18 Different Types of Cotton Sarees in India in 2025

Cotton sarees remain a staple across India. Their presence spans regions, cultures, and generations. In 2025, these sarees will continue to evolve, but the core fabrics and weaving techniques hold firm. Cotton sarees in India are known for their breathability, local origin, and practical wearability.

1. Tant Cotton Saree (West Bengal)

Handwoven in Bengal's Nadia and Murshidabad districts, Tant sarees represent one of the most popular types of cotton sarees in India. Known for their crisp texture and decorative borders, these sarees feature a breathable weave that allows airflow, making them ideal for summer wear. Typically worn by Bengali women, especially during pujas and festivals, Tant holds a strong place among traditional cotton saree styles.

Why Choose Tant?

• Woven from fine Bengal cotton with an airy texture

• Ideal for humid summers and daily use

• Features traditional borders with minimal stiffness

• Common in puja, household, and casual settings

• Reflects Bengal's cultural and textile heritage

2. Khadi Cotton Saree (Pan-India)

Khadi is a handspun and handwoven fabric made from cotton yarn, and it stands out among the traditional types of cotton sarees in India. Known for its coarse texture, Khadi symbolizes India's independence movement. Today, khadi cotton sarees are worn in both daily and formal settings. Lightweight and practical, they align with the minimal lifestyle of many older and rural women.

Why Choose Khadi?

• Handspun and handwoven with a raw finish

• Promotes sustainable and conscious fashion

• Adapts well across seasons and regions

• Embraced for its simplicity and heritage value

• Popular among all age groups for comfort

3. Chanderi Cotton Saree (Madhya Pradesh)

Chanderi sarees use fine cotton yarn woven on traditional looms in Chanderi town. The fabric appears translucent and features motifs like peacocks, flowers, and coins. They are preferred for cultural and semi-formal occasions.

Why Choose Chanderi?

• Tightly woven cotton lends a lightweight, sheer appearance.

• Traditional motifs offer a subtle regional identity.

• Ideal for semi-formal and festive occasions

• Easily drapable with a clean finish

• Crafted using centuries-old weaving methods

4. Maheshwari Cotton Saree (Madhya Pradesh)

Originating from Maheshwar, these sarees blend cotton warp with silk weft or vice versa. The cotton version uses bold stripes, checks, and sharp borders. Known for their geometric patterns, Maheshwari sarees are often used in both casual and formal settings.

Why Choose Maheshwari?

• Combines cotton body with silk borders for balance

• Geometric patterns suitable for formal wear

• Maintains structure through long hours of use

• Lightweight enough for climate variation

• Preferred in traditional and urban wardrobes

5. Kota Doria Cotton Saree (Rajasthan)

Woven in Kota and Kaithoon, Kota Doria sarees are among the distinctive types of cotton sarees known for their grid-like structure called 'khat'. The yarn is typically a blend of cotton and silk in traditional designs, though pure cotton variants are also available. Favoured in dry and hot climates, these sarees are appreciated for their airflow properties and lightweight feel.

Why Choose Kota Doria?

• Woven with 'khat' checks for ventilation.

• Cotton yarn enhances breathability in hot climates.

• Recognized for its grid-like texture and minimal weight

• Ideal for daily errands or professional spaces

• Originates from Rajasthan's weaving communities

6. Sambalpuri Cotton Saree (Odisha)

These sarees showcase the Bandha (ikat) dyeing technique, where patterns are tied and dyed before weaving. Traditional motifs include shells, wheels, and flowers. Sambalpuri cotton sarees are used during cultural events, weddings, and temple visits.

Why Choose Sambalpuri?

• Features double ikat weave with dye-stable patterns

• Cultural motifs represent spiritual and local elements.

• Durable fabric holds shape over time.

• Used widely during rituals and celebrations

• Keeps cool in Odisha's tropical climate

7. Bargarh Cotton Saree (Odisha)

From the Bargarh region, these sarees feature ikat patterns with slight variations from Sambalpuri styles. Often worn in folk performances and during state festivals. The Bargarh weave focuses more on floral and tribal designs.

Why Choose Bargarh?

• Shares ikat heritage with unique tribal motifs

• Dense cotton weave offers durability.

• Comfortable for all-day wear during festivals

• Preferred by dancers and performers for flexibility

• Strong local tradition preserved in each piece

8. Pochampally Cotton Saree (Telangana)

Produced in Bhoodan Pochampally, these sarees are recognized as one of the most intricate types of cotton sarees due to their use of the double ikat technique. Geometric motifs dominate the design language, and the fabric remains firm, making it suitable for formal events and office wear.

Why Choose Pochampally?

• Features bold Ikat patterns created using a double-dyeing technique

• Offers structure without compromising comfort

• Worn for formal gatherings, school events, and cultural functions

• Recognized for geometric symmetry and color precision

• A saree that reflects artisan skill and regional heritage

9. Mangalagiri Cotton Saree (Andhra Pradesh)

Mangalagiri sarees are woven on pit looms using fine cotton yarn. The saree features simple stripes and temple borders. It is widely used by teachers, homemakers, and older women for everyday purposes.

Why Choose Mangalagiri?

• Woven using pit looms for a tight, flat finish.

• Simple stripes and borders suit understated looks.

• High durability with easy maintenance

• Often worn by professionals and homemakers

• Embraces minimalism and function in one fabric

10. Narayanpet Cotton Saree (Telangana)

Narayanpet sarees combine traditional borders with checkered patterns. The cotton weave is dense but breathable. Traditionally worn by royalty, they are used in temples and rural homes today.

