Silk Sarees

India is probably the largest manufacturer of different varieties of silk that is popular all over the world for the sheer variety of designs, weaving and quality.  Silk sarees mostly come with zari and are popular all over the world for their shine and glamour and grandeur.

Kancheepuram Silk: Silk sarees from Kancheepuram is known for the purity and quality of silk. There are 9 yards and 6 yards sarees woven in silk, the latter being the most common variety. Embroidery designs in either gold or silver or silken thread are the most common. The more the works in the pallu, the more the grandeur and the price and is usually more colourful than the rest of the sari. These still remain the main bridal wear in Chennai with some of the sarees woven with real gold throughout the entire saree. But don’t ever imagine the weight of these sarees as they could be a few kilos, and which is one of the reasons why they are used only for very special occasions. It is also interesting to note the colour combinations of the sarees and the border. Double colour sarees, reverse side sarees that can be used on both sides, sarees with embroidery patterns of motifs or mythology are also an upcoming trend.  With the emerging trend of designer wear sarees, the silk saree manufacturers have entered the competition to retain their top position by introducing exclusive designs and works on the sarees rather than the common embroidery patterns.

Benarasi Equally in par with the Kancheepuram silk, and known for its popularity from the Mughal times, comes the Benarasi silk sarees which is again known for its heavy gold-silver works. Its design exhibits Mughal patterns, colourful dying of silk fabrics, and contains diverse style like pure silk, organza with zari work, georgette, etc. These sarees are known to symbolize flowers, dancing monkeys, clouds, fairs, village life etc. Jamvar, Navrangi (nine colors), Jamdani etc are the other types from the range of Banarasi saris.

Venkatagiri Silks these are silk Sarees that are enriched with royalty and grandeur and well known for their exclusive pallu and borders works.

Pochampally silks named after the place, these sarees are most in demand for their intricate designs and heavy quality silk material.

The names of a few other popular silk varieties that has got its name from its place of origin which are famous for bridal wear and very special occasions include the Balarampuram, Ikkat, Coimbatore, Valkalam silks, etc.

Silk sarees worn for common occasions include Apoorva silk, Tussar silk, Mysore silk,  Tissue, Crepe silk, Paper silk sarees, etc.  Mysore silk saree gives a slimmer appearance when worn and is usually preferred by figure conscious women (both fat and thin).

Some of the well renowned shops in Chennai for these silk sarees are Kumaran silks, Nalli silks, Sundari silks, Hayagrivas, Chennai silks, that keep the streets of Pondibazaar and T.Nagar very busy during the marriage and festive seasons.