Sarees speak louder about the rich heritage and the age-old traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Originating from the Sanskrit word “Saadi”, which refers to the ‘strip of cloth,’ sarees in the present Indian culture are a stunning blend of modernism, versatility, comfort, and tradition.
Catering to the rising trends of wrapping up this piece of cloth in style, there are absolutely spectacular, budget-friendly, fashion statements and comfortable fabrics to choose from in 2025.
Saree Fabrics/types that you must try in 2025
Cotton
Undisputedly, the ‘queen’, cotton sarees can tolerate higher temperatures and survive excessive heat. Vibrant colors and conventional designs are the cherry on the top. cotton sarees are especially the 'to go' during the hot summer periods of India.
Banarasi
A must-have addition to every Indian bride’s collection, Banarasi sarees take pride in giving women a royal look. Usually made with silk threads of silver and gold, Banarasi sarees are a perfect pick for weddings, festivities and even - beyond!
Georgette
Lightweight (hence suitable for use in summer), georgette sarees are usually available with embroidery or in plain colors. They are among the best fashion choices for both parties and work.
Chanderi
Originating from Madhya Pradesh (India), Chanderi fabric offers a transparent look and is similar to cotton sarees in appearance. Zari's work (found in Chanderi) is the major difference.
Chiffon
Free-flowing, weightless, and slim look – chiffon sarees are usually a top choice for women who are overweight and wish to manage their appearance accordingly. Nylon, silk, rayon and cotton, chiffon has them all!
Kanjeevaram
If Banarasi sarees belong to North India, Kanjeevaram is the pride of the South. A common favorite of South Indian brides, Kanjeevaram sarees are not limited to South Indian weddings.
Celebrities and famous women often choose Kanjeevaram for their special public appearances. Carnatic singers inevitabkly are dressed up in Kanjeevaram Silk sarees for their kutcheries ( concerts). It flaunts golden zari works of temples, flowers, peacocks, and other similar historical elements. The “pallu” is often the highlight of Kanjeevaram sarees.
Jamdani
Jamdaani are the types of sarees that originate from Bangladesh and is immensely popular in weddings in West Bengal (India). Appearance is similar to cotton; it is made of muslin.
Chikankari
Elegance and delicate – that is what Lucknow’s chikankari sarees are about. Use of white threads for stunning embroidery done on high quality fabrics like georgette and cotton makes it an ideal pick to be worn during scorching summers. Chikankari sarees are best for both festive and casual occasions. It is also passed through the generations, being an attire that reflects tradition.
Bhagalpuri silk
Bhagalpuri silk, as the name suggests, are the types of sarees that originated from Bhagalpur in Bihar, India. It is also known as the tussar silk as it is made from it. The major attractions of these sarees are the natural dyes, unique colors and exceptional patterns. Since Bhagalpuri sarees are comfortable and also light in weight, these are great choices for festive and daily wear. Silk fabric utilized in Bhagalpuri sarees is of higher class and unmatched durability.
Pashmina
Pashmina sarees are made from the wool provided by the Himalayan goats and are known for their softness and warmth. These sarees from Jammu and Kashmir are great for winters and promises fine texture teamed with unique Kashmiri embroidery mostly representing floral designs.
Mysore silk
Originating from the Mysore region of Karnataka, Mysore silk sarees are the types of sarees made from pure silk, with golden border looks and are lightweight. These sarees are made with the help of natural dyes, are durable and can be worn for festive as well as formal events.
Tant
Tant sarees from the state of West Bengal are not only lightweight but also comfortable. They are made up of cotton and highlight flower designs and the paisleys. Tant are great for beating the heat and humidity of the area. Tant is also great for daily wear.
Bomkai
These sarees from Orissa, also identified as the Sonepuri sarees are a mix of cotton and silk fabrics. These sarees reflect stunning geometric patterns with intricate lotus and fish designs. These are commonly worn by women during the weddings and the festivals of the Orissa state.
Baluchari
A traditional favorite of Bengali women, Baluchari, the types of sarees originated from West Bengal usually represent the mythological scenes. These sarees are made from the pure and stunning silk with pallus often highlighting the elaborate designs. A favorite attire worn during festivals and weddings, these sarees reflect the traditional art of Bengal.
Sambalpuri
Made from the technique of Ikkat or the tie-dyes, Sambalpuri are the sarees of Orissa representing flowers, shells and wheels in its designs. These are made from a mix of cotton and silk and the major attraction is the ‘reversible pallu’.
Assam silk
Assam silk sarees are the result of wild or the Muga silk, with golden look and super-fine texture to go with. They are sarees of trends made up of the beautiful golden threads.
Leheriya
Leheriya sarees belong to Rajasthan and can be easily identified by the patterns that look like waves. Very much like Badhani, these sarees are also made with the help of the tie-dye techniques. Often symbolical of the monsoon, these reflect diagonal patterns. They are made from the fabrics that are synthetic or silk and are suitable for the hotter climate of Rajasthan.
Maheshwari
Originally belonging to the Maheshwar town, these sarees are from Madhya Pradesh. These attires can be identified by their unique striped and checkered patterns. The look for fashion can be completed with contrasting pallu designs that stand in contrast to its plain body. Maheshwari saree border is made of gold and silver.
Patola
Patolas are the types of sarees made of silk and handwoven materials and with the help of the double ikkat method. The major highlight of these sarees is the stunning geometric designs that also showcase vibrant and floral looks. Patola sarees usually take months and months to be woven perfectly and beautifully and used to be a favorite of royalty in the region.
Kasavu saree
One of the most popular choices to be worn in Onam, Kasavu sarees are also known as Kerala sarees. They are made from silk and pure cotton. It is a must-have attire for Malayali women and can be beautifully paired with some attractive golden jewelry commonly used in Indian culture.
Dharmavaram
These are the fashion statement from the Andhra Pradesh. Rich colors and detailed designing on silk fabric, these attires make a perfect choice for memorable weddings, festivities and religious gatherings. Zari work pallu give it a grand look and are a favorite of women opting for a traditional look in Indian culture.
Kota Doria
Kota Doria comes from Rajasthan and are one of the best when it comes to choosing a lightweight sari. These are a mix up of cotton and silk, the major highlight being their translucent look with airy feel. They are suitable fashion attires to be worn against the hot climate of Rajasthan.
Fabrics for different occasions
Wedding: Silk, Kanjivaram, and Banarasi, which promise the perfect blend of royal look and vibrant colors, can be beautifully draped for weddings.
Casual: Linen and cotton are usually the top choices for casual outings because of the unmatched comfort and style they bring along.
Festivals: Chiffon and tissue silk can provide a light and a much more subtle look. Detailed prints and beautiful embroidery make it a fit for the feel of festivities.
Office: Georgette and cotton (breathable) sarees are great as fashion fabrics and suitable to wear for a long period. The perfect appearance can be accomplished with a fitted blouse. They present a great mix of style, comfort, and confidence.
To sum up!
Sarees are representatives of Indian culture, tradition, style, comfort, and elegance. They can be worn with a “purpose” and draped according to the climate and culture. The saree heritage of India is huge with over 100 types of them representing unique tradition, culture and heritage of the region they come from.
