Banarasi Sarees

A Banarasi is woven in Varanasi with the zari worked into the cloth on the loom, not printed or stitched on afterwards. That is the whole difference, and it is why a good one outlasts the wedding it was bought for.

Which Banarasi is which?

Katan silk is the classic: pure twisted silk in both warp and weft, heavy, crisp, and the one for a bride or for Ashtami. See Katan silk sarees. Chiffon, georgette and crepe-khaddi Banarasis fall softer and forgive a first-time wearer. Organza (kora) is sheer and light, for daytime. Tissue carries metallic zari right through the body and glows under evening light — see tissue silk sarees. Cotton Banarasi is the everyday version, for pujas and office days.

What does a Banarasi cost here?

From about ₹1,000 for a cotton Banarasi to ₹52,900 at the top. The price follows three things: the base silk, how much of the saree the zari covers, and whether the pallu is woven as one continuous piece.

How do you tell a good one?

Turn it over. On a woven Banarasi the back shows the floats of the pattern thread; a printed one is flat on the reverse. Look at the pallu — it should be woven, not attached. Our guide Banarasi vs Katan silk goes further, and Banarasi or Kanjivaram helps if you are choosing between the two great wedding silks.

Looking after it

Dry clean for the first few wears. Store it folded in muslin, never plastic, and refold it every six months so the zari does not crack along the same line.

Free shipping across India, cash on delivery, and most sarees come with an unstitched blouse piece. Also see Kanjivaram and all silk sarees.