An outfit worth the recognition and praise it receives, the Indian saree has held captive many hearts over the years, gradually becoming one of the most beloved attire flaunted by women everywhere. Banarasi sarees, as the name suggests are a kind of saree made in the thriving city of Banaras or Varanasi. Woven intricately with hard work and utter concentration, this kind of saree has been preferred over many other by women due to its elegance and opulence.
The beauty and exquisiteness of the Banarasi saree is enough to make women go gaga over the fabric and design, no matter what the occasion or the season. Here’s all the reasons why we recommend buying a Banarasi saree this festive season!
What’s the Origin of the Saree?
A beautiful weave such as the ones on a Banasari saree can only have an origin as beautiful as the fabric itself. A city that was renowned as a cotton textile hub, Banaras has given people its culture in more ways than one. The designs on these beautiful silk weaves have been inspired from the Mughals with designs that were prominently seen on the attire worn by the Mughals. Floral motifs and more can be seen on the Banarasi weave, making them heavier and more exquisite.
The making of the saree also varies from design to design where the simplest of patterns can take a mere 20 days while something more intricately patterned can take as long as six months to be woven.
Types of Prints and Designs
Banarasi sarees come in varied patterns and designs that are each set to woo the hearts of saree lovers everywhere. The types of Banarasi sarees are distinguished on the basis of their designing and the type of material used. Here are some of these types that can help you decide on the right choice for you, depending on what you prefer most.
- Opaque Zari Brocade
It comes in variations based on the weft zari used. For those with a penchant for zari work, this is certainly an option worth trying, especially with the kind of saree collection for women that is housed at Nihal Fashions.
- Amni Brocades
In such saris, silk is used in place of weft patterns and comes in both untwisted as well as twisted yarns. Amni Brocade Banarasi saris are quite popular among the different types of traditional Indian sarees.
- Tanchoi Brocades
These are heavy, dense patterned sarees that involve a weaving technique different from the usual way. The technique uses either a single warp or a double along with anywhere between two to five colors of similar shades on the weft.
- Zari Brocades
These sarees are created with transparent silk muslin or organza with beaming hued silk and zari.
- Kincab Brocades
Kincab Banarasi saris are commonly known as heavy gilt brocade sarees. The vividness of zari makes it the perfect pick for those with a penchant for all things bling.
What blouse styles can you try with your Banarasi Saree?
With silk being a fabric that need the utmost care, going for flimsy patterns can ruin the fabric as well as your chance to wear it more than once. Going for patterns that bring out the best of the outfit should be your ultimate decision. Here are some patterns we suggest:
- High-necked Sleeveless Blouse
If you have an aversion to sleeves, opting for a high-necked blouse is perfect to make the outfit look elegant classy at the same time.
- Elbow-length Sleeves
Cap sleeves are so passé and we definitely do not recommend it on your fabulous Banarasi saree. Instead opt for elbow-length sleeves.
- Crop Tops
If you’d rather not take the trouble to get one stitched, you can always get a crop top that blends splendidly with the saree you purchase.
How should you Accessorize the Beautiful Outfit?
You’ve purchased the best sarees online, shopped at the most popular stores for the dream ensemble, and gotten it at a price that was worth the fuss. However, the right add-on is equally important to make your look a success. Here’s what we suggest you to get to complement your outfit:
- Jewelry
Jewelry is one addition that is perfect for every outfit, irrespective of the culture or tradition that the outfit belongs to. And when thinking of what could go brilliantly with your lovely Banarasi saree, a kamarpatta should definitely on the list. Yet another jewelry that goes beautifully with a saree is an armlet that goes round your arm to add some bling. A maangtika on your forehead is enough to complete the entire look along with bangles on your wrists, ring-cum-bracelets, anklets on your feet, and jhumkas gracing your ears.
- Footwear
If you are someone who can carry a saree flawlessly while gliding on your heel shoes, go right ahead. Gorgeous, studded shoes with miles for heels would be perfection with a saree by making your legs look longer. For those not very comfortable managing your saree wearing heels, flats, or better yet, mojdis are sure to up the fashion quotient. Embellished mojdis with an ethnic touch are add-ons that can brighten up any ethnic look.
- Confidence
Yes, we mean it. While women absolutely love wearing sarees, especially during festivities and celebrations, not every woman does it with the confidence that is required to pull off the attire without lessening its charm. If you do intend to don a saree this season, make sure you do it with confidence, and sport a smile brighter than any firework!
How to maintain these Sarees?
One thing you need to remember when you purchase a Banarasi saree is its delicateness. If you are used to being careless with the clothes you own, this is surely an attire you should let pass by you. Purchasing a traditional Indian saree would require a lot of care and maintenance in terms of washing, ironing, and how you place it in your closet. Make sure you read a detailed blog about what is best for the kind of saree you have purchased!
