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90 different varieties & styles of sarees from across India

1 What are the different names for Sarees in the different states of India?
2 How do we measure Sarees using our hands?
3 What are the different types of Sarees?
4 What are the different types of Sarees in different States?
5 What are the styles of tying a saree?
6 What are the types of Saree materials along with their origin and feature?
7 Kalamkari Saree Types and Occasion

People who invaded us through history have always been fascinated by the way women were looked upon in this land. Women have always seen as weaker strata of the society, in almost all the ancient places, and is treated as a slave. 

On the contrary, this land from the beginning of the formation of gods there is equivalent or more action-oriented goddesses than gods. For instance, consider the following three gods who are the wives of the three major gods in India.

  1. Saraswati, wife of Brahma
  2. Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu
  3. Parvati, wife of Maheshwar

These are the wives of the creator, who is Brahma, Operator, Vishnu, and Reincarnator Maheshwar. While the two of these three gods are meditating, the third one is depicted in a sleeping posture. Quire opposite to this, Saraswati is shown to be playing Veena, depicting knowledge, Lakshmi pouring us prosperity and Parvati blessing us with Power and Strength. 

Furthermore, their attire is all synonymous with what they stand for. Let us elaborate on this a little further. Yes, we are going to be discussing the Saree that the women of this place have been wearing for a very long time.

It has very much been the identity of the women of this land to be associated with Saree. This tradition has been very well maintained (unlike the other gender) through the centuries. We can proudly say that women have been wearing this tradition that represents both her culture and the culture of this land.

Sarees are a type of clothes that carry great respect for them. They are woven and textured with pattern garments. They are appropriate for two main purposes of this soil.

  1. Aesthetics
  2. Climate

They have been attributed to an act of greater purity and simplicity. 

  • Purity because of the very sanctity that it possesses and the respect that it demands
  • Simplicity because of the way it is made, the usage of the cloth to its whole

If you try to understand the way it is made, it is just a cloth that is of a rectangular shape, with different kinds of designs that are stitched in different materials. 

You can also view this animated video to get to know in simple terms how to wear a Saree!

Sarees are diversified and are worn in different ways and styles in different places. They are also called in different names. But the beauty of unity in the land is the presence of it that is felt across the place, across the states, across the class, and across the different strata of the society.

What are the different names for Sarees in the different states of India?

1Uttar PradeshDhoti, Lugdi, Lugga, Sari
2West BengalBhaaj
3Bihar/JharkhandDhoti, Luga, Langa
4OdishaDhoti, Saarhi, Luga
5GujaratLugda, Sadlo
6Madhya PradeshJote, Lugda, Pata
7Andhra PradeshDhoti, Chire
8KarnatakaSeere
9Tamil NaduSelai, Podavai
10KeralaPudava

How do we measure Sarees using our hands?

Sarees are measured using fingers and hands. A combination of the fingers and usage of hands make up the basic measuring units of Saree. These below three are the major measuring units of a Saree.

  1. Fingers: Fingers are used to measure small measurements. One finger width is one inch. The measurements last till five finger width which will be equivalent to approximately 4.5 inches to 5 inches.
  2. Hands: Hand spans are used to measure medium distances and measurements. One handspan is approximately 9 inches. This is measured from one side of the stretched finger to the other side.
  3. Arms: For longer and faster measurements, arm lengths are considered. When we say one arm length it is from the fingertips to the elbow.

This video below will show you how you can measure using a handspan.

Each one of these measurements is used for a different purpose. Every one of those is important and comes in handy while measuring Sarees.

Like how they are measured, there are different types of folding systems in different directions, like North, South, and East. 

What are the different types of Sarees?

Sarees are broadly categorized based on the

  1. Fabric, Design, and Weaving Style 
  2. Wearing Style

Both changes with respect to places. A mild difference can be observed from one place to another that is closeby. Both ways we can classify the sarees into many categories. The way they change is mostly the same.

Let us first discuss the ninety-odd different types of sarees based on Weaving, Fabric, and Design styles, which is the former in our categorization above.

What are the different types of Sarees in different States?


