12 Types Of Sarees From Across The Country and 36 Of Our Best Product Recos!

4136 Interested |
33K  Views

Growing up, the one style that I saw all women in my family carry effortlessly was a saree. And with my state's rich history of textile, and the various traditional ways in which you could tie them, it made complete sense to me that the one thing you could find in abundance in my grandmother's closet was a saree. And my mother has carried on this tradition and now has over 500 sarees from all over the country in her collection. Now, as an adult who is trying to define her own sense of style, sarees are slowly becoming a significant part of my wardrobe too. 

And in this journey of discovering and learning about the absolute art that is a saree, I have deep dived and researched everything that the different regions of the county have to offer. So, here are my favourite types of sarees, categorised by region, their material, the draping difficulty and some recommendations that you should definitely add to your collection. 

Banarasi Saree

Who hasn't heard of the Banarasi silk saree? Typically having Mughal motifs, these are a great option for weddings and are a popular option among brides. Typically these come in intricately woven fine silk with gold and silver brocade work. They can have floral motifs, jhalars (upright leaves) and usually come with a broad border. A good handloom Banarasi saree can take anywhere from 10 days to a month to weave and are usually really heavy. If you're looking to go for an ultra-real look, go for a Banarasi brocade saree, which basically means that the textile is even more finely woven. Now you can also find the Banarasi-style motif in georgette, organza, cotton or linen sarees, but like my mother would say, if you really want a Banarasi saree, it has to be silk.

Care Instructions: These are heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations. I would suggest dry clean them after every wear, place them in a protective cover with butter paper placed in between the folds, and keep them carefully stored in your wardrobe and not a box bed. Opening them up and folding them in a different way is also recommended so that the fine fabric doesn't get misshaped.

Draping difficulty: 9/10. These are really heavy sarees and require expertise and practise to drape. 

Triyah Teal Jaal Banarasi Silk Saree

Teal Jaal Banarasi Silk Saree With Unstitched Blouse Fabric

Teal Jaal Banarasi Silk Saree With Unstitched Blouse Fabric

â‚ą10999
Shop On

KALKI Fashion True Red Saree

True Red Saree In Pure Banarasi Silk with Unstitched Blouse

True Red Saree In Pure Banarasi Silk with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą25767
Shop On

Taneira Light Pink Silk Banarasi Brocade Saree

Light Pink Silk Banarasi Brocade Saree

Light Pink Silk Banarasi Brocade Saree

â‚ą29999

Leheriya Saree

Flowy, colourful and just so effortlessly beautiful—Leheriya has to be one of my top choices for a day event or even for everyday wear. They can be a little tedious to carry because of the texture of the fabric, but if you pin it up just the right amount, it's the best summer-wear option. Patronised by Rajput rulers, Leheriya is unique to Rajasthan, mostly Jaipur and Jodhpur. It's a tie and dye resist method that creates wave-like patterns that have been likened to the visual of winds blowing through the sand in the desert. The pattern can be created on any material, such as cotton, georgette, silk or a blend, but I would suggest getting a pure georgette Leheriya saree. They come in vivid bright colours perfect for evening or day event. They can be a bit fragile, so I would suggest adding a lace or gota or any other additional border to the saree to give it some weight and avoid the edges fraying/tearing. This also makes them easier to carry and drape while adding to the look! 

Draping difficulty: 6/10. These are pretty easy to drape, but because of it flowy nature, I'd suggest draping it in one go. Redoing the drape can be difficult. Safety pins are your friend here. 

LBB-Tip: Add a tiny bit of paper to the safety pin to protect the fabric from tearing. 

Paulmi & Harsh Tea Pot Blue Leheriya Pre Draped Saree

Tea Pot Blue Leheriya Pre Draped Saree with Stitched Blouse

Tea Pot Blue Leheriya Pre Draped Saree with Stitched Blouse

â‚ą18900
Shop On

Taneira Pink Georgette Leheriya Saree

Pink Georgette Leheriya Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Pink Georgette Leheriya Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą5999
Shop On

Geroo Jaipur Yellow Handcrafted Leheriya Organza Saree

Yellow Handcrafted Leheriya Organza Saree

Yellow Handcrafted Leheriya Organza Saree

â‚ą6000
Shop On

Chikankari Saree

I will wear anything chikankari. I think there was a phase in my life when I only went out wearing chikankari. And when you bring sarees to that mix? Take my money NOW! The intricate design, the summery colours and just the sheer versatility—depending on the intricacy of the embroidery and the material of the saree, you can wear it to the office, for a date, to a day event, you can even wear to a casual wedding function! Unique to Lucknow, this white-thread hand embroidery fabric can be done on a variety of materials, including but not limited to muslin, chiffon, silk and organza.

