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Choosing Jaipur Special Sarees

Shopping for Jaipuri Sarees

Jaipur, Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and house some amazing saree collection as well. Popular for a variety of traditional prints like Bandhani/Bandhej, Leheriya or the light Kota sarees, resplendent with vibrant colours and breathable fabrics, these sarees are easy to wear, largely in summer conditions. Jaipur is also known for Bagru, Dabu, block and screen prints and hand painted collection of sarees.

Most prints are handcrafted by skilled artisans from generations of skills in embroidery, and other handmade works. Some unique features of Jaipuri Sarees are their vibrant colours, and multi-coloured fabrics, rich visual appeal befitting all occasions. In addition to their block print designs, embroidery and applique work, the traditional sarees are made in cotton, silk and wool to create gorgeous and contemporary fashion.

Jaipuri Prints

Bandhini Leheria prints, Tie and Dye, Bagru prints, Block printing, Dabu prints, Naphthol block prints; These are some of the traditional forms of prints that are a part of the Indian heritage and contribute to some of the most beautiful masterpieces on fine yarn fabrics like cotton, silk and art silk. The harmony of ethnic patterns with modern designs, the fusion of traditional motifs with contemporary floral prints and intricate and exquisite embroidery, applique work presents a charming display of ethnic Jaipuri prints available both in handloom and machine fabrics.

The texture of Mulmul cotton is as splendid and sturdy as a Silk saree’s, and with its harmonious kinship with dyes, cotton makes the designs stand out distinctly and vividly, bringing out the colours exquisitely along with the prints and patterns. Jaipuri prints have brought the ethnicity of Bagru and Dabu print processes with a unique identity of earthy colours and natural substances. These prints not only give way to some of the most attractive art forms but also come out with fine weaves.

Block printing with the use of carved wood that imprint images on fabric is simple and easy to implement, presenting some really sharp, accurate and intricate detailing on the fabrics. The blend of colours in assortment on the same saree is stunning. This is a technique which has a large number of wooden blocks ready for use with the intended designs.

Accessorizing with Jaipuri Sarees

Matching accessories with your sarees says a lot about you and your persona, the way you drape your saree and your choice of jewellery and other accessories can make or mar your style quotient. When you make an extra effort in wearing the right kind of accessories with the right kind of saree, you will either end up being the centre of attention or get lost in the crowd. From focusing on the very minute bindi to the nail enamel shade you don, to your choice of bangles, adding up the smaller things end up having a larger effect on your outfit. Further, your choice of colours in an expensive set of bangles may ruin the look completely if not paired rightfully. It is recommended that we choose similar colours which relate to either side of a particular colour in the colour wheel, most of which are found in nature and hence makes for a pleasant and well-balanced ensemble.

The styling of most Jaipuri print sarees depends on design and occasion for which they are worn. Usually popular during Indian dance festivals or weddings, heavy jewellery is preferred. Oxidized neck pieces, colourful lac or silver bangles and antique earrings are some popular traditional and festive choices for accessories. The Silk prints work best during the wedding seasons with suitable choices like Kundan jewellery and silver anklets. The bridal bandhej prints are mostly heavy and hence match well with gold necklaces and Thewa jewellery.

Our Pick of 10 Jaipuri Sarees to Add to Your Collection

Bandhani Synthetic Crepe Saree

Source www.amazon.in

Measuring 5.40m with an 80cms unstitched blouse piece, this synthetic crepe saree comes in a Gharchola Bandhej Print, made of premium quality crispy crepe georgette fabric in purple colour with a light shine to it. The saree has the bandhej print embellished on the purple base in golden colour. It is available in Amazon and is priced at Rs. 594.

Source www.amazon.in

You can accessorize it with this Austrian diamond & purple glass stone pendant set. Made of alloy metal and rhinestones, it is priced at Rs. 287.

Source www.amazon.in

Complete the look with traditional, handmade silk thread bangles set priced at Rs.290, both of which can be found at Amazon. They are decorated with gold ball stones and available in different sizes.

