5 expert-approved tips on how to identify a pure Banarasi saree

Banarasi sarees are known for their luxurious motifs and intricate zari work. Existing in the Indian culture since forever, Banarasi drapes are always in high demand, which opens business channels for fake companies and labels to feed on the original Banarasi silhouette and make money. Also, with people preferring fast fashion over fine craftsmanship, many fall prey to these people and get into purchasing lower-quality Banarasi, paying the full price. If you don’t wish to be one of them, then let’s learn 5 ways in which you can know whether your Banarasi is fake or real.

Once you have a Banarasi drape in your hands, quickly flip to the other side and start observing the detailing. Pure Banarasi silk sarees are made from handlooms and not by power looms, so when you flip the saree, you will notice that the jaal of threads will be uneven, which has its own beauty. But if it is smooth with an even finish and minimal thread work, then it's a fake given to you.

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Authentic Banarasi sarees are known for their golden and silver thread work. So, if you wish to know the authenticity of your drape, gently rub the zari of the saree. If you see silver or reddish detailing underneath, understand that your Banarasi saree is a pure drape. But if you witness nothing with even coverage, then it is a fake saree.

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This is one of the first things that you must observe while carrying a Banarasi saree. Authentic Banarasi drapes are made from pure gold and silver threads, which obviously makes the price level go up. This also increases the weight of the saree, as one can imagine the amount of gold and silver threads it must have, which will automatically add to the weight. But, if your Banarasi is flimsy and lightweight, don’t get too comfortable, as it is a fake.

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These are small experiments you can do with your Banarasi saree drape at home to prove that it's an original. Start with the ring test, in which you need to pass the whole Banarasi drape through a small ring, which proves its softness and purity. On the other hand, in case of a fire test, simply take out a thread from your Banarasi saree and burn it. If it emits a smell of human hair, then it is a pure one, but if not, then it has polyester and will soon melt into clumps.

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When you’re purchasing a Banarasi, try to make it happen from an authentic handloom store where they also provide the Banarasi GI TAG, which indicates its purity set by the Government of India. These sarees usually take 3 to 6 months to make and are slightly higher in price. The price depends on the type of zari work and how intricate it is, but the price range is quite high. So, if you’re getting a reasonable deal, then it’s time for you to run.