When you drape a saree, you’re not just wearing six yards of fabric but carrying history, art, and tradition across your shoulders. Every texture and thread tells a story rooted in ancient heritage and modern grace.

Let’s dive deeper into the world of saree fabrics and their fascinating origins:

1. Katan — The Queen of Silks

Katan silk, a classic from the royal handlooms of India, emerged during the Mughal era as a symbol of strength and softness. Woven from pure silk threads twisted together for durability, Katan sarees stand the test of time in quality and style. They exude effortless class, making them perfect for weddings and heirloom treasures. A soft and subtle fabric with a lustrous texture, Katan Silk is purely made from the finest quality of mulberry silk threads.

2. Tissue — A Golden Dream

Tissue fabric, with its signature metallic shimmer, first bloomed in the weaving houses of Banaras. Made by weaving golden and silver threads both horizontally (in the weft) and vertically (in the warp), Tissue sarees have long been favoured for ceremonial splendour. Light yet luxurious, every drape gleams with quiet opulence.

3. Georgette — Modern Yet Timeless

Georgette, a child of 20th-century France, was introduced by dressmaker Madame Georgette de la Plante. Originally woven from pure silk, it is handwoven by employing high twisted yarns in parallel directions that create a crinkled, crepe-like effect. Its slightly sheer and fluid texture finds the perfect balance between modern ease and timeless beauty.

4. Organza — Sheer Sophistication

With origins linked to the Silk Road and a city called Urgang, Organza is a delicate, sheer fabric known for its ethereal, crisp finish. Often used in layering and structured drapes, organza sarees (also called Kora silk or Banarasi Organza) are made from silk yarns that aren’t degummed. This gives the fabric its crisp and soft feel, ideal for summer and festive elegance.

5. Chiffon — The Whisper of Grace

Soft, airy, and feather-light, Chiffon made its first appearance in the fashion houses of France during the early 1900s. Derived from the French word meaning “rag” (despite being the opposite of shabby!), chiffon sarees are prized for their fluid drape and sheer texture. Whether plain or embroidered, they bring out a graceful charm, perfect for daytime soirees and evening glamour.

6. Linen — Nature’s Gentle Touch

One of the oldest fabrics known to mankind, Linen traces its roots to ancient Egypt, where it was considered a symbol of purity and wealth. Linen is a sturdy, natural fiber made from flax plants. It’s gentle on the skin, excellent at soaking up moisture, and repelling stains — perfect for India’s tropical climate. Their understated texture lends a calm, natural beauty to the wearer.

7. Cotton — The Fabric of Civilization

Indian history and Cotton are inseparable. Archaeological evidence traces Indian cotton back to the Indus Valley Civilization over 5000 years ago. Revered for its softness, breathability, and versatility, cotton sarees are more than just comfortable — they’re part of India’s identity. From Bengal’s crisp Tangails to Maharashtra’s Paithanis, cotton weaves are woven into daily life and grand traditions alike.

8. Velvet — The Royal Embrace

Velvet, once so rare it was reserved for kings and queens, was believed to have originated in medieval Baghdad, later travelling to India through trade. Known for its plush texture and luxurious weight, velvet sarees are winter’s answer to regal fashion. Rich, warm, and decadent, they transform every silhouette into an emblem of royalty.

9. Kora — The Raw Beauty of Silk

Kora, also known as Banarasi Organza, is a type of unbleached silk that showcases the fabric in its raw, natural form. Lightweight and sheer, it is made from silk yarns that are not degummed, giving it a crisp and soft feel. Kora sarees are often enriched with zari work and woven motifs, blending minimalism with festive beauty. Compared to other silk fabrics, Kora is cooler and incredibly light, making it ideal for hot summer weather.

10. More Hidden Gems from India’s Looms

Tussar Silk: Known as ‘Kosa Silk’ in Sanskrit, Tussar silk is produced by silkworms that feed on local forest trees, not mulberry. It has a naturally coarse texture and a rich, deep gold color that exudes luxury. Originating from Jharkhand and Bihar, it is beloved for its rustic, earthy elegance.

Muga Silk: Exclusive to Assam, Muga silk boasts a golden-yellow lustre that intensifies with age. This fabric, made from gentle Muga silk worms found in northern India, is prized for its natural sheen, strength, and luxurious texture. Traditionally worn by Assamese royalty, it’s a true heirloom fabric.

Eri Silk: Also known as “Ahimsa Silk,” Eri comes from open-ended cocoons, allowing the moth to live. Native to Assam and Meghalaya, it is soft, warm, and a symbol of ethical luxury.

Crepe Silk: Handwoven using tightly twisted yarns running in parallel, crepe silk creates a signature crinkled texture. It’s light, elegant, and ideal for sarees that flow with effortless grace.

Khaddi Silk: Exceptionally light and earthy, Khaddi silk is made from a blend of 50% cotton and 50% silk. Chiffon is used in the warp and Katan in the weft, and all yarns are hand-spun, giving it a raw, natural finish.

Cotton Silk: Crafted in Banaras, cotton silk offers the softness of cotton with the sheen of silk. Weavers use intricate techniques like Kadhua and Jamdani to create elaborate, delicate patterns — making it a popular choice for both daily wear and special occasions.

Net: A translucent fabric created by fusing, twisting, or knotting yarns to form an open mesh. Net sarees allow air to pass freely, often adorned with sequins or embroidery, making them perfect for statement wear.

Dupion Silk: Denser and heavier than most silks, Dupion is created by weaving fine threads in the warp with rough, uneven ones in the weft. The result is a textured yet elegant fabric that offers luxurious comfort and a crisp finish.

A Fabric for Every Story

Each saree and fabric is more than just attire — it’s a piece of living heritage. From the looms of Banaras to the flax fields of ancient Egypt, from Mughal courts to Indian wedding mandaps, fabrics have been the quiet carriers of culture, memory, and beauty.

At Mantavya, we honour this legacy by curating sarees that aren’t just stitched together with threads — but woven from centuries of stories, waiting to be worn.