Saris Buying Guide

The traditional garment worn by Indian women is called the sari  or saree.  While its exact origin is unknown, researchers have shown existence of saris way back in 3000 BC in the Indus Valley civilization.

The sari is worn by not only Indian women but also many women from other countries, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and so on.  It is a very elegant garment--not an outfit or fashion wear but an ornament that lends both grace and glamor to the wearer. More importantly, the sari epitomizes the continuity of an age-old tradition that has withstood the onslaught of many different cultures, and emerges today as a visible symbol of the resilience, continuity and timelessness of the Indian way of life.

Characteristics

The sari is one of the most common and oldest forms of dress and fashion wear among women in India, and it continues to be the most popular fashion item worn by Indian women. The sari is made up  of a long rectangular shaped strip of unstitched cloth that rangers from 5 to 9 yards in length.  The style, color , design and texture of this cloth varies and it might be made from cotton,  silk,  georgette,  chiffon  or man-made materials. The most expensive woven sari is in silk.

• Designs may reflect regional cultures, such as the "Kanjivarams" from the south or Muga silks from the east.
• The sari has an age old charm because it does not need to be cut or stitched for a particular size.
• There are a large variety of designs, drapes, fabrics, and colors, which reveal a unique blending of religious and cultural influences of India.
• The pleats of the sari are not in front, but at the back forming, a fan. The pallav covering the chest is brought over the right shoulder. This is held in place with a brooch  or a pin, and as the wearer walks, the pleats behind her gently swing, giving the impression of the long train, lending a certain grace and elegance to the wearer.

In spite of the emergence of various western wear and other dresses in the Indian market, the sari still remains the favorite fashion wear of Indian women. No other dress can show grace, elegance and dignity as well as a sari can. Furthermore, it is a universal garment: grandmother and granddaughter can both carry off the same sari with equal grace. It molds itself easily to every circumstance, whether the occasion be a marriage or a festival. No matter how convenient other Indian costumes may be, it is extremely unlikely that any women would ever give up wearing a sari.

Types of Saris

Silk	Designer	Bridal  and Wedding	Georgette	Cotton

Other Popular Indian Garments

Kurtis	Salwar Kameez

Related Guides

Clothing	Clothing for Women	Clothing Resource Guide	Vintage Clothing	Eco-Fashion