Silk or cotton: which handloom saree should you buy?
Every saree in our range is woven by hand. What changes is the fibre, and the fibre decides how the saree feels, how you look after it and where you will want to wear it.
What is the difference between a silk and a cotton handloom saree?
A silk saree has a smooth, light fall and carries zari borders well. A cotton saree is soft and breathable and is usually simpler to wash.
Our silks are Mysore silk, Assam silk and banana pith silk. Our cottons are Chettinad cottons from Karaikudi, the lotus, paisley and Kalyani cottons from Madurai, and mal mal cotton.
Which is better for hot weather?
Cotton, and mal mal cotton most of all. Mal mal is fine and lightweight, soft on the skin and cool in the heat. Linen is also breathable and has a crisp drape.
Which is easier to look after?
Cotton. Wash it by hand in cold water with a mild soap, wash it alone the first time as the colour may bleed a little, and dry it in the shade.
Silk is best dry cleaned for the first few washes. Store it folded in a soft muslin cloth, away from damp and not in plastic. Our saree care page has the notes for each weave.
Still not sure which to choose?
Book a video call and we will show you sarees live, from home. You can also message us on WhatsApp with the occasion and your budget.