Leheriya Gota Patti Patch Border Saree

Source www.utsavfashion.com

This faux georgette saree in plesant organt colour is designed in Leheriya, Gotta Patti and patch border work and comes with an unstitched fuchsia faux georgette blouse. The fall and edging work are complementary in the saree, with the edging done on both sides. It is best cold washed/dry cleaned and is priced at Rs. 2,250. This gorgeous saree is available at UtsavFashion.

Source www.craftsvilla.com

You can pair it with rani pink meenakari kundan earrings, made of alloy metal and premium gold polish, handcrafted with semi-precious stones pearl simulants and beads, priced at Rs. 997 and is available at Craftsvilla.

Printed Pure Mulmul Cotton Saree

Source www.amazon.in

Block printing was introduced to Jaipur and has been passed down for generations with families and communities. The colours used in this technique are essentially plant-based dyes. This printed pure malmal cotton saree, 6.10m long comes with a blouse piece from Unnati Silks. With an elegant floral hand block printed drape and Jaipuri hand block print over the length of the saree, the fabric is adorned with a beautiful colour combination of red, blue and grey on a white base and priced at Rs. 1,749.

Source www.amazon.in

Team it with an antique choker neckpiece and a pair of earrings in antique silver by Zaveri Pearls priced at Rs. 324. Both of these can be found at Amazon.

Embroidered Jacquard Saree

Source www.mirraw.com

Ideal for festive occasions, this bandhani saree comes with an unstitched blouse. The saree is made in Jacquard fabric with a heavy border and red in colour. The blouse fabric is brocade, golden in colour with woven work. The saree is a typical bandhej print with an embroidered designer style and heavy drape, priced at Rs. 1,213. It is available at Mirraw.

Source www.amazon.in

The saree’s beauty will further be enhanced with this beautiful gold plated ethnic set including a necklace, maang tikka, and a pair of danglers. Priced at Rs. 679, you can buy this stunning piece at Amazon.

Dabru Print Chanderi Cotton Saree

Source www.utsavfashion.in

This Chanderi cotton saree in blue, adorned with dabu print comes with an unstitched art dupion silk blouse in the same colour. The length of the measures to be 12-24” and with sleeves in 1-12”. It is available at UtsavFashion and is priced at Rs. 2,959, the saree is block printed, which is a print process by using mud. The process begins with the preparation of clay by sieving it finely and then the addition of calcium hydroxide, gum and wheat chaff for the must resist.

Source www.utsavfashion.com

You can accessorize the saree with a stone studded ring that is an alloy based ring in blue to offset the deep tone of the saree. This piece will set you back by Rs.1,000.

Source www.utsavfashion.com

Indian ethnic wear is hardly complete without a pair of stunning earrings and this pair of oxidized jhumka earrings priced at Rs. 1,000 will do the job nicely. Both pieces are available at Utsav Fashion.

Printed Bagru Khari Buta Saree

Source www.fabindia.com

This Bagru printed khari buta saree is made of cotton silk fabric, measuring 6.4m x 1.16m and comes with a blouse piece. Made of a traditional printing technique with natural colours, bagru print entails a detailed process right from preparing the cloth to a finished printed fabric through varied methods of motifs being transferred onto light coloured backgrounds with wooden blocks. This beautiful beige coloured sari has a multicolour floral design on the length of the saree with a heavily printed drape and copper border work. It is priced at Rs. 4,999.

Source www.fabindia.com

Complete the ensemble by including a metal stone barfi necklace with lock closure from Fab India, priced at Rs. 990.

Source www.fabindia.com

And silver danglers priced at Rs.651, also from Fab India. You can find your entire ensemble at Utsav Fashion.

Handpainted Art Silk Saree

Source www.craftsvilla.com

A multi-coloured art silk saree measuring 5.5meters with an unstitched art silk blouse with traditional patterns, this readymade saree has been hand-painted in a traditional Rajasthani print in a vibrant colour fusion of red and emerald green. The saree is off a non-transparent fabric with a 44” width and is best recommended for dry clean and priced at Rs. 2,495.

Source www.craftsvilla.com

You can accessorize the saree with a premium quality maroon stone kundan necklace and earrings priced at Rs. 1,709. The entire ensemble can be purchased off Craftsvilla.

