South Indian Sarees
Embracing the South Indian Saree Look
09 September, 23
5 min read
09
Sep, 23
The South Indian Saree Look: A Very Regal Affair
Steeped in tradition, South Indian Sarees are like works of art. Reflective of the region’s rich artistic traditions, the South Indian saree is a true embodiment of grace, elegance and timeless beauty. The patterns and motifs of this saree style, handwoven with precision, love and generational talent, resonate with tradition and heritage.
The many saree styles from South India are well-known for their fine Silk fabric and thorough attention to detail. The intricate weaving techniques and the impeccable craftsmanship create a masterpiece that tells a story of skill, artistry and tradition. Taneira takes pride in bringing forth a collection of South Indian saree styles made of pure Silk and boasting of a luxurious sheen. What’s more, the drape of these sarees is effortlessly elegant, which makes it a preferred traditional attire for women of all ages.
Types of South Indian Sarees
Each region in the southern part of India has its own unique and beautiful saree style that is an integral part of its culture. Here are some of them:
Kanjeevaram Sarees: Kanjeevaram sarees are like a dream. Be it the smooth texture, the lustrous Silk fabric or the opulent gold zari borders, Kanjeevaram sarees captivate hearts and remain a symbol of elegance and tradition. Kanjeevaram, also known as Kanchipuram, originates from the culturally rich temple town of Kachipuram in Tamil Nadu. Its origins lend this South Indian saree style its many motifs. From mythological figures to patterns inspired by floral and fauna, from the evergreen paisley to the traditional peacock motifs – you’ll often find these zari motifs on the pallas. Kanjeevaram sarees are also much loved for their temple borders that are inspired by the rich architectural heritage of South India.
Taniera collaborates with artisans possessing a family legacy of talent and expertise to create these beautiful Kanjeevaram sarees. At first, the artisans spend hours selecting the finest quality Mulberry Silk threads. These threads are soaked in rice water which helps strengthen the fabric and gives it a smooth texture. They are then dried and prepared for weaving as per the designs and motifs planned for the saree. While in some cases the motifs are drawn on graph paper and placed on the loom for reference, some weavers also rely on their wonderful memory for the same. The weaving process begins thereafter as nimble fingers carefully interlace the Silk threads. The Kanjeevaram saree gradually comes to life as the gold zari motifs are incorporated into the fabric during the weaving process.
Loved by generations of people, it is not without reason that these regal sarees are considered as heirloom pieces and are a preferred choice among brides and newly-weds.
Kalamkari Sarees: Kalamkari, literally translating to ‘pen work’ in Persian, is an art form that originated in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. One of the oldest textile art forms with a rich history spanning centuries, Kalamkari sarees are a stunning portrayal of the artistic excellence of India. Taneira bridges the gap between the past and the present by blending this rich heritage of craftsmanship with contemporary designs and presenting a range of sarees that celebrate the eternal beauty of Kalamkari.
The two primary techniques used in Kalamkari are Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam. While the former involves freehand drawing and painting on the fabric, the latter employs the traditional technique of hand block printing. Both the techniques showcase intricate detailing and require artistic mastery passed down through generations. Kalamkari sarees often depict motifs inspired from Indian mythology, folklore and epics. From peacocks, lotuses and geometric patterns to scenes and stories from the life of Lord Krishna, each Kalamkari piece narrates a unique story.
Kalamkari sarees are available in range of fabrics like Khadi Cotton, Organza, Silk or Georgette. What’s more, Kalamkari’s association with natural dyes derived from turmeric, indigo, pomegranate, Indian madder and more, contributes to its distinct charm and also makes it a sustainable choice in the world of fashion. These versatile sarees can be worn at work, for semi-formal occasions and even for small family celebrations.
Mysore Silk Sarees: Belonging to the erstwhile princely state of Mysore, Mysore Silk sarees are crafted from pure Silk and are a favourite among saree connoisseurs for reasons more than one. Be it the opulent texture of the fabric, the characteristic solid colours or the artistic zari motifs woven onto the saree borders, the Mysore Silk saree is a delight to wear. Its slight sheen, graceful drape and the rich colour palette lend an air of sophistication and poise to the saree.
These lightweight sarees are crafted with meticulous care and zari detailing is added to the borders once the main body is woven. The gold or silver zari threads are incorporated using specialized needles and hand embroidery techniques to create minimal motifs on the sarees. The motifs range from simple bootas added to the solid colours of the saree body to give it a texture, to florals, peacocks and geometric patterns on the borders. These motifs often draw inspiration from the cultural tapestry of Karnataka.
The pure Silk fabric and the ornate zari work of these sarees make them an ideal choice for weddings and special occasions like Deepawali, Pongal and more. And that’s not it! The bright colour palette of the Mysore Silk sarees adds a celebratory touch to any occasion.
