Specialities of Indian Pattu Sarees and Online Demand of this Saree

Pattu are the silk sarees originating in southern states of India. So, pattu is Indian silk which shines in its full glory all over the world. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed several artefacts to prove that sericulture existed in ancient India as well. And Indian pattu sarees have existed since that time as well. The draping style has evolved over the eras, generations and years but the fabrics, especially the silk has existed and have been quite commonly used in India since time immemorial. Though it comes second in its production preceded only by China but it is still the largest consumer of this fabric. It is said to be sacred fabric thus worn on every auspicious occasion like religious festivals, weddings etc.

Indian pattu sarees are best recognised as bridal wear in south Indian states. The original pattu sarees are valued not only for their heavy work and great craftsmanship but also for their traditional significance. They are often heirlooms passed from a generation to another, and preserved as a prized possession. Over years fashion came and went, trends came and influenced the traditional designs but Indian pattu sarees still have successfully retained their serenity which embodies the age-old tradition.

Though these sarees originated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, but today it is favourite of women within as well as beyond the geographical boundaries of India. Most commonly known pattu saree is manufactured in Kanchipuram- the temple city and known as Kanchipuram or Kanjivaram pattu. They are not only the most popular one but also regarded as superior over other varieties. The stock motifs used in Kanchipuram silk sarees are temple, flowers, stripes, checks and mangoes. Kanchipuram pattu comes in all price ranges but purest form which maintains the ratio of silk and zari thread with intricate and delicate designs can cost up to some lakhs.

Traditional Indian Pata silk sarees available online

A new variety has been added to Indian pattu sarees and it is called Samudrika Pattu. This saree is woven in Kanchipuram silk. The name originates from the Vedic term Samudrika Lakshanam which are the features that a beautiful women is endowed with. Similarly, Samudrika pattu is Sarva Lakshana Pattu or is woven with all the main characteristics of pattu saree.

It is true that the demand for georgette or net sarees are high on demand. But the demand for traditional Indian pattu sarees are not dependent on market. There has been a perennial demand for these sarees. The fact that online stores have huge stock of these sarees testify that women of all age group like these sarees. While the designer modern sarees embody fashion, the silk sarees stand for our age old traditions, heritage and customs. These sites have section which enables visitors to place order from anywhere to be shipped anywhere and make payment in any currency. This clearly shows how popular and on demand these sarees are all over the world. No matter if you are in US, UK, any African country or Middle East countries, if you need Indian pattu sarees, you can always get them in merely one fortnight.

However, choice of site to buy them can be trickier than you thought. You can always consult feedback section or online reviews to know about the online shop your choice, but to place safest bait, you can go for government aided cooperative websites or sites of renowned stores like Pothys, Nalli, The Chennai Silk etc. This way you will not only get exclusive Indian pattu sarees but also can rest assured of the quality of the saree you bought. Price may seem to be higher than other sites, but it is the cost you will pay for the peace of mind about getting genuine product. 

Weaving Style and Online Market of famous Pasapalli Saree

Odisha is known for its various handloom sarees in cotton and silk. Pasapalli Saree is invariably one of the prominent ones. The name Pasapalli has been derived from the word 'pasa' which means chessboard. You can identify this saree from other sarees of Odisha by its signature chessboard squares in contrasting colours on border and pallu. Some of the premium exclusive sarees have chequered patterns all over the body. This handloom saree is woven mainly in the Bargarh district. These are usually bright coloured sarees which get an edge with brighter contrast coloured border and pallu. Most common colour combination found in this variety of saree is yellow and blue, green and red, golden and maroon etc. Red is quite a dominant colour of Pasapalli sarees.

Like most of the handloom sarees of Odisha, Pasapalli is also woven in silk, cotton, tussar and a mix of tussar and silk. For a touch of glamour, often golden thread work is used. The check patterns seen in this saree are mainly done in white or black. A look at the 'anchal' or 'pallu' and you will understand what an intricate design it is and that it surely needs an excellent craftsmanship from an ace artisan to plate such an exemplary piece of art. Weavers making a Pasapalli saree are a pro of the ancient weaving style called 'baandhakala'. No powerloom or weaving machine has ever been designed to replicate such unique creations. Each saree is woven manually and thus may take several weeks to be completed.

Beautiful Pasapalli Cotton Saree available online

The detailed process starts long before the weaving. The yarns of threads are tied in a particular pattern to dye so that only the designated parts can absorb the colour. If more than one colour is required, process gets even more complicated. Also, this weaving style lets the artisans create the signature Pasapalli motifs on both sides of the saree identically. The technique called 'baandhkala' is so ancient yet too versatile that multiple colours, patterns and designs can be created.

