Embrace Tradition with Sarees

Ever graceful, Indian sarees are the heritage wonders of your wardrobe. The six yard marvel is transcending generation and reaching the closet of Gen Z. That too with a revolutionary spin! Whether you are a mother, daughter, or grandmother, you are all welcome to choose your perfect saree. At Utsav Fashion, there is a world of designs, fabrics, borders, patterns, and prints to pick from. Style it the way you want and drape it as you like.

For an enriching shopping experience, we have carefully crafted this saree buying guide. It’s a quick answer to all your online shopping woes like “how to buy saree online?” or “how do I choose a saree for me?”.

We promise - a short 5 minute read will save you a lot of effort, time, and money!

Fabric Selection

The most lovable attire - saree comes in a myriad of fabrics. A right saree fabric not only enhances the look, but also determines the comfort, drape, and fit. The fabric you pick should also match with the occasion and season.

Choosing an appropriate saree fabric is a daunting task for many. Fortunately, this saree buying guide saves you the trouble and helps you pick the perfect saree material for all occasions.

We’ve picked these popular saree fabrics to help you decide the right type for your wardrobe.

Saree Buying Guide for Different Occasions

WEDDING:

Desi weddings are incomplete without quintessential Indian sarees. From a bride to guests, roka ceremony to reception, sarees are worn by everyone and at all occasions.
At Utsav Fashion, we’ve carefully curated wedding sarees for brides, bridesmaids, their families, friends, and guests. It’s a vibrant collection of traditional and contemporary wedding sarees detailed with resham, stones, zari, foil print, sequins, and bead work. The quality of the fabric is richer and these wedding sarees look grander at all wedding functions.

FESTIVAL:

Grace your festive times with Utsav Fashion’s vibrant sarees! Choose from Banarasi Silk, Patola Silk, Kanjeevaram, or Bandhani sarees for Diwali, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Onam, or Raksha Bandhan. Find latest styles and trends in festive organza sarees, silk, or cotton sarees within your budget.

PARTIES:

Want to ooze élan the ethnic way? Check out our super stunning party wear sarees for get-together with friends, birthdays, summery garden parties, bbq nights or alfresco dinners. Our pre stitched saris, sheer net sarees, and flowy printed sarees are the most sought-after party wear sarees. Why wait? Buy yours and go flaunt like a Bollywood diva!.

CULTURAL EVENTS:

Diwali mela at Times Square? Or an inauguration of an Indian cultural center? Slay it like a boss with a classic cotton saree. Exude elegance like never before. Prepare well in advance and shop your striking drape from Utsav Fashion’s exotic sarees that are carefully curated for such occasions. They are available in cotton, linen, silk, georgette, or chiffon. The range is varied here. Pick what suits you the best.

OFFICE EVENTS:

We take pride in the versatility of Indian sarees. Flaunt a polished look in floral prints, georgette sarees, chiffon or dupion silk sarees. They are all simple and sophisticated. Whether it’s an important meeting or a board conference, you’ll be the best dressed, we promise.

RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES:

Be it a puja ceremony, satya narayan katha, family feasts, naadi puja, or any traditional ceremony, a perfect saree awaits you at Utsav Fashion. From golden borders to paisley woven, and from kasavu to lal par (red & white) bengali saree, there’s a saree for all kinds of religious ceremonies. They are available in the purest of fabrics & supreme quality.

GRADUATION OR CONVOCATION:

Looking for a special saree for the convocation of your son or daughter? Or is it you who’s graduating soon? Make this day extra special with Utsav Fashion’s striking range of sarees. Choose from premium quality sarees in Net, Georgette, Silk, Linen, or Organza. Add oomph to your personality with intricate details, patterns, or prints.

FAMILY FUNCTIONS:

Look your finest at a family function or a kitty party in stellar sarees from Utsav Fashion. Pick our mesmerizing red Banarasi sarees with golden weaves and embellishments and let the stunner in you liven up. Or a zari embroidered saree from Utsav Fashion can add that regal appeal to your look.

Draping Styles

Draping a saree is an art. It gets gorgeous with time and practice. There are a number of ways you can drape your saree. Each draping style reflects the unique culture of Indian states. They also depict the diverse patterns and textures of each region. With time, many creative and contemporary styles are also stealing the show.

Well, experimenting with a distinctive draping style is like unveiling your unique versions. Scroll further and embrace them all!

