Made in the ancient city of Varanasi or Banaras, Banarasi sarees are one of the most loved sarees among Indian women. Be it a glamorous wedding or a grand festival, they choose to wear Banarasi sarees to enhance their traditional look, which in itself brings in grace.
These finest handcrafted sarees are relatively heavy as they are made of finely woven silk and are delicately embroidered with gold and silver threads, also known as brocade or Zari work. The designs one will mostly and definitely find in these sarees will be intertwining floral and foliate motifs, kalga, and bel. The visual effects of the metallic threads spreading all over the pallu give an ultimate perfection to the saree. Although these sarees come in every color, vibrant colors are the best suited and bought by the majority of women.
The classic Banarasi sarees are often woven with glimmering fabrics in different styles, and come in four main varieties namely;
Banarasi silk has its roots deep in the traditional history of India. The elegant and luxuriant weaving on the fine lustrous silk with rich gold and silver Zari has an ethereal appeal. Katan Sarees often have traditional adorning designs such as paisley motifs, peacocks, bel, and a string of upright leaves called Jhallar. The extravagant twisting of the pure silk threads is handwoven by the talented artisans of Varanasi with a lot of care, and therefore, these sarees maintain their durability for a long time. Made out of pure silk, Katan Banarasi sarees exhibit an exquisite sheen throughout that makes them look glamorous.
Columbia Banarasi Katan Silk Sari With Floral Woven Border
Organza, a thin and lightweight fabric, features exquisite Zari work and shimmers with shades of silver and gold. The smooth and silky touch of Banarasi Organza sarees makes them a must have in every woman’s wardrobe to get a royal yet charming glance. You will always find an appealing border in Kora sarees irrespective of the variety of intricate designs on the base. The soothing shine of Zari and Silk work brings in an exotic simplicity, and when it is infused with the elegance of the Organza fabric, the combination renders a prominent look in the best possible way.
Banarasi Silk Kora Sari with Woven Pattern All-over
Georgette is one of the lightest fabrics that make the pleats of sarees look graceful and structured. These Banarasi sarees often feature beautiful floral and foliate designs on the base or borders. Made with highly twisted yarns finely woven in both warp and weft, this simple and plain fabric dazzles all eyes. Adorn yourself with a Georgette Banarasi saree to get that contemporary yet comfortable appeal.
Rouge-Red Georgette Banarasi Saree With Brocaded Floral Motif
The Shattir fabric is comparatively lighter and more simplistic than the Katan fabric (pure silk), thus making Shattir Banarasi sarees more affordable. Simpler and contemporary designs make them suitable for everyday wear. Available in lighter as well as vibrant shades of color, these Banarasi sarees are known to win the hearts of the masses.
Although Banarasi sarees come in each color, here are the most common and attractive colors to choose from that will always be in trend:
Red - Red is the most common picked-up color in bridal attire and certainly outshines all the other colors- be it the minimal Blush Red or as bold as Maroon Red, it certainly turns all heads your way.
Mustard - Mustard is indeed the most popular shade of yellow, which is pleasing to the eyes. When it comes to Banarasi Sarees, the Mustard color makes a splendid combination with the extensive gold brocade on the border and heavy embroidery of traditional motifs adorning the base.
Royal Blue - The royalty of royal blue is real. Even without many add-ons, the grace that comes with this color of Banarasi saree is completely matchless. The glossy work of silver brocade over the royal blue base carries women off to perfection.
Green - Both the lighter and darker shades of Green look amazing when it comes to Banarasi sarees, especially having a heavy brocade work.
Going for a blouse that brings out the best of your favorite Banarasi saree must be your priority. There is a wide range of blouse styles that you can opt for your saree to get that perfect look. Here are some:
Pairing your Banarasi saree with a sleeveless blouse looks chic while preserving the ethnicity of the intricate traditional Zari work.
Pale-Gold Designer Choli from Jodhpur with Tajmahal on Back Embroidered with Zari and Beads
If you want that extra element of grace in your entire look, go for a full-sleeved plain blouse with a heavily embroidered Banarasi saree that is either in a contrasting or a matching color.
An embellished blouse is a perfect match with either an Organza or a Georgette Banarasi saree. The embellishments of the blouse will balance out the simple and light fabric of the saree and can vary according to the intricacy of the embroidery work.
Golden Designer Choli with Embroidered Spirals and Sequins
A blouse with a narrow border as that of your beautiful Banarasi Saree is the most common style and indeed gives the most classic look.
Vanilla and Red Plain Choli with Thread Weave of Checks on Back
If you want to steal the attention of the crowd, go for a contrasting colored blouse with your Saree, and you will be the center of attraction. You can mix and match the colors to find the perfect one for your saree.
Tomato-Red Wedding Padded Choli from Jodhpur with Golden-Embroidery and Sequins
Brocade blouse with a richly colored Banarasi saree - this is a game-changer. Light brocade work on the blouse, although not resembling the patterns and designs of the saree, will give you a noble yet fancy look altogether.
Since Banarasi sarees are made of pure silk and are quite expensive, they require a lot of maintenance. Here are some tips to take care of them:
1. Always keep your Banarasi saree wrapped in a muslin cloth, and do not ever keep them with other sarees.
2. To maintain the shine of the Zari embroidery of Banarasi sarees, always make sure to fold that part inwards.
3. Never store them in a metal hanger. Choose some other material such as plastic hangers.
4. Do not wash your Banarasi sarees at home. Always opt for dry cleaning at regular intervals.
5. As a best practice, always steam-iron your Banarasi sarees.
6. Change the folding of your Banarasi saree at regular intervals to avoid getting permanent creases.
Your email address will not be published *
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist