31 Types of Sarees in India: Discover Traditional and Regional Styles

India wears its culture in nine yards. The saree, a timeless piece of cloth, speaks every dialect of Indian tradition. From north to south, east to west, every region drapes a story, literally. But how many types of sarees do you know?

1. Banarasi Saree – Pride of Varanasi

The Banarasi saree is one of India's finest handwoven silks. Originating from Varanasi, this saree is known for its intricate gold and silver zari work and Mughal-inspired motifs.

Why choose Banarasi Saree?

• Timeless elegance reflects cultural richness, perfect for weddings and grand occasions.

• Heirloom-worthy: Its durability and craftsmanship make it a treasured family piece.

• Luxury appeal: The sheen and design elevate your traditional look instantly.

2. Kanjeevaram Saree – South India's Royal Silk

From Tamil Nadu, Kanjeevaram sarees are pure silk with contrasting borders and temple-inspired motifs.

Why choose Kanjeevaram Saree?

• Vibrant color play: Known for bold color contrasts and thick borders.

• Festival favorite: Ideal for religious ceremonies and bridal trousseaus.

• High durability: The silk is thick and long-lasting, perfect for long-term wear.

3. Chanderi Saree – Sheer and Subtle from Madhya Pradesh

Chanderi sarees blend silk and cotton, creating a lightweight, glossy texture perfect for summer.

Why choose Chanderi Saree?

• Light as air: Ideal for hot climates and long wear.

• Soft shimmer: Offers a graceful look without heavy embroidery.

• Versatile drape: Suitable for both formal and casual settings.

4. Bandhani Saree – Tie-Dye Beauty from Gujarat & Rajasthan

Bandhani sarees are known for their distinctive tie-dye technique, forming dots, waves, and patterns in vibrant colors.

Why choose Bandhani Saree?

• Symbolic style: Often worn during rituals and festivals.

• Playful colors: Bring youthful energy to your traditional wardrobe.

• Handcrafted charm: Each piece is manually tied and dyed.

5. Paithani Saree – Maharashtra's Weaving Marvel

Paithani sarees, made from fine silk, are identified by their peacock and floral designs on pallu and vibrant hues.

Why choose Paithani Saree?

• Royal lineage: Once worn by queens, it remains regal.

• Intricate pallu: The handwoven motifs are intricate and exclusive.

• Perfect for heritage lovers: A blend of culture and color in every drape.

6. Tant Saree – Bengal's Daily Elegance

Tant sarees are crisp cotton woven in West Bengal, known for their comfort and airy texture.

Why choose Tant Saree?

• Summer essential: Breathable cotton is perfect for Indian summers.

• Crisp finish: Gives a polished look even for daily wear.

• Affordable elegance: Combines tradition with accessibility.

7. Kasavu Saree – Kerala's White and Gold Grace

A Kasavu saree from Kerala features a white body with golden borders, traditionally worn during Onam and weddings.

Why choose Kasavu Saree?

• Cultural significance: Rooted in Kerala's heritage.

• Minimalist style: Understated yet regal.

• Ideal for festivals: A must-have for traditional celebrations.

8. Sambalpuri Saree – Odisha's Ikat Wonder

Handwoven in Odisha, these sarees use the ikat dyeing technique, featuring intricate motifs like shells, wheels, and flowers.

Why choose Sambalpuri Saree?

• Artisanal value: Each piece is a storytelling canvas.

• Color-fast designs: Patterns are dyed before weaving.

• Rural authenticity: Supports indigenous craftsmanship.

9. Patola Saree – Double Ikat Luxury from Gujarat

Patola sarees are complex double ikat silk sarees traditionally made in Patan, Gujarat.

Why choose Patola Saree?

• Precision weaving: Requires months of labor.

• Royal heritage: Once worn by queens and aristocrats.

• Geometric beauty: Striking patterns and symmetry.

10. Bhagalpuri Saree – The Silk of Bihar

Bhagalpuri or Tussar silk sarees come from Bihar, known for their rich texture and natural sheen.