Regional Draping Styles

NIVI STYLE:

This is the most popular way of draping a saree - where a sari is pleated and wrapped around the waist and pallu, the loose end is worn over the left shoulder. The ease of Nivi style makes it the most sought-after style among women of all ages. It looks appealing at all occasions.
Here’s the step by step tutorial -

MAHARASHTRIAN SAREE DRAPING STYLE:

Also known as Nauvari Sari or Kasta Sari, this is a traditional draping style from the Indian state of Maharashtra. The key highlight of this style is it appears like a lungi, with saree being inserted into the waistband from the back and then wrapped around the legs. Take the other side, pleat it and place the pallu over the left shoulder.
Here’s the step by step tutorial -

BENGALI SAREE DRAPING:

The traditional way from West Bengal in India is another most popular saree draping style. It features broad pleats with a pallu that is pulled over the left shoulder. Whether it’s Durga Puja or a Bengali wedding, this unique draping style is seen all around.
Here’s the step by step tutorial -

GUJARATI STYLE SAREE DRAPING:

It is also called as seedha or siddha pallu or front pallu draping style. As the name suggests, the pallu is pulled at the front and looks different from nivi.
Check the tutorial here - How to Wear Gujarati Style Saree

How to Care and Maintain the Beauty of a Saree?

Saree is your heritage piece. It’s definitely a long-term investment. Every drape is special and needs extra love. This maintains its textures, colors, and luster. It perhaps improves the life of your prized possession.

Always be gentle while storing and maintaining your drapes. This basically depends on the fabric, embellishments, details, patterns, and textures of a saree. The best way is to get them dry cleaned from a reliable dry cleaner. Or be careful while washing, drying, ironing, and storing them.

Every Fabric Deserves Special Care

SILK SAREES:

Hand Wash in a mild detergent and cold water. Then keep your silk saree in a shaded place and let them dry naturally. Before storing, place naphthalene balls or neem leaves in a cotton or muslin bag to prevent moths.

COTTON SAREES:

Soak them with rock salt in warm water. It helps in locking the color. Let it dry naturally in a shaded area. Also make sure to starch your cotton sarees in order to retain the crispy textures. Then store them in a cotton bag away from humidity.

KALAMKARI SAREES:

It’s advisable to go for dry-cleaning when it comes to caring for hand painted weaves like kalamkari sarees.

ORGANZA SAREES:

Avoid machine washing and gently soak your organza saree in cold water with extremely mild detergent. When drying, lay it on a flat surface in a shaded area. For storing your organza saree, fold it carefully and place it properly in a box or muslin cloth.

GEORGETTE SAREES:

Gently hand wash your georgette saree and dry them on a flat surface away from direct sunlight. Do not hang them in hangers. Store georgette sarees in a flat box or a cotton bag.

NET SAREES:

Never machine wash your net saree. Soak them in a mild detergent and dry in a shaded area. For storing, fold them carefully and use a butter paper under each fold.

Important Terminologies for Saree

ANCHAL:

Also called as pallu, palla, or pallav, it is the loose end of a saree.

ART SILK:

It is an artificial silk made up of rayon or synthetic fiber. Art Silk has a similar appearance to silk. This is an affordable option than silk sarees.

BALUCHARI SAREE:

It is a traditional saree named after a village called Baluchar in West Bengal. Baluchari sarees are woven with the jacquard technique of weaving. The key highlights of these sarees are stunning borders and pallu depicting scenes from ancient text and Indian heritage.

BANDHANI:

Also known as Bhandej, Bandhani is a tie & dye saree from Gujarat & Rajasthan. The striking bandhani dots look utterly vibrant and liven up your look.

BLOCK PRINT:

The traditional art originated in Rajasthan. This process involves printing patterns with engraved blocks of wood and natural dye. It is done on cotton fabric and known to create intricate prints like ajrakh, shibori, and kalamkari.

BENGALI DRAPING STYLE:

Never machine wash your net saree. Soak them in a mild detergent and dry in a shaded area. For storing, fold them carefully and use a butter paper under each fold.

BANARASI SARI:

The most graceful Indian silk sarees from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its luster and rich golden weaves on pallu and border. Banarasi sarees remain a popular Indian wedding attire.

BROCADE:

The supreme fabric is made with shuttle-woven technique. Its unique, raised and decorative patterns are the key highlights.

BATIK PRINT:

This textile art involves wax-resist dyeing on a cloth. Batik print sarees are known for traditional motifs representing folk stories, birds, flowers, leaves, and more.

BORDER:

A sari has borders on the top and bottom. It defines the saree.

CHECK:

Popular squares like patterned weaves on a saree. Some are big and complex. And some are made with a few threads and appear small.

CHIKANKARI:

It is a well-known stitch embroidery from Lucknow.

CONTRAST PALLU:

The color of this pallu comes in contrast with the rest of the saree.

CHETTINAD COTTON SAREE:

It is a traditional saree from Tamil Nadu. These sarees have bold check designs with contrast borders with stripes.

COTTON SARI:

Popular Indian sarees made with cotton fabric.

CHIFFON SARI:

These are sheer and crispy sarees made of chiffon fabric.

CREPE SARI:

They are thin and lightweight saree made of crepe material. They are known for their graceful drapes.

DUPION SILK SAREES:

The lustrous sarees with uneven lumps on the surface.

DHARAMAVARAM SAREES:

These traditional sarees from Southern India are made of Tussar Silk. They mostly come in mute shades and feature dual tones.

DORIA SAREES:

Made of pure cotton and silk fabric, these sarees boast square patterns and catch attention with their lustrous appeal.

