Feel Like the Perfect Indian Woman in Designer Banarasi Lehengas & Sarees

Getting the perfect wedding outfit is of prime concern for every bride (and groom) around the world. In most parts of India, bridal ensembles for the special day comprise resplendent silks highlighted with lustrous gold zari. One such type of silk, the Banarasi, originated in the region of present-day Varanasi, which continues to be one of the oldest weaving centres in India.

Celebrated for their opulence, fine softness and centuries-old appeal, Banarasi fabrics, including tanchoi, katan, organza, jangla, tissue, and tussar georgette to name a few, lend themselves to designer lehengas, sarees, kurtas, shararas, long skirts, stoles and dupattas, and other separates. Silken Banarasi lehengas are widely a staple in trousseaus around the country. Their traditional richness makes for a poised, charming and elegant bridal look.

The designer Banarasi brocade lehenga, with its impeccable design, is a great alternative to the conventional saree. From the main marriage ceremony to the mehendi and sangeet functions, you’ll look enchanting in a gilded Banarasi lehenga skirt with either a simple or heavily embroidered blouse and exquisite dupatta.

Bridal or otherwise, the Banarasi lehenga isn’t just an ideal outfit for wedding events. As the festive season approaches, there’s a lavish variety out there to choose from that will uplift your style quotient.

Vivacious designer silk lehengas in vibrant colours and contrasts help you exhibit your fun side. Then there are statement styles in black, cobalt blue, dark emerald and deep midnight shades embellished with gold and silver threadwork, metallic wires and sequins with which you can stand out on grand celebrations.

Let’s not forget the neutral cream, beige and minty pistachio colours of silk and tulle fabric sparkling with a light layer of sequins and shiny beads. Yet another idea is to flaunt a traditional look in ruby, vermillion and rose-toned brocades in a very different way by styling the dupatta in creative drapes and choosing dramatic silhouettes of blouses and silk shirts.

Always choose the right accessories like traditional silver jewellery, gold studded with precious stones, intricate temple jewellery, and a bindi, as well as the right shades of shoes and handbags for the perfect finish.

Coming back to more classic garments, the Banarasi saree, which once adorned royalty, is a coveted possession for the Indian woman till date. Most often handwoven, this exclusively Indian fashion entity has its place on the global stage. An immaculately designed Banarasi saree will always give a woman a flattering appearance irrespective of her age. 

Things to consider while purchasing high-quality Banarasi clothing

Float: check the opposite side of the saree to find out whether there are floats between the warps and wefts around the motif. An authentic and handmade Banarasi saree must have this feature, which machine-made sarees often do not possess.

Silk: check whether the Banarasi saree is made from pure silk or not. By pulling out a loose thread and placing it over a little flame, you can check the authenticity of the silk. The logo of Silk Mark Organisation of India is one guarantee of a quality product.

It’s always useful to have the edges of the silk saree roll-hemmed – a technique called pico, and a “fall” stitched along the lower border.

You can browse leading designer collections of Banarasi sarees and lehengas on popular online platforms like Tata CliQ Luxury, Ajio Luxe, Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, etc.