Care Instructions: They need care and you should follow the same steps as the ones for Banarasi silk for storing these pieces. 

Draping Difficulty: 4/10 to 7/10. The difficulty depends on the intricacy of the work, the more intricate the work, the heavier the saree will be. 

LBB-Tip: Wear with heels to avoid the edges getting frayed. 

ADA Beige Embroidered Saree

Beige Embroidered Saree with Unstitched Blouse (A130074)

Beige Embroidered Saree with Unstitched Blouse (A130074)

â‚ą5990
Shop On

Seva Chikan Hand Embroidered Peach Saree

Seva Chikan Hand Embroidered Peach Georgette Lucknowi Saree

Seva Chikan Hand Embroidered Peach Georgette Lucknowi Saree

â‚ą4900

Nazrana Chikan Handcrafted Green Saree

Lakhnawi Handicrafted Faux Georgette Chikankari Saree HONC0114442

Lakhnawi Handicrafted Faux Georgette Chikankari Saree HONC0114442

â‚ą3750

Sambalpuri Saree

We have come to my absolute favourite textile (I am biased of course). The Sambalpuri fabric is woven with an age-old technique called bandha (ikat) and usually has traditional motifs like shankha (shell), phula (flower) and chakra (wheel) and the oldest and most iconic colour combinations is black and red, as an ode to Lord Jagannath. The painstaking process of making this fabric involves tie-dyeing the threads before they are woven. You can find this type usually on materials like stiff cotton or raw silk, and I would suggest sticking to those since they are the most long-lasting and won't be machine printed. You can now find more modern designs like geometric patterns, and beautiful temple art on the intricately woven borders.

Care Instructions: Like the Banarasi saree, only dry clean and store in dry place inside a protective wrap. 

Draping difficulty: 9/10. Because the fabric is mostly available in stiff cotton or heavy raw silk, they have to be draped with expertise, but guarantee fine lines and silhouette when done well. 

Priyadarshini Handloom Sambalpuri Ikkat Silk Saree

Handloom Sambalpuri Ikkat Silk Saree

Handloom Sambalpuri Ikkat Silk Saree

â‚ą29570

Charukriti Sky Blue Cotton Handspun Ikat Saree

Sky Blue Cotton Handspun Handwoven Saree with Ikkat Design

Sky Blue Cotton Handspun Handwoven Saree with Ikkat Design

â‚ą3250
Shop On

Priyadarshini Handloom Sambalpuri Patachitra Cotton Saree

Handloom Sambalpuri Patachitra Cotton Saree

Handloom Sambalpuri Patachitra Cotton Saree

â‚ą8770

Kantha Saree

I believe there is nothing more beautiful than a Kantha stitch saree. A centuries-old craft, Kantha is a form of embroidery that originated in the Bengal region which comprises patchwork stitching of rags. A people's craft, this art form was not patronised by the kings but passed down from one generation of rural women to the next. Kantha sarees now can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months and is usually done on raw silk, tussar silk, or pure cotton. It usually has intricatrely woven geometric patterns, but now also come in floral patterns and stitches that depict rural life. While you can lighter options too, kantha sarees are usually heavy and should be pinned up properly. 

Draping difficulty: 8/10. Silk can be a difficult material to drape, but falls beautifully when done well. 

