Sarees are made with different fabrics across the country, reflecting rich regional diversity through intricate weaving processes and elaborate textile art. The various textures and patterns lend a unique feel to every fabric that can suit different occasions and weathers. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon and crepe will keep you cool in the summer, while silk and cotton blend sarees can help you stay warm in cold temperatures.
You can also style sarees in multiple traditional and fusion styles for graceful and glamorous looks.
Many women in India have enviable saree collections with sentimental pieces and revered purchases. Whether you want to add to your collection or begin one for yourself, read this guide to learn everything about popular saree fabrics and styling tips to look trendy in them.
Types of Saree Fabrics
1. Raw Silk
Pure or raw silk is made with fibers from silkworms to create a breathable and hypoallergenic fabric with a natural shine. Pure silk sarees are the most coveted and are usually worn for special occasions and weddings. There are several regional variations of raw silk sarees such as Banarsi, Paithani, Kanjeevaram, Chanderi, Sambalpuri, and Tussar.
2. Art Silk
While raw silk can sometimes be stiff and expensive, artificial silk is budget-friendly and more malleable. You can find the same variations as raw silk to style traditional looks for weddings and special occasions.
3. Cotton and Silk Blend
Blended cotton and silk fabrics are breathable and comfortable for the summer. The moisture-wicking fabric allows for the flow of air while being light and breezy. Consider cotton blend sarees for outdoor events and parties. The light fabric also has some structure for a polished and classy look.
4. Chiffon
The flowy and sheer chiffon fabric looks graceful and clings to the body, allowing for a bold look that flatters the curves. The lightweight fabric is also breathable and comfortable to wear. Wear chiffon sarees to cocktail nights and evening parties for a shimmering outfit.
5. Crepe
The textured crepe sarees have an interesting dimensional appeal while being wrinkle-resistant. The fabric falls beautifully and will sway with your movements for an elegant outfit. Wear them to festive occasions for a unique look.
6. Georgette
Sheer with a matte finish, georgette sarees are ideal for elegant daily wear or outfits for intimate ceremonies. Create beautiful georgette saree looks inspired by Sushmita Sen in Main Hoon Na (2004) or Alia Bhatt in RARKPK (2023).
7. Cotton
Wearable in all seasons, cotton sarees are a sustainable choice and easy to maintain. The fabric is lightweight enough to allow for movement but also has structure, making it easier to drape.
8. Organza
The trendy organza fabrics are used to make lustrous and translucent sarees that look stylish and chic. The organza sarees also feature popular silhouettes like ruffles and scalloped hems.
9. Satin
Satin sarees are ideal for festivals and special occasions for the natural shine of the fabric. The luxurious fabric hugs the body to add shape and adds an ethereal feel to the ensemble.
10. Sequined
A crowd-favorite since 2023, sequined sarees will help you shine on the dancefloor of the next event or party you attend. A show-stopper, sequined sarees require minimal styling and will help you immediately become the center of attention.
Saree Styling Tips For Every Occasion
1. Weddings
Wear a red, orange, or green silk (pure or art) saree with gold-toned temple jewelry. Go for a full-sleeve blouse for a royal and traditional look. You can also opt for an oxidized choker and earrings set for a regal yet edgy feel.
2. Outdoor Party
Pair a light pink or multi-colour floral printed chiffon saree with the trendy bell-sleeved blouse for a boho-chic look for the next outdoor event. Elevate the look with a beaded jewelry set and bag.
3. Mehendi or Sangeet
For pre-wedding ceremonies, wear a satin saree with floral embellishments and a short cape-style blouse that will highlight your moves as you dance the night away. Pair this with dainty jewelry and let the shiny satin take focus.
4. Cocktails
Opt for a bold look at the next cocktail party with a bralette-style blouse, which will be visible through a sheer and shimmering organza saree. Pair it with statement rhinestone earrings or a necklace.
5. Formal Event
Cotton sarees with a key-hole back collared blouse will help you achieve a sophisticated and polished look for your next work event. Wear minimal stud earrings and a watch for the classic look or dress it up with jhumkas.
6. Parties
Take your fashion game up a botch at the next party you attend and turn heads as you show up in a sequined saree. You can further add a touch of fusion by switching the blouse for a blazer – a glamorous look that has been spotted on celebs like Karisma Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor.
7. Daily Wear
Whether you’re headed to work or meeting friends for an intimate gathering, You can buy sarees with a georgette fabric and simple pendant necklace and earrings will never fail you. Complete the outfit with a leather sling bag for a refined and fashionable look.
8. Festivals
Shimmer at festive occasions in a cotton and silk blend Chanderi saree, which will look graceful and help you stay comfortable. Opt for a square-neck sleeveless blouse for a tasteful yet bold outfit and dress it up or down with jewelry for your preferred look.
Conclusion
Sarees come in a variety of styles and fabrics that are suitable for different occasions and events. While pure silk sarees are the most sought-after, you can go for the budget-friendly art silk option for a similar look.
Silk sarees offer a royal feel to every look and are ideal for festive and special occasions. Lightweight chiffon, georgette, crepe, and cotton are ideal for the summer because of their breathability.
While sheer fabrics can be used to achieve a bold look, you can opt for a full-coverage blouse to style it modestly when needed. New trends like organza and sequin fabrics offer a variation for modern women, who can also experiment and style traditional sarees with fusion-style blouses.
