How to Spot an Authentic Kerala Handloom Saree

In the case of traditional Indian clothing, nothing can compare to the poise and beauty of a Kerala handloom saree. Haradhi has an honest desire to assist you in figuring out the beauty of Kerala's textile legacy. But as demand increases, so has competition in the form of imitations. So, how can you be certain that the saree you purchase is original? In this blog, we will take you through the most important characteristics of an authentic handloom saree, the pride of every Malayali woman and an ageless depiction of culture.

1. Understand the Fabric and Feel

The initial step towards identifying an authentic handloom saree is through touch. These sarees are handwoven using natural cotton or silk threads. They feel soft and gentle to the touch and have a weight that shows the workmanship. In contrast to power loom sarees, handwoven materials will have small inconsistencies in the weaving that are an indication of human effort, not machine precision. The saree's rigidity and droop serve as further indicators. With every wash, pure handloom cotton becomes softer without losing its allure. Watch out for labels such as "Handloom Mark," which is a guarantee of authenticity from India's Ministry of Textiles.

2. Note the Borders and Motifs

A pure handloom saree impresses one with its subtle beauty. Typically, real zari or copper threads dipped in gold are used to weave the golden border, also known as the kasavu. Sarees that are not authentic tend to have plastic-like borders that peel off or get discolored after some time. Patterns on real sarees tend to be nature-inspired, like you might see mango patterns, temple borders, and peacock motifs. These are woven into the saree itself rather than printed. This holds for other traditional wear as well, like the Kerala double mundu, where you can see the same type of woven borders that speak of elegance and heritage.

3. Look for Weaving Discontinuities

Unlike factory-made garments, handmade sarees may have slight weaving inconsistencies, and this is not a flaw but a feature. Look at the pallu and border alignment. Slight irregularities confirm that the saree has been made on a loom by a skilled artisan. You might also find that authentic sarees will have a distinct smell, usually from the starch or the natural dyes. These tiny details may be easily overlooked, but they reveal a great deal of character and provenance. When purchasing a handloom Kerala saree online, always check to ensure you make your purchase from a reputable source such as Haradhi. We directly deal with cooperatives and weavers to supply you with sarees that remain rooted in their traditions.

4. Trust Traditional Vendors and Certified Sellers

Perhaps the most secure way to purchase authentic handloom products is to shop from authorized sellers and brands that have an explicit commitment to heritage. We concentrate on sourcing sarees directly from artisans and weaving communities in Kerala. We trust in transparency, tradition, and trust. Our product descriptions include fabric information, weaving styles, and origin so you know precisely what you are investing in. Each piece that we deal in, ranging from handloom sarees to the traditional Kerala settu, is handpicked with care and integrity.