LBB-Tip: Don't forget that little piece of paper in the safety pin to protect the beautiful thread work. 

iTokri Green Kantha Stitch Green Saree

Bengal Kantha Embroidery Handloom Bangalore Silk Saree

Bengal Kantha Embroidery Handloom Bangalore Silk Saree

â‚ą12500

Santiniketan Gachi Tussar Silk Kantha Stitch Saree

Gachi Tussar Silk Kantha Stitch Saree SN20223824

Gachi Tussar Silk Kantha Stitch Saree SN20223824

â‚ą9990

Bengal Looms India Kantha Work Saree in Black

Hand Embroidery Blended Silk Kantha Work Saree in Black and Multicolored Thread Work

Hand Embroidery Blended Silk Kantha Work Saree in Black and Multicolored Thread Work

â‚ą4975

Assam Silk Saree

Assam silk is denoted by its three types: Muga, white pat and warm eri. The most commonly found and famous from the region is the muga silk saree, especially as the mekhela chador. Usually found in the off-white or cream with intricate weaves, muga silk can be hand-washed (although I would say don't take a risk and get it dry cleaned), and gets more lustrous after every wash—can you believe that? My favourite drape is the mekhela chador, which is a two-piece saree, that comes in the form of a skirt and that you pleat and tuck and the pallu is tucked into the waist. Now, the traditional Assam stitch can also be found on materials like cotton and linen that look equally beautiful.

Draping Difficulty: 6/10. Mekhela chadors are really easy to drape once you know the right way to do it! 

Taneira Dark Blue Modal Eri Assam Saree

Dark Blue Modal Eri Assam Saree

Dark Blue Modal Eri Assam Saree

â‚ą16999

Sereki Dhaani Wheat Brown-Maroon Muga Silk Mekhela Sador

Dhaani Wheat Brown-Maroon Muga Silk Mekhela Sador

Dhaani Wheat Brown-Maroon Muga Silk Mekhela Sador

â‚ą45000

Sereki Kadamba Orange Paat Silk Saree

Kadamba Orange Paat Silk Saree

Kadamba Orange Paat Silk Saree

â‚ą24000

Kanjeevaram Saree

Originating in Tamil Nadu, the Kanjeevaram or Kanchipuram sarees are now famous all-over and are one of the top choices for Indian brides everywhere. Made of pure mulberry silk, it usually takes three weavers to work on one saree, and the border and body are woven separately and then stitched together. The borders are usually done in striking gold and are wide, the patterns and motifs on these sarees are usually inspired by temple life of South India or nature, such as floral patterns or leaves. These are really heavy sarees usually reserved for special occasions and can vary widely in price depending on the intricacy of the work. 

Draping difficulty: 9/10. They are difficult to drape just because of the sheer weight of the fabric. 

Akhilam Women Silk Blend Lavender Handloom Saree

Women Silk Blend Lavender Woven Design Handloom Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Women Silk Blend Lavender Woven Design Handloom Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą7779
Shop On

Karagiri Light Golden Kanjivaram Saree

Light Golden Kanjivaram Saree

Light Golden Kanjivaram Saree

â‚ą5626

Karagiri Cherry Red Woven Kanjivaram Saree

Cherry Red Woven Kanjivaram Saree - Special Wedding Edition

Cherry Red Woven Kanjivaram Saree - Special Wedding Edition

â‚ą5626

Kasavu Saree

Who hasn't been to an Onam sadhya and been absolutely mesmerised by this classic white and gold piece? The Kasavu saree is native to Kerala and the traditional style of gold or silver weave on silk or cotton. Popularly known as the Kerala saree, these originally come in a two-piece set wherein the piece that goes around your lower half is called the mundu and the upper is called a veshti, but the saree is now available as a single piece as many women prefer it. Although I would suggest going for the classic gold border, there are modern options available that pair gold with bright colours such as red and green. 

Draping difficulty: 6/10. Only because it is silk and needs a steady hand. 

Triyah Off White and Gold Border Cotton Saree

Off White and Gold Border Cotton Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Off White and Gold Border Cotton Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą3699
Shop On

Label Gehnasamah White Kasavu Hand Painted Saree

White Kasavu Hand Painted Saree

White Kasavu Hand Painted Saree

â‚ą27000

Aevum Kerala Cotton Thin Zari Bordered Saree

Kerala Cotton Thin Zari Bordered Saree - 0528

Kerala Cotton Thin Zari Bordered Saree - 0528

â‚ą1654

Narayanpet Saree

One of my mother's favourites, these are bright, colourful and so fun to style. The Narayanpet saree comes from a region district in Andhra Pradesh with the same name. The region has a rich history of handloom and this particular fabric is made using the interlocked-waft technique and often eight sarees are woven together. The contrasting colours, the thin gold border and the striking prints on the pallu are what sets this fabric apart. They also often come in two-tone fabric, and the colour of the dye is long-lasting. Commonly done on cotton-silk blends or pure light silk, these sarees can be worn all year round and can be pretty affordable. 

