Frequently Asked Questions

A Banarasi saree is defined by its zari — flattened gold or silver thread woven into the silk on the loom itself, rather than embroidered on afterwards. The tradition belongs to Varanasi, and the vocabulary is specific: buti are small motifs scattered across the field, jaal is a spreading lattice, and the pallu is the densely worked end panel that anchors the drape. A saree is Banarasi because of how it is woven, not simply because of how it looks.

Zari is metallic thread — traditionally real gold or silver wound around a silk core, today most often a tested metallic alternative. It is what gives a Banarasi its weight and its shift of light as you move. Antique zari is deliberately dulled to a warmer, aged tone; silver zari reads cooler and more contemporary.

Yes. Every saree in this collection comes with a matching blouse piece attached to the drape, unstitched. Blouse pieces are not sold separately.

Dry clean only. Never machine or hand wash silk or zari — water dulls the metallic thread permanently and can pull the weave. Between wears, air the saree in shade rather than sunlight.

Fold it in a cotton or muslin wrap, never plastic, which traps moisture. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from damp. Refold along different lines every few months — zari creases permanently if it stays folded on the same line for years. Do not hang a heavy silk saree for long periods; the weight distorts the drape.

Banarasi silk is the heaviest and most formal, with woven zari and a substantial fall — the wedding and reception drape. Pure silk gives a deep even lustre with embroidery rather than woven zari, softer in mood. Tissue silk is featherweight with a metallic sheen that holds light on the surface. Organza is the sheerest and lightest of all, translucent and airy, best for daytime celebrations. Weight goes down and ease goes up as you move along that list.

Closely, but not always exactly. Screens vary in calibration, and handwoven silk shifts in appearance under different light — daylight, tungsten and camera flash each read differently. If exact shade matters for your occasion, message us on WhatsApp and we will send additional photographs in natural light before you order.

Sarees are approximately 5.5 metres, with an additional blouse piece of roughly 0.8 metres. Because these are handwoven, small variations in length and width are normal.

Not at present — sarees ship unstitched. If you have it done locally, please note that once fall and pico have been applied the saree can no longer be returned.

Orders are dispatched within 3 to 5 business days. After dispatch, delivery takes 2 to 4 business days to Indian metros, 4 to 7 days elsewhere in India, and 7 to 14 days internationally. Shipping within India is complimentary.

Yes, worldwide. International shipping is calculated at checkout. Import duties and local taxes are set by your country and payable by you on delivery — they are not included in the price shown here.

Unstitched sarees can be returned within 7 days of delivery if unworn, unwashed and in original packaging with tags and blouse piece intact. Sarees that have been stitched or had fall and pico applied cannot be returned. If a piece arrives damaged or incorrect, tell us within 48 hours with photographs and we will replace or refund it at our cost. Full terms are on our return policy page.

No. Small variations in the weave, minor differences in zari density, and slight shifts in measurement are characteristic of hand weaving. They are the evidence that a person made the cloth rather than a machine, and they are not grounds for return.

Yes. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 93546 55110 with the saree name or SKU. We can send further photographs, describe the weight and fall in person, and help you choose between pieces for a particular occasion.