Indian Fabrics 101: Silk, Chanderi, Georgette, Chiffon & More Explained
One of the most confusing aspects of shopping for Indian ethnic wear is the overwhelming variety of fabric names. Chanderi, Georgette, Crepe, Organza, Banarasi, Kanchipuram, Chiffon, Raw Silk — the list continues. Understanding these fabrics helps you shop smarter, care for your clothing properly, and make choices that align with your occasion and comfort. Here is the Kaash Collection fabric guide.
Silk & Silk Variants
Pure Silk
The queen of Indian textiles. Pure silk has a natural sheen, drapes beautifully, and feels cool and smooth. It's used in the most prized Indian garments — Banarasi sarees, Kanchipuram sarees, and high-end Kurta fabrics. How to identify it: Real silk has fluid drape, a warm glow (not metallic shine). Burn a tiny thread — real silk smells like burning hair and leaves a crushable ash. Best for: Wedding sarees, formal Kurtas, heirloom pieces. Care: Dry clean recommended.
Art Silk (Artificial Silk)
Art silk — usually viscose or polyester — mimics silk at a lower price. Commonly used in everyday festive wear, printed sarees, and embroidered suits. The sheen is slightly more plastic-like and it doesn't breathe as well. Best for: Everyday festive wear, party pieces, budget-conscious shopping.
Raw Silk (Tussar / Dupion)
Raw silk has a textured, slightly rough weave with a rustic, handloom quality. Tussar silk has a natural golden-beige tone and takes embroidery beautifully. Best for: Kurtas, Anarkalis, handloom sarees.
Chanderi
A lightweight woven fabric from Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, combining silk with cotton or viscose. It produces a semi-sheer fabric with a subtle shimmer and natural texture — slightly stiff but draping gracefully. The look: Elegant, refined, slightly luminous. Best for: Daytime events, formal pujas, understated festive wear. Care: Gentle hand wash or dry clean.
Georgette
A lightweight, matte-finish fabric with a subtle crepe texture. One of the most popular fabrics for salwar kameez, Anarkali suits, and sarees — it drapes elegantly, moves beautifully, and is forgiving to wear. The look: Soft, flowing, slightly textured. Best for: Anarkali suits, party salwar, Sharara sets. Care: Hand wash cold or gentle machine wash.
Chiffon
Lighter and more sheer than georgette, with a smoother texture. Used for dupattas, sarees, and layering fabrics. Chiffon sarees have a dreamy, floaty quality. The look: Ultra-light, breezy, romantic. Best for: Dupattas, party sarees, summer occasion wear. Care: Hand wash carefully — chiffon is delicate.
Crepe
Matte, slightly rough surface with a crinkled texture. Heavier than georgette, holds its shape well. Excellent for structured Anarkali gowns and formal Kurtas. The look: Sophisticated, formal, structured. Best for: Formal occasion wear, structured silhouettes.
Cotton & Khadi
Cotton is the everyday fabric of Indian ethnic wear — breathable, comfortable, widely printed and dyed. Khadi, hand-spun and hand-woven, carries cultural significance and has a distinct texture increasingly prized by designers. The look: Natural, casual, textured. Best for: Everyday Kurtas, summer festivals. Care: Machine wash cold.
Banarasi & Kanchipuram
These are weaving traditions, not fabric types. Banarasi: From Varanasi — heavy zari work woven into silk. A Banarasi saree is one of the most prized possessions in any Indian wardrobe. Kanchipuram: From Tamil Nadu — pure silk with rich zari borders and pallu. Heavier than Banarasi, with vivid contrasting colors.
Quick Fabric Reference Table
| Need | Best Fabric |
|---|---|
| Hot outdoor summer event | Cotton, light georgette |
| Formal wedding ceremony | Pure silk, Banarasi, Chanderi |
| Dance-friendly sangeet | Georgette, chiffon, crepe |
| Everyday puja | Cotton, Chanderi |
| Heirloom investment | Pure silk, Kanjeevaram, Banarasi |
Browse our collection by fabric at KaashCollection.com, or visit Kaash Collection at 405 Boulder Ct, Suite 200-I, Pleasanton, CA. Use code WELCOME5 for 5% off your first order.