India has always been famous for its rich cultures and traditions, which is evident in its vivid festivals. Owing to the cultural nature of the festivals in our country, we can see people dressed in bright, colourful clothes. Handloom fabrics such as cotton, silk, Khadi, Ikat, Banarasi, Chanderi, etc., are undoubtedly part of the festival fabrics and symbolise Indian culture.
Nevertheless, fashion trends change with time, and today’s Indian women are experimenting with trendy Indian festive wear designs that amalgamate traditional prints and fabrics with new-age silhouettes and embroidery work. So, let’s look at some handlooms that Indian women can flaunt during various festivities and celebrations.
List of 15 Trending Handloom Wear for Women
1. Handcrafted Khadi Kurti
Khadi handloom, or what is often referred to as the fabric of independence, is something that each and every Indian cherishes closely in their hearts. An ideal type of festive clothing could be a khadi kurti, which is made using handspun and handwoven cotton threads that are so comfortable to wear. The colour palette might be pastel or bright, while the kurtis may not have many patterns and embellishments. Palazzos and dhoti pants, complemented by mojris, perfectly match this look. Wear floral or oxidised jewellery to give your ethnic look a boost.
2. Handcrafted Ikat Skirt and Top Set
Celebrating the beauty of the traditional ikat weaving technique, this handloom wear comprises a skirt and a top, both of which have a rich and royal look. The concept of Ikat is very elaborate. It includes the process of applying tie-dye and making sure that this is replicated accurately on the fabric. The distinguishing factor of the motifs is that the boundaries are not unique, which makes ikat skirts special. A cropped ikat top blouse and a long, flowy skirt are perfect for celebrating Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi.
3. Handcrafted Chanderi Saree
Delicate and lovely handcarfted Chanderi sarees made of silk are fabulous and flowy, as the fabric is extremely lightweight. Beautiful and detailed in pastel shades of pink, green, blue, grey and peach, these handloom sarees with zari work on the floral motifs and contrast pallus are suitable for festivals, including Diwali, Rakhi, Bihu and more. Wear them best with a sleeveless or mid-length sleeve blouse to complete the attire.
4. Handcrafted Bandhani Saree
The Bandhani technique involves tying fabrics in intricate patterns and designs to create vibrant patterns. Stunning Bandhani work and rich colours, complemented by gotta-patti embroidery on sarees, make them a rage during Gangaur Puja and wedding season. To complete the look, wear a choli of a different colour from the skirt and drape the dupatta over the choli.
5. Handwoven Mulmul Cotton Saree
Handwoven Mulmul cotton sarees have slowly come back into fashion due to their extremely smooth feel when draped around and the ease with which the body can breathe. Due to their delicate designs, outlined with fine zari borders, these handloom sarees are best suited for small family gatherings and ceremonies. You may also pair the six yards of elegance with a silk blouse on formal occasions.
6. Handloom Banarasi Silk Saree
The best creations from Varanasi looms, the Banarasi handloom silk sarees, are the best examples of India’s cultural heritage. Embroidery and gold zari work on tissue or silk bases are common sights on these bright-coloured sarees, making them family treasures and, hence, popular among women. It is advisable to wear these handloom silk sarees on occasions such as Diwali, weddings or other occasions requiring new attire.
7. Handloom Bomkai Silk Saree
A few of the important features of the Bomkai sarees of Odisha are flowers, peacocks and geometric patterns, which resemble temple architecture and are formed by supplementary weft techniques. The elegance and class in this festive wear can be seen in the brocade pallu and borders woven in both silk and Bomkai cotton fabric. Pair it with an embroidered blouse for festivities or any special occasion.
8. Handloom Kanjeevaram Silk Saree
Kancheepuram handloom or Kanjeevaram silks, woven in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, are well-known among fabric connoisseurs and fashion enthusiasts. Their wide, contrasting borders and vivid all-over body patterns on premium mulberry silk make them popular seasonal wear during the Pongal and Onam festivals in the southern part of India.
9. Handwoven Bagru Print Kurti
The Bagru hand block technique originated in Jaipur, which produces bright, beautiful indigo prints with an unconventional, bohemian touch. Kurta tunics with such cheerful prints look elegant when paired with dhoti pants or white denim jeans for an Indo-Western look that’s perfect for small occasions and retreats. Complete the look by opting for minimal jewellery and mojris.
10. Handcrafted Linen Saree
Pure linen sarees are made from natural fibres. The fabric used in the production of these sarees is lightweight and has a muted shine. Their timeless aesthetics are expressed in solid beiges, powder blues, light greys or soft pinks and yech-shaped applique borders and giant temple motifs. The linen sarees are best worn for pujas or day events with contrast-coloured blouses and long pearl necklaces.
11. Handcrafted Chikankari Anarkali Suits
The delicate chikan work of Lucknow is depicted in pure white to bright, bold hues on ankle-length Anarkali suits, which are perfect for wedding receptions and festivities. For occasions like Eid, you can pair palazzos with oxidised jewellery and an embroidered kurta with floral jails, vines or paisleys.
12. Handwoven Jamdani Saree
Jamdani is a sheer muslin fabric popular in West Bengal. It is woven with an additional layer of cotton or silk at the base of the fabric, forming textured work. Fashionable jamdanis combined with handloom silk are used as precious symbols of generations, smoothly laying on the skin. Handloom Jamdani sarees are perfect for occasions like Rakhi or Bhai Dooj. Tighten the pallu and add chandelier earrings to enhance your overall look.
13. Handloom Mangalgiri Cotton Saree
As the name Mangalgiri implies, these light-weaved soft cotton handloom sarees originated from the village of Mangalgiri near Vijayawada and prioritised comfort. An exquisite touch of bright zari or threadwork done in borders and contrast pallu brings in the liveliness. Accessorise them with half-sleeve blouses that are great for casual wear, especially during the festive season.
14. Handcrafted Kota Doria Saree
The Kota Doria saree is one of Rajasthan’s best textiles. It is woven using fine cotton yarn and silk warp threads with a very thin, nearly translucent weave. The geometric pattern generated through the interconnection of yarns resembles a square-like structure, thereby providing an identity. Wear this handloom saree with a full-sleeve or sleeveless solid-colour blouse complemented by a pearl necklace.
15. Handwoven Bhagalpuri Silk Saree
Handwoven Boasting Tussar silk, the Bhagalpuri silk saree gives an overall rustic feel to the fabric. The designs and motifs are exotic, inspired by ancient Indian sculptures and paintings that are indigenous to the country. Ideal for festivals and traditional ceremonies, Bhagalpuri silk sarees add ethnic appeal to your personality. Colours vary from off-white and beige to red, black and green, and these handloom silk sarees are versatile.
Celebrate Festivals with Indian Handloom Wear for Women
Indian handloom sarees and suits have become increasingly modern with designs and styles of the present era, but the fundamental weaving and crafting methodologies are still the same. Wearing such earth-friendly attire for festivals indirectly supports various artisans and weavers.
Let’s go vocal for this festival season to support our artisans and weavers. Explore the traditional and exquisite collection of handloom saris, suits, kurtis and fusion wear directly from them at Indiahandmade. Make your life easier by ordering your festive outfit online and have it delivered to your doorstep.