Saree TypePlace of OriginImage
1VenkatagiriAndhra Pradesh
2Mangalagiri Silk SareesAndhra Pradesh
3Uppada Silk SareesAndhra Pradesh
4Chirala SareesAndhra Pradesh
5Bandar SareesAndhra Pradesh
6BandarulankaAndhra Pradesh
7Kuppadam SareesAndhra Pradesh
8Dharmavaram silk sareeAndhra Pradesh
9Mooga silkAssam
10Mekhla CottonAssam
11Patt Silk SareeAssam
12Tanta Cotton SareeOdisha
13Ikkat Silk & Cotton SareeOdisha
14Pasapali SariOdisha
15Berhampuri silkOdisha
16Baluchari SariWest Bengal
17Bomkai Silk & Cotton SariOdisha
18Kosa silkChhattisgarh
19Jamdani / DhakaiBangladesh
20Dhakai KatanBangladesh
21Dhaniakhali cottonWest Bengal
22PatolaGujarat
23Gharchola SareeGujarat
24BandhaniGujarat, Rajasthan, Pakistan, Sindh
25Mysore silkKarnataka
26Ilkal sareeKarnataka
27Molakalmuru SariKarnataka
28Kerala sari silk and cottonKerala
29BalarampuramKerala
30Mundum NeriyathumKerala
31Kannur cottonKerala
32Kalpathi silk sareesKerala
33Samudrikapuram silk and cottonKerala
34KasargodKerala
35Bapta Silk & Cotton SareeOdisha
36Kotpad Pata SareeOdisha
37Chanderi SareeMadhya Pradesh
38Dhokra silkMadhya Pradesh
39PaithanpattuMaharashtra
40Yeola sareeMaharashtra
41Peshwai shaluMaharashtra
42Mahalsa sareeMaharashtra
43NarayanpethMaharashtra
44Khun fabricMaharashtra
45Karvati tussar sareeMaharashtra
46LugadeMaharashtra
47MaheshwariMadhya Pradesh
48Manipuri Tant SareeManipur
49Moirang Phi SareeManipur
50Mattha Silk SareeOdisha
51Garode / KorialWest Bengal
52Khandua Silk & Cotton SareeOdisha
53Bomkai Silk SareeOdisha
54Kotki SareeOrissa
55Kotpad SareeOrissa
56Phulia cottonPhulia, West Bengal
57BagruRajasthan,
58Kota doriaRajasthan, Pakistan, Sindh
59Rajshahi silk / EriBangladesh
60Sambalpuri Silk & Cotton SareeOdisha
61Shantipuri cottonWest Bengal
62Sonepuri Silk & Cotton SareeOdisha
63Sulebhavi sariKarnataka
64Kanchipuram SilkTamil Nadu
65Chettinad sareesTamil Nadu
66KumbakonamTamil Nadu
67ThirubuvanamTamil Nadu
68Coimbatore cottonTamil Nadu
69Salem silkTamil Nadu
70Chinnalampattu or SungudiTamil Nadu
71KandangiTamil Nadu
72Rasipuram silk sareesTamil Nadu
73KooraiTamil Nadu
74Arni silk sareeTamil Nadu
75ChennaiTamil Nadu
76KaraikudiTamil Nadu
77Madurai cotton sareesTamil Nadu
78Tiruchirappalli sareesTamil Nadu
79Nagercoil sareesTamil Nadu
80ThoothukudiTamil Nadu
81Thanjavur sareesTamil Nadu
82TiruppurTamil Nadu
83Pochampally Sari or Puttapaka sariTelangana
84Gadwal sariTelangana
85NarayanpetTelangana
86Taant sarithroughout Bengal
87Kaantha sarithroughout Bengal
88BanarasiUttar Pradesh
89ShaluUttar Pradesh
90TanchoiUttar Pradesh

Now that we have had a peek into the types of sarees available in India, there are some specific ways how some of the sarees from above have to be draped. This again is on the basis of places. Every place has a different style of tying a Saree.

What are the styles of tying a saree?

Please watch the below video to get an idea of how the same saree can be draped in different styles!

Let us see in the below table what are some of the styles that are categorized based on states and community.