Apart from the chequered patterns, other commonly used motifs used in Pasapalli sarees are flowers, geometrical shapes, wheel, temples, birds and landscape. Every saree is a unique piece of art and impeccable example of superior craftsmanship. This saree has won accolades in India and abroad and thus Government of India has taken measures to save the industry of hand woven saree in Odisha and Pasapalli saree is undoubtedly one of them.

It has quite a huge market all over India. The cotton Pasapalli are best for any day event, be it a formal meeting with someone of prominence or a ritual of wedding. If you flip through pictures, you will find eminent female personalities whenever representing country or their dignified designation, they wear Pasapalli, Sambalpuri or similar handloom saree from Odisha. The silk Pasapalli saree looks really gorgeous and thus best suited for evening occasions. You can wear it for wedding or similar social invitations as well as formal parties of office. It becomes even more of an evident choice when you hold an important position.

Unfortunately handloom sarees, especially the exclusive ones, are not quite always available over online shops. So, seekers of this saree can visit several emporiums and state aided websites where it can be bought without worrying about the quality, authenticity and richness of colour. You can also be assured about the price you are paying. Even in the last decade, women looking for this saree outside Odisha had to wander in search of an emporium of Odisha, but today there are several online ones which help them buy Pasapalli saree from the most reliable source. 

List of Traditional Indian Garments and Their Online Availability

With Indians spread all over the world, the demand for Indian traditional garments has become quite high and its market has boomed like never before. It is quite strange that a country has so many diversities and it is reflected in its clothing style as well. Here is a comprehensive list of traditional garments of India but rest assured it can capture only the leading ones because you will run out of writing space and the list will be exhaustive if you dare include all the garments and their varied draping style.

Traditional Indian Garments for Women

1. Saree- Western women often wondered how can a woman of five feet can drape a cloth piece which itself is at least 15 feet long. But that is the calibre of an Indian woman who can be in equal ease in a saree like any other western casual garments.
2. Salwar Kameez- This is undoubtedly the most popular Indian garment in India and is worn among all age group. There is a great many variety in terms of style in its top and bottom part. Each of them are equally elegant and beautiful, nevertheless.
3. Lehenga/Ghaghra-choli- The extravagant version of this traditional Indian garment is the wedding attire in northern India. It is noted for the extensive embroidery, sequins and mirror work. It is basically a blouse and long gypsy skirt with lots of flares and is worn with a beautiful dupatta. There are simple lehenga choli of cotton as well which the women in Rajasthan, Haryana and some parts of Gujarat wear.
4. Mekhala Chadar- This is traditional outfit of Assam women. It resembles saree as a long piece of cloth is worn in the bottom part over a petticoat while another piece is tucked in the petticoat at the waist and draped around the upper part of the body leaving it on left shoulder.
5. Phiran- This is a long tunic or kameez with long sleeves and is the traditional dress of Kashmiri women. These are woven in woollen fabric with embroidery in cuffs, neck, and the sides with contrasting coloured threads.
6. Mundum Neriyatham- This is the most ancient remnant of the style in which saree was draped in old days. It comprises of two parts- mundu which covers lower half of the body and neriyathu the upper half. However, today kavani or the white saree with golden border represents Kerala.
7. Pattu pavdai- This traditional Indian garment can be seen in south Indian states worn by little girls. It is a skirt with golden border which hangs from waist to toes.

Traditional Indian Sarees Online Shopping

Traditional Indian Garments for Men

1. Dhoti- This is the outfit that represents India in the outside world. It is an unstitched six yard long cloth which is wrapped around the bottom half of the body and plates are tucked at the back taking it down between the legs. There are different ways to drape it according to the region and occasion.
2. Lungi- It is a long piece of cloth sewn for convenience and is wrapped like a sarong. The most popular patterns found in lungi are checked, plain and striped. In Punjab, lungi is called tehmat and is made of silk. It is worn with turban, a headdress. They wear it with knee-length kurta and embroidered jacket.
3. Sherwani- It is a long jacket hanging down to knees with buttons opened at front. It is worn over a long kurta and with a fitted trouser called churidar or flared trousers called salwar. It is the traditional dress for men in Pakistan as well.

Due to high demand for traditional Indian garments all over the world, they are widely available online. There are different commercial websites where you can find these outfits of latest fashion. Shipping is free over a designated amount. So, no matter where you are based, you can always buy Indian traditional garments online. 

Happy Basant Panchami 2016: India Celebrating the First Day of Spring with Saraswati Puja

Every year Basant Panchami is treated as Saraswati Puja in several states in India. In this day students are enjoying no study day. Because, Saraswati Mata keep their books beside her. Boys are girls celebrating this day with new dress and a special meal from their school. In West Bengal this day also called as Bengali Valentines Day. Because, this is the day when boys and girls meet freely anywhere and they try to find their love one. Bengali girls dressed up with cotton sarees specially yellow colour. Maximum bengali girls wear a saree for the first time on this puja in their lifetime. So, you can say this is also an event where a girl become a women in look. 