Draping difficulty: 4/10. 

Vara Mahalakhsmi Narayanpet Silk Buttis Orange Saree

Narayanpet Silk Buttis Orange Saree

Narayanpet Silk Buttis Orange Saree

â‚ą11899

Weaves Of Tradition Mustard And Black Dual Tone Saree

Mustard And Black Dual Tone Narayanpet Handloom Saree

Mustard And Black Dual Tone Narayanpet Handloom Saree

â‚ą1900

Unnati Silks Black Pure Handloom Saree

Black Pure Handloom Pavani Narayanpet Cotton Saree-UNM67777

Black Pure Handloom Pavani Narayanpet Cotton Saree-UNM67777

â‚ą2999

Paithani Saree

Originating in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Paithani sarees are made of silk and zari and can be single coloured or kaleidoscope. These sarees usually feature small round designs or peacocks, flowers, coconuts—all heavily inspired by the Ajantas. They usually feature a broad border with motifs of muniya (a kind of parrot) on it. Originally made with cotton, now it is mostly found of silk and had a lustrous sheen because of the liberal use of gold weave. One saree can take anywhere between six months to two years to make. Paithani sarees are a legacy piece if taken care of properly. Allow the fabric to breathe after every use by spreading it out in a dry place and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, but don't store in really dark dingy places such as box bed. 

Draping difficulty: 5/10. The silk is extremely soft and so easier to handle. 

Only Paithani Navy Blue Silk Handloom Saree

Navy Blue Silk Handloom Paithani Saree

Navy Blue Silk Handloom Paithani Saree

â‚ą17500

Zari Banaras Classic Off White Woven Saree

Classic Off White Woven Paithani Silk Saree

Classic Off White Woven Paithani Silk Saree

â‚ą24997

Exclusiva Green Saree

Green Paithani Silk Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Green Paithani Silk Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą6871
Shop On

Chanderi Saree

The Chanderi fabric belongs to Madhya Pradesh and has a glossy, lightweight and sheer texture. They are usually of gauzy cotton material or a blend of cotton and silk and have a gold or silver border. They traditionally come with motifs like swans, fruits, celestial bodies and gold coins. While originally woven in paste hues, they now come in bright and vibrant colours like reds and pinks (and trust me, they looks fabulous!). Depending on the look, these sarees are great for evening and day events and have you looking regal every time you drape it. 

Draping difficulty: 6/10. While not hard to drape, try to do it one go, as once pleated, it can look shabby if done again. 

LBB-Tip: The look of this fabric is puffy and stiff, go with it, don't try to get very clean lines. 

Beatitude Pink Woven Chanderi Silk Saree

Pink Woven Chanderi Silk Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Pink Woven Chanderi Silk Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą8433
Shop On

Swtantra Haldi Chanderi Saree

Haldi Chanderi Saree with Unstitched Blouse with Unstitched

Haldi Chanderi Saree with Unstitched Blouse with Unstitched

â‚ą3299
Shop On

Taneira Pink Silk Chanderi Saree

Pink Silk Chanderi Saree

Pink Silk Chanderi Saree

â‚ą10999

Patola Saree

Vibrant, intricate and evergreen—from the Patan region of Gujarat, the patola saree is made by first dyeing the fabric with natural colour and then woven together to form intricate patterns. Usually found in silk, these sarees are collector's pieces because of the heavily detailed work and are often worn on special occasions such as weddings. The motifs usually have flowers, elephants, parrots, dancing figures, geometric patterns and more. This painstakingly woven pieces are priceless heirloom pieces but it is unfortunately a dying art. Most options given here are machine printed, since original patola sarees can cost anywhere upwards of a lakh. 

Draping difficulty: 7/10. 

Karagiri Olive Green Patola Saree

Olive Green Patola Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Olive Green Patola Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą13899
Shop On

Odette Womens White Patola Pure Silk Saree

Womens White Patola Pure Silk Saree with Unstitched Blouse

Womens White Patola Pure Silk Saree with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą18489
Shop On

Kalki Fashion Bottle Green Saree In Silk Patola

Bottle Green Saree In Silk Patola and Foil Print with Unstitched Blouse

Bottle Green Saree In Silk Patola and Foil Print with Unstitched Blouse

â‚ą6837
Shop On