You may not know of these 6 Indian weaves, but they are a must for your wedding trousseau

Times have changed. While earlier trousseaus were decades of curation put together by our mothers and grandmothers, today it is part of the wedding to-dos and errands. You’re probably working putting together your trousseau now as you read this. But before you find the inspiration for your sari selections from the new-age Bollywood wives, hear us out. Banarasi weaves are great, we aren’t debating it, as are the many other popular Indian weaves you may have seen on your celebrity lookouts, but you might want to consider the lesser-known Indian weaves that are just as colourful, intricate, regal, and classic. In fact, there is one thing that these offer that the popular ones don’t: they help your style stand out, of course, and also help promoting regional artisans and craft. Here are some of our favourites from India's vast diversity of weaves that we hope make it your closet. 

Assam’s Eri Silk 

A gem from the northeast, the Eri Silk is a smooth fabric that combines the elegance of silk with the comfort and warmth of wool. This one, also known as “Ahimsa or peace silk”—as it does not kill the silkworm during processing—is a versatile and isothermic fabric, which gets softer with each wear, and is great to be worn year-round. 

Kerala’s Kasavu Silk

With a royal history, Kerala’s traditional Kasavu Silk sari stands out for its elegance and minimalism. Embellished with warm golden borders, which wonderfully complement the plain white fabric, the Kasavu style presents a perfect piece for every occasion.  

Odisha’s Bomkai Weave

One of the oldest textiles of Odisha, the Bomkai weave is marked with intense, contrasting colours and intricate threadwork. Made with low count cotton yarn that is heavier than regular cotton, these saris are perfect for colder months. The photo you see above has beautiful and quirky flamingo embroidery, setting it apart from the usual pieces.

Maharashtra’s Himroo Weave

Originally called khubab (little dream), this style is known for its combination of silk and cotton, which makes for a lustrous and soft weave. Worn by the royals, it usually features intricate designs of birds, flowers, animals, fruit, and also geometrical shapes. The unique styles and comfort of the Himroo shawl make it a perfect contender for some of the best weaves to wear in the colder seasons.

Manipur’s Moirang Phee 

Like most northeastern weaves, the Moirang Phee is marked with triangular motifs on the borders. Rooted in Manipur mythology, this pattern is said to represent the teeth of Pakhamba, the pythonic god. With a versatile range of colours and style, there is a Moirang Phee piece out there for everyone. The motifs on the saree are often inspired by nature, think flowers and animals.

TELANGANA’S POCHAMPALLY IKAT

These are distinctly characterised by the traditional geometric patterns throughout the saree. In this weaving method, the threads are dyed before adding them on the loom. Sustainable and comfortable, made with natural colours and a mixture of silk and cotton, these elegant sarees have to be a staple in every closet.