Saree StyleStateCommunity
1AdivasiKeralaTribal
2Danda/MunduKeralaNair
3Maar KachaKeralaNambodari
4Chatta MunduKeralaChristian
5Kachi KailiKeralaMuslim
6MohiniattamKeralaDancers
7Halaki VokkaligaKarnatakaTribal
8Gobbe SeereKarnatakaGowda
9Mysore ShailiKarnatakaMysore Brahmins
10Karnataka KaccheKarnatakaSmarthas
11Iyengari KaccheKarnatakaIyengars
12Madhva KaccheKarnatakaMadhvas
13BhootheyaraKarnatakaNomadic
14CoorgKarnatakaCoorg
15Yakshagana Mali KaseKarnatakaMale Characters
16Yakshagana ParvatiKarnatakaFemale Characters
17Yakshagana KaseKarnatakaMale Characters
18DhangadGoaShepherd
19Christian KunbiGoaFarming
20Hindu KunbiGoaFarming
21Kalsi DanceGoaKonkani Brahmins
22KoliGoaFisherwomen
23KaatakariMaharasthraTribal Agriculturists
24ThakkarMaharasthraTribal Agriculturists
25WarliMaharasthraTribal Agriculturists
26KoliMaharasthraFisherwomen
27MarathamoliMaharasthraMaratha
28KaashtkarMaharasthraKonkan Working Women
29KaamakariMaharasthraWorking Rural Women
30KonkanasthaMaharasthraWomen of Konkan
31LavaniMaharasthraLavani Performers
32AgariMaharasthraSalt Harvesters
33ChodhriGujaratChodhri
34GamthiGujaratGamit
35DharampurGujaratRural
36DangiGujaratDang
37Seedha PallaGujaratUrban Middle Class
38ParsiGujaratUrban Mercentile
39JhabuaMadhya PradeshBhil
40BalaghatMadhya PradeshMarar
41East ChattisgarhChattisgarhCentral and east
42Central ChattisgarhChattisgarhCentral
43SurgujaChattisgarhNorth Chattisgarh
44Surguja DanceChattisgarhNorth Chattisgarh Dance
45BastarChattisgarhBastar
46Seedha PallaUttar PradeshAll
47Pagadi PallaUttar PradeshAgricultural
48LapetavaliUttar PradeshRural Urban
49KasautaUttar PradeshRural
50BaunUttar PradeshRural
51MungerBiharRural Urban
52East ChamparanBiharRural
53PurniaBiharRural
54MadhubaniBiharRural
55Santal ParganaJharkhandMajhi Kurmi Tribes
56RanchiJharkhandBedia Santar Tribes
57Tukupani SimgedaJharkhandBedia Santar Tribes
58Palamu MahuadanrJharkhandMajhi Munda
59HazaribagJharkhandMunda Ganju
60Ranchi SaikoJharkhandBedia Santar Tribes
61KalnaBengalLower Middle Class
62SanthalBengalSanthal
63Dhokna JalpaiguriBengalMechh
64NadiaBengalUpper Class
65SanthalOdishaSanthal
66KotapadOdishaTribal Rural
67KunchaOdishaTribal
68GhorapindhaOdishaTribal
69MeherOdishaWeaving
70KacchaOdishaDancers
71NadikattuAndhra PradeshWeaving Agriculture
72VenukagundaramAndhra PradeshKintala Kalinga
73AddugundaramAndhra PradeshKoorakulavallu
74Gochi KattuAndhra PradeshGolla
75Boggili Posi KattikodamAndhra PradeshGolla
76Mudukongula ChiraAndhra PradeshPadma Sale
77Mukkala ChiraAndhra PradeshKapu (Agri)
78GudakattuAndhra PradeshNewly Married Vaishnava
79Kaccha KattuAndhra PradeshOlder Vaishnava
80KuchipudiAndhra PradeshFemale Dancers
81Pinn KossavamTamil NaduUrban Working
82Saurashtra KattTamil NaduSaurashtra
83MadisaruTamil NaduIyengars
84BharatanatyamTamil NaduDancers

Without the kind of materials, we might not be interested to wear a particular saree, or might not even know when to wear what saree.

So, let us see in the below table about the most famous types of sarees and the materials that are used to make them. These are selected from the previous tables that are famous across the country, that is to be worn at different times.

What are the types of Saree materials along with their origin and feature?


