Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani and more: famous Indian sarees explained
5 min read · Updated 9 October 2026
Where seven well-known sarees come from and how to recognise each one.
Banarasi
Woven in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Banarasi sarees are known for rich brocade work with gold or silver zari, often in floral and leaf patterns. They are a traditional choice for brides and weddings, and the heavier ones are among the weightiest sarees you can wear.
Kanjivaram
Kanjivaram sarees come from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. They use thick, lustrous silk with a wide contrast border and motifs drawn from temples, checks and stripes. The body and border are traditionally woven separately and joined, which makes them very durable.
Paithani and Patola
Paithani, from Maharashtra, is recognised by its pallu with peacock, parrot and lotus motifs and a slightly glossy finish. Patola, from Patan in Gujarat, is a double ikat weave: the threads are dyed before weaving so the geometric pattern looks the same on both sides.
Chanderi, Bandhani and Bengal cotton
Chanderi, from Madhya Pradesh, is light and slightly sheer with small woven motifs, good for daytime functions. Bandhani, from Gujarat and Rajasthan, is tie-dyed in small dots. Bengal cotton sarees, often called tant, are crisp, airy and made for hot, humid weather.
Choosing among them
For a wedding ceremony, Banarasi and Kanjivaram are the classic picks. For a lighter festive look, choose Chanderi or Bandhani. For daily wear in summer, Bengal cotton is the most comfortable. Whatever you choose, ask whether it is handloom or powerloom and pure silk or a blend, since that decides the price.
Quick answers
- What is the difference between Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees?
- Banarasi sarees come from Varanasi and are known for brocade with zari in floral patterns. Kanjivaram sarees come from Kanchipuram and use thick silk with a wide contrast border and temple-inspired motifs.
- Which saree is best for hot weather?
- Bengal cotton sarees are crisp and airy for daily wear, and Chanderi is a light choice for daytime functions.
More guides
- How to store and care for a silk sareeSimple habits that keep silk from fading, creasing and losing its zari shine.
- How to drape a saree: the nivi style, step by stepThe everyday drape most people wear, broken into six steps with the mistakes to avoid.
- Saree fabrics explained: cotton, georgette, chiffon, silk and organzaHow each fabric feels, drapes and behaves through a long day, and which occasion it suits.
- Choosing a blouse for your saree: neckline, sleeves and fitWhat to decide before you give the blouse piece to a tailor, and how to check the fit.
- Handloom or powerloom: how to tell the differenceSimple checks you can do yourself, and why handloom costs more.
