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Choosing the Right Banarasi Saree: Pure Silk vs Blended

Banarasi sarees have long been an emblem of India’s textile traditions, rich in history, culture, and craftsmanship. From royal gatherings to brides' trousseaus, Traditional Banarasi sarees have symbolised luxury and grandeur for centuries.

However, in modern times, the term “Banarasi” is used rather loosely. Consumers are often faced with the choice between the Real Banarasi saree and the imitation. Although they may look equally attractive at the onset, the gap between the two is, in fact, immeasurable, varying from quality to weaving, and finally, from zari to the quality of the material.

This comparison matters more than ever. Customers are better equipped to make informed decisions, avoid deceptive products, and purchase sarees that uphold rather than compromise on tradition when they understand what makes Banarasi sarees unique.

Why This Comparison Matters

A synthetic-fabric version of the Banarasi saree has emerged as the popularity of the saree has grown, spurring mass production. The fact that these goods are marketed under the same brand name confuses customers and causes them to purchase a fake saree.

A Pure Banarasi saree is not simply an article of clothing; it is a crafted heritage that takes weeks to create. It is woven with great skill and effort using handlooms in the city of Banaras. A blended Banarasi saree may be cheaper and easier to access, but it lacks the rich heritage and material qualities of a true Banarasi saree.

The knowledge of this is imperative for:

  • Taking ethical and well-informed buying decisions

  • Assisting communities engaged in traditional weaving

  • Investing in sarees that would be long-lasting and would fetch a better price in the future

  • Skin health protection & comfort

This guide is meant to educate buyers so that the Traditional Banarasi Saree is acknowledged, respected, and maintained in its pristine form.

What is a Pure Banarasi Saree?

A Pure Banarasi saree is characterised by its fabric, weaving technique, zari quality, and its heritage value.

Fabric and Yarn

Pure Banarasi sarees are made with 100% natural mulberry silk. This silk is recognised for being extremely strong and soft, with the capability to breathe. It is not like other artificial fabrics, which can be harsh due to their chemical composition. Instead, silk is a protein material that is also extremely gentle on the skin.

Webbing Process

Every Traditional Banarasi saree is handwoven on wooden looms in Varanasi. The process is slow and meticulous, often taking 15 to 30 days or more for a single saree. The weaver manually interlaces silk threads with zari, following age-old techniques passed down through generations.

Zari Quality

Real zari used in a Pure Banarasi saree consists of silver-coated copper threads, further polished with gold. This lends a heavy, light-emitting, and long-lasting effect to this saree. However, the real zari used in these sarees will retain its beauty over time and will not fade or chip off.

Craftsmanship and Heritage Value

Second, there is no similarity whatever among hand-woven Banarasi sarees. Even slight uniqueness, mismatch, or irregularity is a hallmark of quality and authenticity, as it reflects human craftsmanship.

What is a Blended Banarasi Saree?

Blended Banarasi sarees are modern fabrics designed to replicate the look of Banarasi sarees at a lower price point.

Fabric Composition

Blended sarees combine silk with polyester, rayon, or art silk. Although these fabrics increase strength and resistance to wrinkles, they also affect airflow, texture, and authenticity to some degree.

Weaving Technique

Most blended Banarasi sarees are manufactured on power looms or semi-automatic looms. While this enables faster production, it also reduces the handcrafted touch that makes a Pure Banarasi saree exclusive.

Zari in Blended Sarees

The zari used is mostly of plastic or synthetic materials. It may have a dazzling effect, but it ultimately lacks depth and heft.

Blended Banarasi sarees are practical and affordable, but should not be equated with Traditional Banarasi sarees on any basis.

Unravelling the Secrets of Pure and Blended Banarasi Sarees

1. Difference in Fabric

  • Pure Banarasi saree: 100% mulberry silk, breathable, soft, temperature-regulating

  • Blended Banarasi: Synthetic blends, less ventilated, stiff, too smooth

2. Difference in Zari

  • Pure: Silver zari with gold polish, heavier, much richer

  • Blended: Plastic or Polyester zari, lightweight and short-lived

3. Handloom vs Powerloom Weaving

  • Traditional Banarasi saree: Handwoven, time-intensive, artisanal

  • Blended saree: Machine-made, uniform, mass-produced

4. Weight and Drape

A Pure Banarasi Saree is full of substance and flow. It retains its pleats well and hangs smoothly on the body. Blended Sarees are lightweight and very easy to handle, but lose form and a royal drape.

5. Durability and Longevity

Pure silk Banarasi sarees will last for many decades if properly cared for. The blended sarees will have a shorter lifespan and tend to lose their lustre.

6. Harms of Polyester to Skin

These synthetic fibres tend to retain heat and sweat, and sometimes cause skin irritation. Of course, a Pure Banarasi saree is natural and hypoallergenic.

7. Price Difference and Why It Exists

The increased price of a Pure Banarasi saree is due to:

  • Price of natural silk

  • Labour-intensive handloom weaving

  • Genuine zari

  • Time and skill involved in each operation

Blended sarees appear cheaper because they can be manufactured by machines and with artificial materials.

How to Identify an Authentic Banarasi Saree

Touch Test

Natural silk has a warming effect and a soft texture. The blended variants are cooler and slippery.

Lustre Check

A pure Banarasi saree has an iridescent, organic sheen. Artificial mixtures have a consistent sheen.

Burn Test 

Pure silk dissolves into ash and smells like burnt hair. Pellets made of polyester are hard.

Water Absorption Test

Water is easily absorbed by pure silk. Blended materials resist it.

Reverse Side Inspection

Handloom Banarasi sarees feature clean zari work and no loose threads.

Certifications

Look for the "GI Tag" and "Silk Mark," which are certifications for genuine "Varanasi" silk and pure silk.

The Supremacy of Pure Banarasi Sarees

As a Pure Banarasi Saree embodies authenticity, heritage, and timeless value, it is superior to all other options.

  • It preserves centuries-old weaving traditions

  • It supports skilled artisans and handloom communities

  • It ages beautifully and gains character over time

  • It is breathable, skin-friendly, and sustainable

  • It holds emotional and heirloom significance

At Aura Benaras, this belief is foundational. Aura Benaras deals exclusively in pure silk-based, handwoven Banarasi sarees, staying true to the essence of the Traditional Banarasi saree. Every piece is crafted with respect for heritage, purity of material, and uncompromising quality, ensuring that what you wear is not just beautiful but meaningful.

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