Identifying Authentic Paithani Sarees: Tips For Buyers

Introduction

The Paithani sarees are an example of India’s rich heritage of textiles and a reflection of the nation’s illustrious history. Originally woven with threads of gold and silver, the Paithani Sarees were a treasure, not just in India, but across the world. Travellers from Greece and Rome took these garments back home where they gained a lot of popularity and were known for being the mark of royalty. 

In the modern day, the Paithani Saree continue to be a treasured addition to a woman’s wardrobe. In this article, we will take you through some pointers to keep in mind when buying a Paithani saree, to make sure of its authenticity and quality. 

Key Characteristics of Authentic Paithani Sarees

1.Material

Authentic Paithani Sarees are woven with pure silk. The zari is usually sourced from Gujarat.

Cotton was used in the Paithani Sarees of the past but not anymore. The material is pure silk, though it is possible that different types of silks are used in the body and pallu of the saree, depending on the weave employed.

2.Weaving Technique

The making of a Paithani saree is time-consuming and requires a lot of labour with attention to the fine details. It is mostly a plain weave with patterns as per the warp and weft weaving techniques. Craftsmen painstakingly employ traditional methods called ‘kodi’ (small squares) and ‘ruk’ (lines) to imprint vibrant designs on the saree. 

3.Design And Patterns

Peacock designs are the most popular choice when it comes to the Pure Paithani Saree pallu. Some more popular motifs are parrots (Muniya), flowers (Panja or Garwa) and occasionally, the artfully woven geometric prints. The pallu however, remains the highlight of the saree. 

How To Verify The Authenticity Of The Paithani Sarees?

One of the authenticating factors of a Paithani saree is that it looks the same on both sides. This is the result of a long process that ensures a seamless weave. There are however, some more things to look for when buying a Paithani saree;

1.Handwoven

Paithani Sarees are all handwoven. This means that though both sides look the same, there are minor aberrations that prove the human touch in the manufacturing process. Machine-made sarees lack that, hence giving away their duplicity. 

2.The Zari

The zari in Pure Silk Paithani Saree is made of pure gold or silver. Check whether the zari comes with a hallmark, to know if that is pure. 

3.Check The Back Of The Saree

In many fake Paithani Sarees, the back is much plainer than the front side. This is the result of inauthentic weaving techniques and machine work. If you find the back to be vastly different from the main side of the saree, it is most definitely  fake. 

Caring For your Authentic Paithani Saree

A saree as regal as the Paithani cannot be simply stuffed away in your cupboard with the rest of your clothes. It needs special care and upkeep if you wish to preserve its health and beauty for a long time. Follow the below tips to properly store your Paithani Sarees.

1. Avoid keeping them in plastic bags. Choose cotton or muslin bags instead, to preserve the colour and fabric. 
2. Keep it in a cool and dry place.
3. After wearing the saree, air it out away from direct sunlight for a few hours. Do this once in a while, regardless of frequency of usage.
4. Change the folds of the saree from time to time and re-store it. 
5. Iron your saree from the reverse side first. The best method is to steam iron.
6. Do not wash your Paithani Sarees in the machine or with detergent or regular soap. Give it to professional dry cleaning. 

Conclusion

Paithani Sarees are more than just their beauty. They are a mark of India’s textile treasure and world’s acknowledgement of the same. Buying a Paithani Silk Saree is a matter of careful consideration and we advise you to choose verified sellers for your purchase. 

A Paithani saree’s true beauty is revealed when you understand the history and value of the craftsmanship as much as you appreciate its beauty. That is why it is important to be wary of fake sellers and only purchase from verified sources. 

FAQs

1.What makes Paithani Sarees unique?

The Paithani saree is a work of pure silk and gold. It looks the same on both sides and its weave is only enhanced by the rich history that it has been a part of. 

2.How can I differentiate between a hand-woven Paithani saree and a machine-woven one?

A Paithani saree looks the same on both sides. However, if the back of the saree is much simpler or in some cases, too perfect without accounting for the minor human errors, it is likely machine-made. 

3.How can I verify the authenticity of the zari used in the Paithani saree?

Check for the hallmark of the zari. That is proof of its authenticity. Additionally, zari has a distinct shine and weight which is missing in its imitation forms. 

4.Where should I buy authentic Paithani Sarees?

Buy from reputed or verified sellers. They usually understand the significance of Paithani saree and are also capable of answering your queries regarding the same.