Five questions to ask when you shop for a Kanchipuram silk saree

A Kanchipuram silk saree is not just a garment — it’s an heirloom, a symbol of South Indian culture, and an investment for generations. But how do you ensure you're choosing the right one, especially with so many lookalikes in the market?

At Shreenivas Silks, we’ve guided thousands of women through their saree shopping journey. Here are 5 essential questions to ask before making your purchase.

 

Is the saree made from pure silk?

Authentic Kanchipuram silk sarees are woven out of pure silk. There are various tests for silk that you can use to determine authenticity. Check out our blog here for more info. 

 

Is the zari real or imitation?

Pure zari is made from silver/silk threads which are coated with gold. As a result, pure zari Kanchipuram silk sarees tend to be more expensive. Imitation zari is mostly made out of copper/silk threads and hence dont have much resale value. 

How heavy is the saree?

Another important aspect is the weight of the saree. Hand-woven Kanchipuram silk sarees tend to be heavier. The fabric is thick and non-transparent. Machine made sarees are often lighter in weight.

 

The colors and motifs 

Another important question to ask is if the color of the fabric and the nature of the motifs/designs would suit the occasion you ae planning to wear the saree for. for example, red, mustard and bottle green would be good colors for auspicious occasions while pastel shades might be the better choice for the workplace or a party. Similarly, traditional motifs might be the better choice for a wedding while something off-beat would work well for a casual function. 

 

The length/width of the saree

An original Kanchipuram saree must be at least 47-48 inches in width. Length of the saree must be 5.4 to 5.5 meters excluding the blouse. Ensure that the length and width of the saree are adequate before purchasing.

 

In today's market, its easy to lose yourself over the countless options, both online and in retail stores. However, by asking these basic questions, you can ensure the Kanchipuram silk saree you buy is authentic!