Mirror Work Poly Chiffon Saree

Source www.myntra.com

The blue poly chiffon has an embellished border with mirror work and comes with an unstitched art silk blouse piece in traditional Jaipuri print with mirror work on the sleeves. The saree measures 5.5 meters and the rani pink blouse is approx. 0.8 m.

Source www.myntra.com

Team it with caged heels and statement jewellery like the blue and gold toned crescent-shaped chandbalis. The saree is priced at Rs. 747, while the earrings are available for Rs.524 both of which are available at Myntra.

Tye and Dye Shibori Saree

Source www.myntra.com

The process of tying and dyeing is repeated multiple time to get multiple colours and patterns that bring a touch of class, creativity and beauty to the saree with bright colours. The thick threads used in the process results in these gorgeous patterns that the tye and dye sarees are popular for. Available at Myntra the saree is made of poly chiffon and has a zari border. Priced at Rs. 1,999.

Source www.amazon.in

The saree can be paired with a silver plated oxidized bangles set priced at Rs. 349 from Amazon.

Source www.voylla.com

And triangle hoop earrings in silver & black with an enamel finish, priced at Rs. 599 from Voylla.

Kota Doria Leheriya Print Saree

Source www.jaypore.com

Dyed in Leheriya tie-dye technique, this lovely fusion of beige-pink and blue in a Kota Doria printed saree is beautiful and teamed with a contrast-coloured blouse will look really classy. Weighing 162 gms and 5.5 meters in length with a 45” width the saree comes with a 0.7m blouse piece that’s unstitched. It is best dry cleaned and is priced at Rs. 2,990.

Source www.jaypore.com

You can accessorize it with a gold plated brass ring adorned with semi-precious stones priced at Rs. 1,400.

Source www.jaypore.com

A pair of smart or statement gold earrings will add to your ensemble, such as these gold plated brass earrings in blue for Rs. 2,100.

Bonus Tip: Choosing Bandhani Sarees According to Your Body Type

Source www.holyweaves.com

Bandhej or Bandhani Sarees have an age-old background and make for leading ethnic apparel from the traditional realm and heritage of Indian clothing. The process used in creating these sarees may have evolved over generations, but the basic techniques remain the same of using rings, plastic caps and other relevant tools, dipping them in coloured dyes and multiple shades, then boiling & curating them and then be cut into a saree once it dries up. The making of a Bandhani entails extensive skill set and efforts, involving numerous rounds of dying to achieve one colourful pattern, made with several knots tied for the dyeing process, thereby resulting in the hallmark dots.

Bandhani sarees are preferred by women in all age groups for their signature designs. Most middle-aged women opt for simple cotton designs while the young girls go for richer colours and flowing fabrics like chiffon or georgette. Here’s a quick way of identifying the right print according to a specific body type.

  • JODHPUR BANDHEJ is vibrant and rich, and makes for a beautiful combination of orange and pink for auspicious occasions. An embellished Zari border enhances the look and is best in a georgette, suitable for most body types.

  • GUJRATI BANDHANI is a handmade Kutch design that’s popular in a red and green colour fusion, with white squares through the saree, complement the dark shades rather well. The border is a lovely Zari weave for a rich look in a cotton blend fabric and is again suitable for most body structures.

  • GOTA WORK in art silk fabric displays the opulence of Bandhani process. A stunning blend of green and red makes it ideal for bridal wear, and the gota patti work along the border gives off a rich feel. With a crepe blouse again with gota work, a leaf pattern on the blouse sleeves makes it a popular choice.

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Look Out for Fakes

Classics never go out of trend or fashion. Jaipuri sarees are a perfect example of that analogy. The beautiful pink city has given birth to so many beautiful classics like the block prints, Bandhani Sarees, gota patti work, kota sarees and more. These being one among the most famous of the traditional work in India, fakes are almost everyone. Be sure to double check the sellers or purchase from the most trusty sites which have a good return policy. Keep yourselves informed on how to identify fakes, so that your most favourite saree is genuine. Remember that these sarees are mostly made by hand. That means the price might not exactly what you wish for. But rest assured, your saree is sure to be the star of the party.