Among the many sarees that India has gifted to the world, the Jamdani sarees always make it to the list of timeless classics. The Jamdani sarees are known as one of the finest in India and are heavily inspired by Mughal motifs and textures. The sarees are handwoven and have been a symbol of royalty, luxury, and heritage since the Mughal era.
These sarees are a great way to honor the craft of India and the skilled artisans who are involved in continuing this legacy.
The Jamdani weaving technique is such a fine handloom tradition that UNESCO declared Jamdani weaving as an “Intangible cultural heritage of humanity” in 2013.
If you’re also planning on buying a Jamdani saree but are looking for more information before you make a decision, this blog is the right place to start.
Types of Jamdani Sarees
1. Dhakai Jamdani Saree
Dhakai Jamdani sarees are the most common type of Jamdani sarees. These sarees feature fine floral motifs and a cotton weave, making them a light and breezy wear without compromising on luxurious look and feel. These sarees take months to complete and are a representation of the Indian saree craftsmanship at its finest. These sarees are often worn for grand celebrations and weddings. If you’re looking to add a prized possession to your saree collection, go for a Dhakai Jamdani saree.
2. Tangail Jamdani Saree
Tangail is a place in Bangladesh, and the origin of the Tangail Jamdani sarees. The sarees have large motifs and colorful borders, making them a perfect pick for festive occasions and poojas. The pallus in these sarees are often set apart by elaborate designs and handwork that make the saree look regal.
3. Shantipur Jamdani Saree
As the name suggests, these sarees originate from Shantipur in West Bengal. These sarees are woven with fine cotton, just like Dhakai and Tangail, but what sets them apart is the minimalism that comes with these sarees. These sarees are lightweight, feature small designs, and are perfect for everyday wear, especially workwear. If you’re looking to add an evergreen traditional saree to your wardrobe but also don’t want to go all out, Shantipur Jamdani sarees are your perfect pick.
4. Modern Jamdani Sarees
If you’re looking for something more modern, but keeping the tradition alive, go for modern Jamdani sarees. Most designers now add Jamdani designs to fabrics like silks, linen blends, making them easier to blend. These sarees come in many contemporary colors, and work great for parties or office events.
Identifying an Authentic Jamdani Saree
You’ve done your research, you know the type of Jamdani saree you want to add to your collection, but you don’t know how to identify an authentic Jamdani saree from the machine-made replicas. We’ve got you covered. Read on to find out how to spot the real deal:
- Check the weave
Since Jamdani is a weaving practice, the motifs and designs are directly woven into the fabric and not embroidered or stitched. Look carefully for the weave, and if you see a stitched or embroidered motif, walk away.
- The texture and motifs
The authentic Jamdani is completely handmade, and hence, the texture feels slightly uneven. Also, examine the motifs carefully. The original Jamdani saree motifs look like they’re floating on the fabric. If you see a Jamdani saree in smooth fabric or motifs that don’t have the floating effect, it is most likely a replica.
- Price factor
As mentioned before, Jamdani is a precious weaving technique, and it can easily take months to weave an authentic Jamdani saree. This justifies the high price that you pay for Jamdani sarees. If you’re finding a Jamdani saree at an unusually low price, it is probably not genuine.
- Look for irregularities
Small irregularities in motifs, such as size differences or weave pattern differences, are very common in handwoven sarees. If you don’t find any kind of irregularities in the whole saree, it is mostly made with a power loom and not authentic handweaving techniques.
Carrying Forward the Jamdani Legacy
We believe every woman should own a Jamdani saree because it is not about fashion, but more about conserving an ancient art form that has stood the test of time. It is also about adding a treasured piece that is only going to increase in value with time.
While the world chooses fast fashion, picking a Jamdani saree is a sign of choosing sustainability. Whether you go to a handloom store or pick a Jamdani saree online, one thing is for sure that you will be investing in one of the most beautiful and cherished traditional sarees available.
Fashion for Life 
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