Saree TypeSourceMaterialFeatureUniqueness
1Baluchari SareeBaluchar, West BengalSilkSmall Bhutti works on their body and wide bordersDepiction of mythological Scenes
2Banarasi SareeVaranasi, Uttar PradeshSilk and Copper, Silver, Plastic ThreadsIntricate intertwining floral and foliate motifsGoldwork, compact weaving, figures with small details, metallic visual effects, Pallus, Jal (a net-like Pattern), and mina work.
3Bandhani SareeKutch, GujaratCottonPlucking the cloth by fingernailsChandrakala, Bavan Baug, Shikari etcetera
4Bomkai SareeBomkai, OdishaSilk, CottonDesign of FishThreadwork in the designs of the border and the pallu
5Chanderi SareeChanderi, Madhya PradeshPure Silk, Chanderi Cotton, Silk CottonTraditional coin, floral art, peacocks and geometric designsGold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk, and opulent embroidery
6Chiffon SareeFranceCotton, silk or synthetic fibers like nylon, rayon, and polyesterBoth Manual and MachineHand printed using blocks
7Chikan SareeLucknow, IndiaMuslin, silk, chiffon, organza, netDelicate and artfully done hand embroideryWhite thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments
8Gadwal SareeGadwal, TelanganaCotton body with silk palluHandcrafted woven sari styleThe weave is so light that the saree can be packed in a matchbox
9Georgette SareeFranceCrêpe fabricMade with highly twisted yarnsCreated by alternating S- and Z-twist yarns in both warp and weft.
10Gota SareeRajasthanCotton SilkSmall pieces of zari ribbon are applied onto the fabric with the edges sewn down to create elaborate patternsGota is a gold or silver ribbon and lace from Lucknow
11Ilkal SareeIlkal, Bagalkot, KarnatakaCotton, SlikWoven using cotton warp on the body and art silk warp for border and art silk warp for pallu portion of the sareeJoining of the body warp with pallu warp with a series of loops locally called as TOPE TENI technique
12Kalamkari SareeAndhrapradesh, TelanganaCotton“Kalam” or pen is used for freehand drawing of the subject and filling in the colorsDepicted deities and scenes are taken from the Hindu epics – Ramayana, Mahabharata, Purana and the mythological classics
13Kanjeevaram SareeKanchipuram, TamilnaduSilkThree shuttles are usedIt is first separately woven and then delicately joined to the Sari
14Kantha SareeEastern StatesCotton, SilkType of embroidery craft called Kantha StitchThe entire cloth is covered with running stitches, employing beautiful motifs of flowers, animals, birds, and geometrical shapes
15Kasavu SareeKeralaCottonConsists of two pieces of cloth, which have a colored stripe at the border known as karaThe festive occasion has golden colored borders or a broad zari border known as Kasavu
16Kasta SareeMaharashtraCottonThe word Kaashtha refers to the sari tucked at the backNine yards saree
17Kerala SareeKeralaCottonA single piece of clothCultural costume of women of the Malayali community
18Konrad SareeTamil NaduSilkHandwoven originally for Temple DeitiesDoes not feel like silk
19Kosa SareeKorba and Champa. ChattisgarhSilkSilkworms belonging to moth genusRich texture and natural deep gold color
20Kota Doria SareeKota, RajasthanSilkRoyal fabric with fine artsMade from migrated weavers from Mysore
21Mangalagiri SareeMangalagiri, Andhra PradeshCottonWeaving with the help of pit looms from combed yarn by warp and woof interlacingNizam design is another characteristic of the fabric
22Muga SareeAssamSilkLarvae of the Assam silk moth feed on aromatic som and Soalu LeavesThis silk can be hand-washed with its luster increasing after every wash
23Net SareeMughal PeriodPolyester, NylonOpen spacesDifferent weaving patterns can be used
24Paithani SareeAurangabad, MaharashtraFine SilkBorders of an oblique square design, and a pallu with a Peacock designConsidered as one of the most expensive saris in India
25Patola SareePatan, GujaratSilkDouble ikat sariOnce worn only by royal and aristocratic families
26Phulkari SareePunjabSilk and CottonThe entire field is embroidered and filled with flowersStarts from the center on the fabric called and spread to the whole fabric
27Pochampally SareeBhoodan Pochampally, TelanganaSilkTraditional geometric patterns in Ikat style of dyeingIntricate geometric designs find their way into sarees and dress materials
28Puttapaka SareePuttapaka, TelanganaSilkWarp-based unlike most other ikats designed predominantly on the weftPuttapaka tie and dye style of sarees
29Sambalpuri SareeBoundh, OdishaSilkWarp and the weft are tie-dyed before weavingIncorporation of traditional motifs like Shankha (shell), Chakra (wheel), Phula (flower)
30Tant SareeBangladeshCottonWoven from cotton threads and distinguished by its lightness and transparencyMost comfortable saree for the South Asian hot and humid climate

The most sought after saree type is the Kalamkari. They can be worn on any occasion, event, time, party, etc. and here are the details of the types of Kalamkari Saree with the preferred occasion it can be worn on.

Kalamkari Saree Types and Occasion


Kalamkari Saree TypePreferred OccasionImage
1Chanderi Kalamkari SareesOccasional Wear
2Designer Kalamkari SareesParty Wear
3Hand Painted Kalamkari SareesParty/Casual Wear
4Kalamkari Border SareesDaily/Official/Casual Wear
5Kalamkari Chiffon SareesDaily/Party/Casual Wear
6Kalamkari Cotton SareesCasual Wear
7Kalamkari Crepe SareesOfficial/Casual Wear
8Kalamkari Georgette SareesCasual/Office Wear
9Kalamkari Half SareesCasual Wear
10Kalamkari Kerala SareeFunction Wear
11Kalamkari Patch Work SareesOffice/Daily Wear
12Kalamkari Pattu SareesFunction Wear
13Kalamkari Printed SareesOfficial/Casual Wear
14Kalamkari Silk SareesParty, Event Wear
15Pedana Kalamkari SareesDaily Wear

With the above details, it comes to us as a clear indication that the whole culture is not different from the traditions our ancestors have left with us. This culture (read more about the diversity of Indian culture here) has been the only surviving one that has also evolved, following democracy. 

By, all in all, we should not forget our roots, that being the diversity. If you happened to look at the complete article, you can conclude how strong are the roots of diversity in this land. Also, how strong we have stood united no matter what.

In the end, I would like to thank the womenfolk who have continued contributing, following the traditions and culture of this wonderful nation.

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