Let's enjoy this year Saraswati Puja!

The idol of Saraswati Mata

Why College Going Girls Always Want Unstitched Salwar Suits

Salwar suit is the most popular Indian dress among college going young girls, especially in small towns where wearing western dresses is still not allowed. But no matter where, these young girls prefer unstitched salwar suits over the readymade ones. There are many reasons behind it, but mainly due to these following reasons.

1. Every girl has a different physic. And when a girl is too skinny or stout, it gets difficult to get the exact size. This is where dress material for salwar suits gets an edge because one size fits all. Choose a good material, take it to a boutique or tailoring shop and you will get an exact replica of the set you had been eyeing for long but failed to get in your size. You can also have the depth of neck or back as per your choice as unstitched salwar suits can be improvised according to your dressing style. Without proper fitting, dress would not look half good. And for apt fitting, you would need dress material. 

2. Secondly, a readymade salwar suit comes in number of pieces. Every size comes in multiple pieces. It can be easily said that on a given day, there can be more than ten women wandering in the city or town in the same dress, so there are always possibilities of bumping with someone who wears the same suit on the same occasion on the same day. On the other hand, the chances of wearing same dress diminishes with unstitched salwars suits because even if the dress material would be same, the design of the finished dress would be different. A single suit piece can be stitched in different styles like below knee kurta, short kurta, salwar, churidar, v-neck, collared and so on.      

Unstitched Salwar Suits for College Going Girls available online

3. In most of the cases, fabric used in the readymade salwar suit is not at par. If you are not buying branded dress, you may get annoyed with the quality of stitches as well. After few wears, stitches, hooks or other decorative pieces will come off. But when you buy unstitched salwar suits, individual care is taken for each aspects which is why these dresses last long. You can wear them forever. Their colour may get faded out but there will be seldom any stitch that will be apart. Also, you can choose the fabric of your choice. 

4. When you are buying readymade suits, you will have to take the complete set even if you have the same coloured churidar or leggings and dupatta. But if you have a bandhani dupatta and some neutral coloured salwar, churidar or leggings, buy dress material for the kurta alone. You can buy as many dress materials as you want to, without having to spend for bottom wear and dupatta.  So, if you buy one multicoloured bandhani, batik or leheriya dupatta, you can team it up with several mono coloured or contrasting salwar kameez, short kurta with Patiala or churidar kurta. This is one flexibility that comes with unstitched salwar suits only. 

5. And the latest reason is the latest shopping trend- online shopping. When shopping online, young girls often complain of poor fittings or fabrics. Since the images appearing on computer or mobile screen often differ from the actual piece of cloth due to the screen resolution, high definition picture or similar factors, when the actual product reaches the customer, they are left disappointed because either the material is too shiny or the size of that company differs from other ones prevailing in the market. As a result, young girls have come back to their old and gold way of buying dresses- unstitched salwar suits. 

Present Fashion Trends of Men's Casual Wear Shirts

Though it is mostly women's fashion which is most talked about, but fashion for men is no less feat either. One look at the different fashion shows and weeks and you will understand what is meant. However, men's fashion is not restricted to ramps and different types of coats, jackets, blazers and t shirts only. You will be surprised to see the expanse of men's casual shirts. There are more varieties than you can imagine, but somehow it is much less discussed than it is ought to be. As a result, many men are still unaware of them. Let us see what are the most common and popular men's casual shirts.

After wearing the same button down formal shirts in same solid colour, stripes and chequered patterns for five days a week, the urban and young metro-sexual men long for clothes that are chic, fashionable, fresh, comfortable and stylish. You definitely don't need five different shirts to match each criteria because there is a huge array of men's casual shirts that are perfect for off week events. Be it picnic, party, friendly get-together at pubs et al. No more rolling up of sleeves or looking same every morning. These casual shirts give you ample of opportunity to flaunt your cool avatar.

Casual shirts for Men available online

Casual Full Shirts

Yes, they can come in same solid, chequered, or striped patterns, but the cut of these shirts give them the extra edge. These shirts are available in skinny, slim and regular fits. There are many of these shirts that come with twists. For example, a button down slim fit casual shirt is different in the pattern made on it. It can be printed, it can be different print in either sides and there can be nth number of permutations and combinations. The end result is the perfect look for a casual occasion. Pair it with jeans to nail “cool & in” look. No need for deliberate efforts to be macho or stylish. Rather your carefully careless approach will be more appealing to everyone out there.