Kerala Kasavu Sarees: The popular traditional attire of Kerala, the Kasavu sarees are characterized by their off-white or cream coloured fabric highlighted with a prominent gold border. This border is known as Kasavu and also lends the saree its name. This saree is a symbol of Kerala’s traditions and culture, and each thread handwoven by the skilled artisans carries a piece of Kerala’s heritage. As you adorn this traditional handloom saree, it is an appreciation of the intricate weave that is a result of the dedication and craftsmanship of the artisans who have carried forward this legacy over the years.
Owing to Kerala’s tropical climate, the Kerala Kasavu sarees are often made in airy and breathable handwoven Cotton fabric. While the soft fabric ensures comfort for long hours, the graceful off-white fabric and the exquisite gold border make it a truly special choice for auspicious occasions, religious ceremonies and festivals.
For the perfect South Indian saree look, don’t forget to try the traditional draping style of the Kerala Kasavu saree. The Mundu Neriyathum draping style involves wearing the saree without pleats while the pallu is draped over the left shoulder. The simplicity of this draping style adds to the elegance of the saree and highlights the thick gold border that these sarees are famous for.
Pochampally Ikat Sarees: The love for Ikat transcends generations as the timeless weaves continue to cast a spell on one and all. Pochampally Ikat sarees are South India’s representation of the age-old art of Ikat weaving. Originating from Pochampally, a small town tucked away in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, this handloom saree style is known for its unique weaving technique, complex patterns and vibrant colour combinations.
Having found a place in UNESCO’s list of ‘iconic saree weaving clusters of India’, Pochampally Ikat sarees are made through a time-consuming process that involves exceptional craftsmanship. It first involves resist-dying the yarns before the actual weaving process begins , where different sections of the yarn are tied and bundled before dying to achieve specific designs for each saree. In some cases, there are multiple levels of dying the bundles, which further adds richness to the saree. Extreme caution is exercised throughout the tie-and-dye process as it determines the final patterns that will appear on the saree.
The motifs on this South Indian saree style range from flora, fauna and birds to abstract symbols and designs inspired by South Indian temple architecture. The extraordinary Ikat patterns of the Pochampally sarees are highlighted by their vibrant hues. Royal blues, bright greens, deep reds, radiant yellows and majestic purples are some colours that are commonly used in these sarees. The subtle play between the traditional patterns and the vibrant colours makes Pochampally Ikat sarees suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions.
In addition to this, there are many other saree styles as well that you can opt for if you’d like to go for the traditional South Indian saree look. Some famous South Indian saree styles are Uppada Silk saree from Andhra Pradesh, Gadwal saree from Telangana, Kandangi saree from Tamil Nadu, Chettinad Cotton saree from Tamil Nadu and Venkatagiri Saree from Andhra Pradesh.
The various saree styles not only reflect the distinct cultural identities of various South Indian regions, but are also a testament to the skills of the weavers gifted with talent and centuries-old artistic secrets.
Accessorizing Your South Indian Saree Look
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Owing to their traditional look, lively colours and zari detailing, South Indian saree styles look beautiful when paired with traditional gold jewellery. Be it a statement temple jewellery necklace or a delicate choker, a gold necklace is sure to complement your South Indian saree look. You can even pair these sarees with playful jhumkis or large gold studs.
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Indian hair accessories also match well with these handloom sarees. For instance, Kanjeevaram sarees are popular with brides, who often opt for elaborate matha pattis to enhance the look.
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Whether you drape the saree in the classic style or dress up for an event, a waist band or kamarbandh can be used to add a touch of elegance to your ensemble.
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Similarly, a wide range of hand accessories like bangles, bracelets or haath phools are available and you can pair them with your saree depending on how big an occasion is.
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Complete your South Indian saree look as you flaunt zari embroidered juttis or embellished footwear for special occasions.
How to Care for Your South Indian Saree
Be it an heirloom piece or a treasured outfit from your saree wardrobe, South Indian sarees must be cared for to preserve their beauty and longevity. Here are some tips:
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No matter the fabric, it is recommended that you dry clean your South Indian sarees. Dry cleaning is perfect for these handwoven sarees and helps to keep the weaves as beautiful as ever.
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Always store your sarees in a cool, dry place and preferably in a Muslin or Cotton cloth bag. When you shop at Taneira, your saree always comes with a Muslin bag for easy storage.
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Be gentle with the saree while folding or unfolding it, and also while draping.
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Do not spray perfume or any other cosmetics directly onto the saree.
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Avoid folding along the same line repeatedly and for a long time. If you are storing the saree for a long time, make sure you change the folds after every few months.
Wearing a South Indian saree style is like embracing a legacy of art and culture. Each saree with its rich history and distinct patterns has a charm of its own. Whether you like to dress up the traditional way or just want to add a gorgeous South Silk saree to your diverse saree wardrobe, your search ends here. Choose from a wide range of South Indian saree designs at Taneira. Shop online at www.taneira.com or visit a store near you today. Click here to locate a Taneira store in your city.