threadwork designs, simple but artistic and unique.

Southern weaves include Pochampalli, Venkatgiri, Gadwal, Guntur, Mangalpuri saris of Andhra Pradesh, Coimbatore and Chettinad styles of Tamilnadu and Mysore silk of Karnataka.

One of the accessories along with sari is a tight fitting short top called choli or blouse worn under the sari. Cholis are usually made of cotton or silk material with or without a collar and sleeves. They are usually more tailor-made than simple knit tops, and may look more attractive by adding” feminine” details such as ruffles or embroidered decorations. The 10th century AD cholis were only front covering with a bare back, still common among Rajasthani ladies.

Sari cholis are quite snugly and comfortable wear, fitted in varying lengths, necklines and sleeves. Some cholis have short neckline while some have low-cuts. In the case of sleeves, cholis are long sleeved, short or sleeveless. Style-wise, the permanent favorites are the short-sleeved ones and wrap-arounds with or without straps. Blouses having prominent buttons in the back are very desiarable.

Blouses with long sleeves in transparent chiffon or lace are also very popular. There are off-shoulder fashions and those held up with strings and Lycra blouses for a casual, modern look. Sari blouses are stitched with a full opening in the front or the back. After wearing the blouse the opening ends are joined by hooks or buttons. The material required to stitch a choli is 1 or 1.20 to .80meters long depending upon the size of the lady and the length of sleeves.

Ready made blouses in various colors and designs are available; but a blouse stitched by a tailor with correct measurements of the lady is preferred.

Though blouses are available in all the bright shades reds, maroons, wine red and whites are in great demand with attractive sari. The work such as Zardozi, in-laid with stones, antique and gold work or sequins on them form part of the embroidery. A bridal choli contains lavish use of gold and antique threads.

The fabrics used for designer blouses are mostly crepes, georgettes, silk and satin, crepe in more demand. Ceremonial Designer cholis have sequins, beads work, and rich chikan embroidery in colored thread or embroidery work in gold and bronze threads all over.