Why choose This type of sarees?

• Raw silk appeal: Offers a rustic yet sophisticated look.

• Eco-friendly: Tussar silk is sustainable.

• Durable choice: Strong yet comfortable for extended wear.

11. Pochampally Saree – Telangana's Ikat Art

Pochampally sarees combine silk and cotton using traditional ikat patterns with diamond shapes and abstract motifs.

Why choose Pochampally Saree?

• UNESCO recognition: Globally acclaimed weaving.

• Soft texture: Comfortable for day-long events.

• Unique designs: No two sarees are precisely alike.

12. Muga Silk Saree – Assam's Golden Thread

Made from the rare Muga silk, this saree has a natural golden tint and is exclusive to Assam.

Why choose the Muga Silk Saree?

• Rare and royal: Found only in Assam.

• Natural gold hue: No dyeing needed.

• High longevity: Gets shinier with each wash.

13. Bomkai Saree – Odisha's Tribal Elegance

Also known as the Sonepuri saree, Bomkai combines ikat and embroidery, often worn during auspicious events.

Why choose Bomkai Saree?

• Traditional motifs: Inspired by tribal symbols.

• Dual technique: Ikat and embroidery on one canvas.

• Perfect for rituals: Holds spiritual and festive importance.

14. Dhakai Jamdani – Bengal's Muslin Masterpiece

Jamdani is a handwoven saree from Bangladesh and West Bengal known for its fine muslin and floating patterns.

Why choose Dhakai Jamdani?

• Sheer elegance: Light and see-through for elegance.

• Floral motifs: Floating patterns add charm.

• UNESCO-listed craft: A heritage weaving technique.

15. Gadwal Saree – Telangana's Temple Weave

Gadwal sarees feature cotton bodies with rich silk borders and pallu, often worn during religious ceremonies.

Why choose Gadwal Saree?

• Hybrid fabric: Comfort of cotton with silk elegance.

• Temple borders: Distinctive and divine.

• Cultural prominence: Popular in South Indian rituals.

16. Kota Doria Saree (Rajasthan)

This saree blends cotton and silk, woven in a square-check pattern called khat. Originating in Rajasthan, it is known for its translucent texture.

Why choose this types of sarees?

• Lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot Indian summers.

• The subtle yet elegant design makes it ideal for formal and semi-formal wear.

• Traditional handloom artistry supports local weavers.

17. Phulkari Saree (Punjab)

This type of saree features vibrant, colorful embroidery. While traditionally used in dupattas, Phulkari patterns now feature in sarees.

Why choose this types of sarees?

• Rich embroidery reflects Punjabi culture and joy.

• Bold colors make it stand out at festivals and weddings.

• It is an excellent fusion of tradition and contemporary fashion.

18. Pochampally Ikat Saree (Telangana)

This type of saree uses a unique ikat dyeing technique where yarns are dyed before weaving, creating geometric patterns.

Why choose this types of sarees?

• Eye-catching geometric and abstract designs.

• A durable weave makes it long-lasting.

• UNESCO-recognized heritage textile.

19. Kasavu Saree (Kerala)

This type of saree is an iconic white drape with a gold border, worn during Kerala's traditional festivals like Onam and weddings.

Why choose this types of sarees?

• Striking yet straightforward appearance with gold zari.

• It is ideal for religious and festive occasions.

• Reflects Kerala's minimalist elegance.

20. Chikankari Saree (Uttar Pradesh)

This type of saree features delicate hand embroidery, usually on cotton, georgette, or chiffon fabrics.

Why choose this types of sarees?

• Timeless, detailed embroidery adds grace.

• Light and soft fabric ideal for daily or summer wear.

• Versatile – looks elegant both in casual and formal settings.

21. Ilkal Saree (Karnataka)

This type of saree is made from cotton or a cotton-silk mix with a signature red contrast pallu.

Why choose this types of sarees?