Why Choose Narayanpet?

• Recognizable check patterns with contrasting borders

• Breathable for daily wear in warm regions

• Holds colours over repeated washing

• Adapted for rituals, teaching, and homeware

• Associated with Telangana's temple traditions

11. Ilkal Cotton Saree (Karnataka)

Ilkal sarees feature a unique joining technique called "Tope Teni" that links the cotton body to art silk borders. The pallu often carries kasuti-style embroidery patterns. These sarees are popular among older women in northern Karnataka.

Why Choose Ilkal?

• Combines cotton body with traditional art silk borders

• Features Kasuti embroidery in select versions

• Structured pleats remain intact for extended wear.

• Common among women in Karnataka's northern belt

• Tope Teni technique connects fabric seamlessly.

12. Chettinad Cotton Saree (Tamil Nadu)

Chettinad sarees are woven in Karaikudi and nearby regions. Bold checks, stripes, and contrasting borders recognise them. Widely worn in rural and temple communities, these sarees are designed for ease of movement.

Why Choose Chettinad?

• Known for bold checks and contrasting borders

• Durable and breathable for hot climates

• Used for traditional functions and temple visits

• It is ideal for women seeking easy movement and coverage

• Reflects Tamil Nadu's regional aesthetics

13. Koorainadu Cotton Saree (Tamil Nadu)

These sarees blend silk and cotton, though pure cotton versions are increasingly produced. Tamil brides and older women use it for pujas and traditional ceremonies.

Why Choose Koorainadu?

• Merges tradition with practical design

• The cotton body ensures coolness during rituals.

• Preferred during weddings and spiritual gatherings

• Minimal print highlights gold border designs

• Simple drape appeals to older generations

14. Venkatagiri Cotton Saree (Andhra Pradesh)

Venkatagiri sarees are made with fine cotton threads and often contain motifs like peacocks or leaves. Worn by teachers and classical dancers, these sarees are soft, practical, and suited for daily use.

Why Choose Venkatagiri?

• Smooth cotton weave with light zari work

• Highly drapable with little to no starch needed

• Functional for teaching, events, and daily wear

• Softens with use, retaining its elegance

• Popular in Andhra Pradesh's southern towns

15. Kerala Cotton Saree (Kerala)

Known as Kasavu sarees when featuring golden borders, these Kerala weaves are among the most culturally significant types of cotton sarees in India. Made from undyed cotton, they are worn during Onam, Vishu, and weddings. The plain white background symbolizes purity and tradition.

Why Choose Kerala Cotton (Kasavu)?

• White cotton base reflects heat and promotes airflow.

• Gold zari border adds occasion-ready appeal.

• Common during Onam, Vishu, and regional weddings

• Requires minimal maintenance and starching

• Symbolic of purity and local identity

16. Jamdani Cotton Saree (West Bengal)

Jamdani is a fine muslin cotton saree with intricate supplementary weft work. Woven manually, each saree can take weeks to complete. Often gifted during weddings or worn by brides' mothers in Bengali ceremonies.

Why Choose Jamdani?

• Muslin cotton with handwoven extra-weft motifs

• Lightweight with high visual intricacy

• Suitable for heritage events and traditional gifting

• A cultural favourite for ceremonies and rituals

• It takes weeks to weave, preserving handloom artistry.

17. Surendranagar Cotton Saree (Gujarat)

Woven in Surendranagar, these sarees are one of the lesser-known but culturally rooted types of cotton sarees, using extra-weft patterns and resist-dyeing methods. They often feature geometric forms or temple patterns and are commonly found in Gujarati homes for regular wear.

Why Choose Surendranagar?

• The extra-weft technique produces intricate detailing.

• The design stays crisp after repeated use.

• Suitable for regular wear in Gujarat's dry zones

• Easy-care fabric for older women

• Carries village-specific weaving patterns

18. Bhagalpuri Cotton Saree (Bihar)

While Bhagalpur is known for silk, cotton sarees from this region follow similar weaving methods. They are lightweight and come in basic stripes and checks. Used widely in Bihar's rural and semi-urban homes.

Why Choose Bhagalpuri?

• Cotton variant of Bhagalpur's weaving legacy

• Simple weave holds colour and texture well.

• Ideal for rural and semi-urban day-to-day use

• Worn widely across age groups in Bihar

• Adaptable for both festive and casual wear

FAQ's

Which cotton saree is best in India?

This depends on region, use case, and climate. Tant, Kota Doria, and Khadi cotton sarees are preferred for hot weather. Sambalpuri and Kasavu sarees are popular for cultural use.

How many types of cotton sarees are there?

In 2025, India had over 18 regionally distinct cotton saree types, including Tant, Khadi, Chanderi, Sambalpuri, and more.

Which cotton saree is best for daily use?

Due to their structure and ease of maintenance, Khadi, Mangalagiri, Chettinad, and Ilkal sarees are commonly used for daily wear.

Are all cotton sarees handwoven?

Many traditional cotton sarees are handwoven, but power loom variants exist in the commercial market.

Cotton sarees in India 2025 reflect a diverse local ecosystem of weavers, traditions, and regions. Each type holds a specific value based on where it's worn, who wears it, and how it's used. These sarees offer breathable design and a vast cultural footprint. They adapt to the demands of climate, lifestyle, and daily use.