Sarees are a wardrobe staple for many in India and most women wear this garment at least once in their lifetime. They always remember the first time they wore a saree and often have stories to share. Some enjoy it, while others might share how their saree almost came undone. It is also a go-to attire for weddings and festivals like Diwali, Durga Pooja, and more.
It’s safe to say that most of us love wearing sarees, but not all of us know how they are made. Read on to find out all about how this beautiful garment reaches your wardrobe.
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Materials
Sarees are made by putting yarn through a waving machine. They then turn it into fabric, and the final product is dyed and printed or embroidered to create the desired look. Cotton, silk, Zari, and woollen yarn are most commonly used in this process. Historically, handlooms were used for this process but now they have been replaced by machines, as they are faster and can produce more in less time. However, handlooms continue to be part of several communities and many family businesses continue to revive the art form in India. Modern sarees also use crepe, net, and chiffon fabrics, either on their own or with other traditional fabrics.
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Prints and patterns
Once the fabric is prepared, it is sent for printing if needed. Hand-painted sarees and fabrics with woodblock printing are popular and can be found at various price points. Authentic prints done by artists who learned the process as it is handed down in their family will be more expensive but an amazing addition to your collection. Used for centuries, Bandhani is a unique way of tie-dyeing fabrics. There are many other painting and printing techniques you can explore like Bagh, Kalamkari, Ikhat, Dabu, Bagru and Batik.
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Washing
The saree fabric is washed with industry-standard chemicals to ensure that it has been rid of any odours from the manufacturing process. This also ensures that it does not react with skin and can be safely used by the end consumer. The fabric then goes through a drying and folding machine, which packs them up in neat bundles and ready for final touches.
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Designing
Fabrics are picked to create sarees by designers, who could be working independently or for a mass manufacturer. The fabric can be commissioned by the designer or they can look through existing options. Once the fabric is acquired, the final touches are added. These can include embroidery details that can be simply on the border or throughout the saree and pallu, including Chikhangkari, Zardosi and Phulkari.
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Pre-draped
We live in a world of instant everything, so why should our sarees be left out? Pre-draped sarees are very popular at the moment because of the ease they offer. Not everyone has the time or skills to perfectly drape a saree, especially if you are leaving for work or have to visit an event that is out of town. Pre-draped sarees also take away the hassle of using safety pins and ensuring that you are properly securing the garment. It offers convenience for beginners and those still building their confidence to drape a saree.
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Mermaid drap
This style of saree draping allows you to flaunt your curves while embracing tradition. A mermaid drape saree is another great option if you have just started wearing sarees. You can drape your saree in the mermaid style, also known as the fish style, for occasions where you don’t want to be worried about being careful. Sangeets, for example, are the perfect occasion to try out this drape. The focus should be on your dance, and this will allow you to do just that. You can choose to bring the pallu in the front or keep it in the back in this style.
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Colour blocking
Colour blocking is everywhere – from co-ord sets to bags and footwear. So why leave your sarees out of the conversation? If you want to experiment with this trend, go for 2 or 3 pastel shades and drape it in the classic style. If you are willing to don a bolder look, add more shades, pick bright colours, and drape it in the dhoti style or even over pants. The trendy fabric allows room to make it fit a more casual silhouette. You can also add bling to these sarees with a metallic border and floral embellishments for the wedding and festive seasons.
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Retro elements
With the major comeback of 90s fashion, some things are here to stay and that list includes ruffles. They can be added to your blouse to add an element of fun – you can add it to the sleeves or even across the neckline. You can take it a step further by going for fabrics with ruffles on the borders, this will give the bottom of your saree a unique look after it is draped. There are also fabrics available in the markets that have ruffles all over the fabric. The ruffle saree also gives the look of a gown if draped right.
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Muted shades
The internet is drooling over pastel celebrity bridal looks and Alia Bhatt’s saree for her wedding, which she also wore while accepting the National Film Awards, is now on the wishlist of all brides-to-be. If you want to keep it low-key or lighter colours are just your personal favourite, pastel sarees will add the perfect soft glow to your look. Don’t worry about blending into the background, you will stand out even in your pastel attire. Pair this with dainty jewellery in soft metallics and a classy hair updo for an elevated look.