ERI SILK SARI:

Also named as Errandi Silk and Ahimsa Silk, these sarees are made from silk yarn extracted from silkworms on castor plant. This is a premium saree made of 100% pure silk.

GADWAL SAREE:

Native to Uppada village in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, Gadwal sarees are made of cotton as a base fabric and silk border. These distinctive borders are detailed with zari threads.

IKKAT SAREES:

They are made with resist dyeing technique and feature multicolored patterns strewn throughout the saree.

JAMDANI SAREE:

The quintessential Bengali saree renowned for stunning weaves and its lightweight.

JACQUARD SAREE:

They are made of jacquard material and boast woven motifs. There are ample designs in jacquard sarees featuring floral patterns, stripes, geometric shapes and more.

JUTE SAREE:

They are made of jute and silk fabric. Jute silk sarees are among the most popular of these sarees.

KANJEEVARAM:

These are the most prominent South Indian sarees made of supreme silk from Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. Exquisite designs of zari thread grace the body, border, and pallu of this saree. Kanjeevaram is one of the most sought-after wedding saree in India.

KALAMKARI SAREE:

Known for hand-painted patterns on cotton, kalamkari saree depict the awe-inspiring motifs of flowers, paisleys, peacock, and more. Every kalamkari saree is a piece of art and depicts a unique story.

KANTHA SAREES:

They boast of kantha work, a running stitch embroidery originated in India. This embroidery is mostly done on cotton and silk sarees.

KASAVU SILK SAREE:

They are a popular white and golden saree from Kerala, India.

KHADI SILK SAREE:

Made from handspun silk, khadi silk sarees are loved for the crisp look and lightweight feel.

KORNAD SAREE:

It is a plain saree with beautiful and wide borders detailed with delicate patterns. They are also known as temple sareeS.

LINEN SAREES:

They are lightweight, easy to drape sarees worn in summer. They are durable and feel super comfortable.

MADHUBANI SAREE:

Cotton or silk sarees featuring mythological paintings of nature etc.

MAHESHWARI SARI:

It is a popular saree made in the district of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, India. This saree is revered for its narrow border graced with golden threads and unique, five strips.

MATKA SILK SAREES:

They are a lightweight, pure silk saree with coarse textures.

MYSORE SILK SAREE:

Made with pure silk and gold zari, the legendary sarees have rich history and look royal at special occasions.

MUSLIN SAREE:

Made with breathable and lightweight muslin, these sarees are easy to drape and work well for summer.

NARAYANPET SAREE:

They are cotton saris featuring solid tones on the base and contrast color on the border.

PATOLA SILK SAREE:

Made in the state of Gujarat, India, they are tie and dye sarees, mostly available in vibrant hues like green, red, or yellow. The distinct features of Patola silk sarees are the geometrical patterns and unique motifs of swans, birds, etc.

PAITHANI SARI:

A fine silk saree with zari threads and geometrical shapes.

SAMBALPURI SAREE:

Handwoven sarees from Orissa, India.

TANT SARI:

A thick bordered saree with ornate pallu and subtle base.

THIRUBUVANAM SAREE:

It is a pure silk saree handwoven with zari thread. The saree is loved for its one side border featuring elaborate zari work.

TUSSAR SILK SAREE:

They are pure silk sarees with a coarse texture.

TISSUE SAREE:

They are sheer, lightweight sarees that steal the show with their luster.

VENKATAGIRI SAREES:

Made in Andhra Pradesh, India, Venkatagiri Sarees are known for their striking zari designs on the contrast colored border. The sarees are intricately handwoven with traditional motifs.

ZARI WORK SAREES:

Zari work is a regal Indian embroidery made with gold and silver threads. The intricate zari work is done on the border and pallu of the saree. Zari work sarees look truly gorgeous.

Budget and Shopping Tips

Today it is quite easy to buy a saree. There are many luxurious and designer options available. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to own a master drape for yourself. You always have the budget-friendly options and online stores to buy a gorgeous saree at affordable prices.
Whether you are a bride planning her trousseau or a saree connoisseur, you can always find a perfect drape without breaking the bank. But first you have to determine your needs and exact budget. Here’s how you can do it:

REASEARCH AND EXPLORE:

Look for sarees that have suitable fabrics, designs, detailings, and comfort factor. Research online and find ideal e-stores that offer affordable yet high quality sarees.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET:

Another most important thing is to set your budget and then search accordingly. Select filters accordingly and try to go for options within the set budget.

MAKE THE MOST OF SALES & DISCOUNTS:

Plan well in advance and wait for sales and discounts to save extra. These sales are really helpful and help you get that perfect drape within a set budget.

ALWAYS COMPARE PRICES:

There are times when a saree is priced high on a certain online store. While the same drape is available at a lower price at a local store or another e-store. It is advisable to compare prices at multiple platforms and get the best possible deal.

CHECK REVIEWS:

Never miss them. Before making a purchase, always check the review of the same product. It assures you about the quality and its utility.

This is it, go on, make a wise decision and buy the best saree for yourself.