The Varieties of Mysore Silk Sarees

The land of Maharajas, Mysore is known for its royal palaces, rare sandalwood and finest silk sarees that are especially named after the city. Manufactured in Mysore itself, there are many variants of Mysore silk sarees including pure mysore silk sarees, Mysore crepe sarees, Mysore chiffon sarees and Mysore georgette sarees. As they come in a variety of colors and trademark minimalistic designs and/or zari borders, these sarees have come to become one of India’s fastest selling, and most demanded handloom sarees. Authentic and pure with absolutely no compromise on quality, the rich feel of all these variants of Mysore silk sarees make them an eternal favorite for weddings and other traditional ceremonies.

Types of Mysore Sarees:

Started in the times of Tipu Sultan in 1785 AD, Mysore sarees came in pure silk and were mainly manufactured to fulfill the royal tastes of the queens and other women from the high society. But as the craze kept on growing due to the use of 100 per cent fine silk and pure gold zari threads in its making, it continued to be in demand and to meet the need of changing fashion trends, the other variants were introduced. However, the one thing that has never changed in so many years is the quality of Mysore sarees. Be it Mysore chiffon, Mysore georgette or even Mysore crepe, only pure silk threads are used in their making. Depending on how the silk yarns are woven decides whether the silk saree is chiffon, crepe or georgette.

Mysore Chiffon Silk Sarees

A very light, diaphanous fabric, Chiffon silk is made with a loose, plain weave and tightly twisted single silk yarns in both warp and weft. Unlike in crepe, the weft yarn of chiffon silk is either S or Z twist. The characteristic wrinkles in the finished fabric are created by the weft yarns being pulled in one direction. Mysore Chiffon sarees are elegant and sheer, with a slightly rough feel to them. Also sometimes referred to as Crepe Chiffon, this fabric while is used for making special occasion dresses like Scarves, nightgowns, and linings, they are best suited for making sarees. Mysore Chiffon sarees are softer and thinner than Georgette silk sarees. They are little more slippery but are also more light in weight and easier to carry.

Mysore Crepe Silk sarees:

Mysore Silk Crepe sarees are luxurious looking sarees that have a good sheen and a pebbly texture, obtained by using high twist silk yarns. Since Silk Crepe has a beautiful drape it is best looking as a traditional six yard drape as it takes the shaped of the women draping it, accentuating her curves beautifully. Silk crepe is also extensively used in making dresses, slacks, skirts, lightweight suits, bridal gowns, and evening wear along with sarees.

Mysore Geogette Silk Sarees

Mysore georgette silk sarees are fine and lightweight sarees. Made from georgette silk fabric that is made like chiffon, but with a two or three ply yarn, Mysore georgette silk are plain weave, crêpe fabric having two highly twisted S and two highly twisted Z yarns alternately in both warp and weft. Made of crepe yarn, these georgette silk sarees have a grainy texture, a sheer feel, and a thin, very dry hand. These sarees are heavier than chiffon and hence they have a better fall and they drape well too. These sarees are similar to silk crepe but are not as soft or lustrous as crepe silk. Georgette silk are durable and hence long lasting.

Ankur Modi is a Social Media Consultant and Blogger. I love to write on Handloom textile industry. Follow me to get updates on Indian Handloom Sarees