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Kanchipuram silk sarees are treasured for their rich texture, vibrant colors, and traditional craftsmanship. Handwoven in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, these sarees are considered a luxury item and are often passed down through generations. But with the rise of machine-made and synthetic copies in the market, how do you make sure you're buying a genuine Kanchipuram silk saree?
Let’s walk through some simple tips and tricks to help you identify an authentic Kanchipuram silk saree—even if you're not an expert.
1. Look for the Silk Mark Tag
The easiest and most reliable way to know you're buying pure silk is to check for the Silk Mark tag. Issued by the Silk Mark Organisation of India, this tag certifies that the saree is made of 100% pure silk. Always ask for it when buying from a showroom or online.
2. Examine the Zari (Gold Thread)
One of the highlights of a Kanchipuram saree is its rich, gold zari work. Genuine Kanchipuram sarees use zari made with silver and gold plating over silk thread. Fakes often use plastic or polyester threads coated in metallic paint.
How to check?
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Rub the zari gently between your fingers. If the color starts to fade or if it feels rough, it’s likely not genuine.
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Real zari has a slight weight and a natural shine, not a bright glittery look like fake ones.
3. Inspect the Border and Pallu
An authentic Kanchipuram silk saree is woven with the body and border in separate sections and then interlocked tightly. This technique is called the korvai method, and it’s a key sign of authenticity.
To check:
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Look at the point where the body meets the border. If you see fine thread work joining them and the joint is seamless, that’s a good sign.
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The pallu (the loose end of the saree) is often separately woven and joined just like the border.
4. Check the Weave and Texture
Pure silk has a unique texture—soft, smooth, yet slightly grainy to the touch. If the saree feels too shiny or slippery like plastic, it may be synthetic.
You can also try the burn test on a tiny thread (only if you already own the saree):
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Burn a small fiber from the edge.
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If it smells like burnt hair and leaves behind a black ash ball, it’s real silk.
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If it melts like plastic and smells chemical, it’s fake.
Note: This test is not recommended in shops. Use it only when you're unsure of a saree you already have.
5. Weight and Fall of the Saree
A genuine Kanchipuram silk saree is heavier than fake ones because of the quality of silk and zari used. It also has a natural fall and drapes beautifully.
Cheap versions may look good but feel light and flimsy when worn.
6. Traditional Motifs and Designs
Kanchipuram sarees often feature traditional South Indian motifs like:
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Peacocks
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Elephants
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Chakras
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Temple borders
If you see unusual or modern prints that don’t align with traditional Kanchipuram styles, it could be a power loom imitation.
7. Price Matters
Pure Kanchipuram silk sarees are not cheap. They usually start from ₹10,000–₹15,000 and can go up to lakhs depending on the zari, silk quality, and design complexity.
If you’re being offered a "Kanchipuram silk" saree for ₹3,000, it’s likely not authentic. Always remember—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Final Thoughts
Owning a real Kanchipuram silk saree is like owning a piece of Indian heritage. It’s not just about the beauty but also the centuries-old craftsmanship woven into each thread. While many imitations may look similar, they don’t carry the same legacy, comfort, or durability.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to shop smarter and add only genuine, timeless pieces to your wardrobe.