01 · Maheshwar
Maheshwari
Look for the reversible border, called bugdi, and the five stripes at the pallu end. The weave feels crisp but breathes.
- Price range
- ₹4,500 – ₹12,000
- Tell it by
- Same border on both sides
- Care
- Gentle hand wash, dry in shade
02 · Chanderi
Chanderi
Hold it to the light. A real Chanderi is see-through without being flimsy, with butis woven in, not printed.
- Price range
- ₹5,500 – ₹18,000
- Tell it by
- Glassy sheen, woven butis
- Care
- Dry clean the first time
03 · Varanasi
Banarasi
Turn it over. Handwoven Banarasi shows floats on the reverse where the zari jumps between motifs.
- Price range
- ₹14,000 – ₹90,000
- Tell it by
- Floats on the reverse side
- Care
- Dry clean only, wrap in muslin
04 · Paithan
Paithani
The pallu has no wrong side. Peacocks, lotus and parrots are woven by interlocking each colour by hand.
- Price range
- ₹22,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Tell it by
- Identical pallu front and back
- Care
- Refold every three months