In a world that’s obsessed with fads, we’re grateful for some constants. One of those evergreen things for us is a collection of handloom sarees. Almost as comforting as a cup of mom-made garam chai, these loving warps and wefts have that endearing quality that no new age-y dhoti drape can rival. So, whether you’re someone who swears by the good ol’ Nalli, or someone who likes switching things up with cool linen saris, this list will have you covered for the whole nine yards and then some. Of course, our eyes are eternally on Raw Mango. Oh, those beautiful Chanderis! Bring on more. Quite honestly, the brand is creating waves, first with Akshata Murty wearing their saree during G20 in New Delhi to their collection on the runway of Lakme Fashion Week 2023, it was beautiful, experimental, and stunning. Especially Kalki Koechlin's look, it was giving couture! And if you're still not convinced, then here are a host of other brands similar to Raw Mango that shine the spotlight on handlooms and rich, weaving traditions that would otherwise get lost in time.
Love Raw Mango? You'll Fall In Love With These Handlooms Brands Too
Earthwhile
We’ve seen this brand evolve from the most basic-looking website to a marketplace that’s all about handcrafted weaves that are all designed with meticulous care. So, if you’re looking for something that’ll make you stand out, and aren’t too stingy with the budget, Earthwhile’s handwoven garments in organic cotton blended with linen and khadi, are exactly what you need.
Price: Starting at INR 2,500
Chidiyaa
A tried-and-tested brand, we love that they try nothing over-the-top. They pick indigos, whites and earthy reds, and render them on beautiful, block-printed saris. The often contrasting crop top blouses are so versatile that we’ve worn them with pants, under spaghetti dresses and with a bunch of long skirts.
Price: Starting at INR 1,690
Suta
Another brand we’ve personally worn, Suta is great if you like mismatched, funky blouses with classic drapes. Suta's sarees are contemporary cool and made for the millennial woman. Here you will find some really classy designs that won't burn a hole in your pocket—perfect for festivities at home. We are currently ogling the Goddess Energy collection that has funky blouses in mostly Muga Silk, with cools cut-out backs, dori backs, and deep V-necks with high backs. Perfect to mix and match for the upcoming festive and wedding season.
Price: Starting at INR 1,930
Margazhi Designs
Margazhi Designs creates and sells traditionally woven sarees that celebrate colour and tradition while also featuring fresh elements in the form of patchwork, attached borders and pallus. It is all about timeless fashion, that evolves, yet is rooted deep into its history. Special collections in the past have included plain mangalagiri cottons with cheerful printed blouses (block prints like bagh, dabu, etc.), light and pastel florals, and plain tussars with rich, motif-filled raw silk blouses, Chinnalapattus in dark, velvety tones and more. The Aval Collection—a mix of Odisha and Tamil Nadu-inspired prints, fabrics and patterns, is great if you're looking for easy-to-wear sarees but with a regal look.
Price: Starting at INR 4,850 (from what we could check, her website is almost always sold out)
Hathkargha
The handloom saree collection of Hathkargha is rustic, earthy and blends patchwork, offbeat colour combinations and fairly bold prints. Plus, edge additions like pom poms and tassels to take the formal edge off sarees! They also have scarves, stoles, blouses, fabrics for suits and dupattas. So, don't only pick the whole nine yards here. While they neatly categorise the collections, if you're a little lazy or you know busy, so have to do things last minute, then the Treasure Box section is for you. A curation of their best-sellers and latest offerings, you can pick anything of the online shelf and know you'll be trendy.
Price: Starting at INR 1,000 for tops; INR 2,000 for sarees
YAM
A brand that makes their own prints, and aims to modernise traditional weaving, embroidery, painting and textile crafts, YAM keeps it contemporary but also very rooted in traditional India. From silks from Benaras and cotton and canvas from weavers in South India, you'll find edgy options for shirts, sarees, lehengas, blouses, suits and co-ord sets. We're here for their sarees though! From Indonesia-inspired batik to colourful sarees that are a nod to islands like Maui, Hawaii, Corfu and Tahiti, it's a pop of colour, print and will have you standing out in a crowd of usual sarees. For cool kurtas in silk, check out the Borneo lot!
Price: Starting at INR 1,000
Anavila
Handwoven organza or morakasi-printed linen sarees? Yes, yes, and more yes! Working with artisans from across the country, and weaving in cultures, textures, fabrics and prints from all corners of India, Anavila sarees are timeless, and can be worn to practically any occasion. We love how in spite of the linen fabrics, this sustainable brand is priced reasonably (INR 12,500 for pure linen is great!). Makes it aspirational yet attainable! And if Sonam Kapoor, Madhuri Dixti, Kajol and Konkana Sen Sharma—all celebrities who really know their sarees well, approve and adore this brand, we say go for it!
Their collection, Quiet, shines the spotlight on khadi. You will find traditional motifs of flowers, birds and fruits on nova sets, kaftans and scarves in natural-dyed white, peach, indigo, green, yellow, pink featuring jamdani-inspired motifs in gold and silver for that touch of drama and whimsy.
Price: Starting at INR 5,500 for blouses; INR 10,500 for sarees
Aryans
We found Aryan's on one of our Hood Guide adventures and were so pleasantly surprised with their beautiful handloom collection. They have an extensive collection of sarees and suit sets for women and also some amazing festive wear for men, and everything is reasonably priced. If you're in Delhi, then you must visit their store in South Ex.
Price: Starting at INR 5,000
Pro-Tip
Want to recreate the handloom saree looks of some of our favourite Bollywood actors? We did that for you already!
Also, while on the subject of handloom, don't miss checking out these brands that are making khadi cool again.