Casual Half Shirts

Casual half shirts are quite popular. Sometimes they are called Bush shirts or Hawaiian shirts. These are one of the most popular type of men's casual shirts. You can find them in bold motifs like big flowers, orchids, fire flames, etc. But they are not always loudly screaming of their casual being. The subtle ones like solid coloured, checked, stripes, washed or muted prints are equally popular. You can wear them as per your requirement. When you are partying in beach or in bonfire with your closest pals, wearing sober checks and stripes would not be great idea. Funky patterns, or bold flowers in loud colours will add to the ambience of the occasion. Similarly, when you are chilling out with colleagues where there is nothing official about it yet calls for some decorum, regular fit half sleeved casual shirts in subdued prints and colours are just the right option.

Fabrics

Choice of fabric is very crucial in men's casual shirts. It is immensely important to know which fabric suits you, which fabric you can carry well and which one is apt for which occasion. Most popular material is undoubtedly cotton or mixed. And it is closely followed by denim and sheer. Surpassing the gender boundaries, even shimmering fabrics are getting popular these days.

To look your best, most important factor is the fitting. So before you buy men's casual shirts, be sure of the measurement. If you don't buy clothes frequently, it is best to know your size from the salesmen in stores, who are eager to help you. If you shop online, use a measuring tape or consult your last shirt that fits best. Appearance can make a lot of difference, so buy your shirts carefully. 

List of Indian Ethnic Wear Garments That are All-time Favourite

Young generation is often blamed to have followed western culture blindly, but it is true that there are still some Indian ethnic wear garments, that are all-time favourite and have never lost their charm even in the crowd of western casual clothes. Best part is even these ethnic dresses are improvised in terms of comfort and fashion so that young people who don't wear them very often can carry them off with equal ease.

Let us divide Indian ethnic wear garments in two categories- for ladies and for men. This will make the further divisions much easier.

Ethnic Wear for Women

Saree- This piece of garment does not need any definition. This is a nine yard long fabric which is draped in different styles according to customs as well as fashion. Saree is worn with blouse or choli and a petticoat or underskirt. This is the ultimate ethnic wear with which an Indian women is related to.

Salwar Kameez- This is another traditional Indian dress which Indian women wear all over the country. If saree is related to women, salwar kameez is worn mainly by young girls. Usually, girls change to saree mainly after their marriage. There are different forms of salwar kameez. Kameez is a long tunic type top which is worn with salwar, churidar, Patiala salwar and leggings. Even kameez are of different types, known as kurta, kurti, Anarkali and so on.

Ethnic Indian Silk Sarees available online

Lehenga Choli- This is mainly an occasional Indian ethnic wear. Young girls wear it for wedding. This is a long flowing skirt with embellished and intricate works, worn with tight-fitting blouse called choli. A dupatta or a 3 yard long scarf is draped to cover the upper torso. However, in some parts of India like Gujarat and Rajasthan, women wear lehenga or ghaghra choli with mirror and thread work.

Apart from these, there are several other regional dresses that are intrinsically Indian ethnic wear garments but not as popular like lehenga choli, saree or salwar suit. Some of these are:

Pavada which the little girls in Tamil Nadu wear.

Mekhala-sador- the traditional two piece dress of Assam

Mundum Neriyathum- worn in Kerala which is usually white or pale yellow in colour with golden or bright colour border.

Indian Ethnic Wear for Men

No matter how much we have developed and changed, basic wear for women in India is still saree or salwar suits. But men have shifted to western dresses conveniently and they are more seen in shirts, trousers or t shirts than in Indian traditional dresses. Yet, on festivals when they don the all-time favourite ethnic wears, they steal the show. Some of the most popular ethnic wears are as follows:

Kurta Pyjama- This is the most common and a favourite Indian ethnic wear. Kurta is a long shirt with round neck or small collar. Pyjama is a loose fitted trouser with strings or elastic. Kurtas come in various fabrics like satin, silk, tussar etc but pyjamas are mainly of cotton. Usually kurtas are of vibrant colours, with embroidery work, and even hand paint and look est when worn with plain white pyjamas. Different regions of India have different types of Kurtas in terms of length, designs and patterns. Kurta looks best when teamed up with half jacket.

Dhoti- Dhoti was almost forgotten in urban India and was worn only in villages by elderly people. Thanks to the new generation fashion designers who have revived this six feet long cloth piece which is wrapped around the waist. It is worn with kurta.

Sherwani- This is the most favourite Indian ethnic wear of young generation. This is a long jacket that falls right below the knee. It comes in light colours, embroidered with silver and/or gold, has thin collar and it is worn with churidar pyjama. This is the wedding attire of metrosexual urban groom which he teams with uttariya or dupatta.