• Distinctive pallu with temple-inspired designs.

• Comfortable for daily wear yet festive in appearance.

• Represents Karnataka's weaving legacy.

22. Leheriya Saree (Rajasthan)

This type of saree features tie-dye patterns in diagonal stripes, creating a visual illusion of waves.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Bright, festive colors are perfect for celebrations.

• Light and easy to drape, especially in hot weather.

• Symbolic of Rajasthani joy and vibrance.

23. Bandhani Saree (Gujarat & Rajasthan)

This type of saree uses tie-dye methods to create intricate dot patterns. It is often worn during Navratri and weddings.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Rich cultural significance and festive appeal.

• Available in both cotton and silk blends.

• Handcrafted precision in every dot.

24. Mooga Silk Saree (Assam)

This type of saree is exclusive to Assam and is known for its natural golden sheen and incredible durability.

Why choose this types of saree?

• Natural shine that enhances with age.

• One of the strongest natural silks.

• Premium traditional Assamese craftsmanship.

25. Bomkai Saree (Odisha)

Also called Sonepuri sarees, this type of saree has intricate threadwork in contrasting colors and traditional tribal motifs.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Unique tribal motifs add cultural richness.

• Woven by hand on pit looms for authenticity.

• A blend of tradition and vibrant color schemes.

26. Khandua Saree (Odisha)

This type of saree often features sacred texts or motifs like conch shells and elephants and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Spiritual symbolism and temple association.

• Distinct ikat patterns with mythological relevance.

• Often woven with natural dyes and fine craftsmanship.

27. Chettinad Cotton Saree (Tamil Nadu)

This type of saree is a vibrant cotton saree with bold checks and stripes, ideal for everyday traditional wear.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Pure cotton weave for ultimate comfort.

• Bold patterns that do not fade easily.

• Low maintenance and long-lasting.

28. Gadwal Saree (Telangana)

This saree mixes a cotton body with a rich silk border and zari pallu. It is lightweight yet regal.

Why choose this type of saree?

• The perfect balance of comfort and grandeur.

• Zari's work adds luxury without heaviness.

• It is ideal for temple functions and weddings.

29. Narayanpet Saree (Maharashtra/Telangana border)

This type of saree is known for its distinct checked patterns and contrasting borders with fine zari work.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Dual-state heritage with a unique blend of style.

• It is very durable and ideal for regular and occasional wear.

• Affordable yet visually rich.

30. Tussar Silk Saree (Jharkhand/Bihar/Chhattisgarh)

This type of saree is made from Tussar silkworms and has a textured, raw silk finish with earthy tones.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Rich texture and natural sheen.

• Easily dyed into beautiful shades.

• Great for office wear, pujas, or gifting.

31. Mysore Silk Saree (Karnataka)

This type of saree is known for its smooth finish and bright, solid colors, using pure silk and real gold zari.

Why choose this type of saree?

• Government-certified silk quality.

• Smooth, wrinkle-free drape with a regal look.

• Perfect heirloom-worthy festive attire.

Why Understanding Saree Types Matters

Every saree tells a story. When you know the weave, the place, and the tradition, you're not just wearing fabric—you're wearing history. Whether you're curating your wedding trousseau or looking for summer wear cotton sarees, this guide helps you understand what makes each saree special.

Quick FAQs

Which saree is best for daily wear?

Tant, Chanderi, and Kota Doria sarees are lightweight and breathable for everyday use.

What are the most expensive sarees in India?

Due to craftsmanship and material, Patola, Banarasi, and Kanjeevaram sarees can be costly.

Which saree is best for summer?

Opt for cotton sarees like Chanderi, Kota Doria, and Jamdani for hot weather.

Are all traditional sarees handmade?

Most traditional sarees are handwoven, but some use power looms today to increase production.

From wedding rituals to everyday grace, Indian sarees adapt to every mood and moment. Each weave carries the legacy of its land. As you explore these 31 types of sarees in India, you're not just shopping but preserving art.