How to Identify a Real Handloom Saree: 7 Easy Ways to Spot Authenticity

🧵 How to Identify a Real Handloom Saree: 7 Easy Signs of Authenticity

India’s rich textile heritage shines brightly through handloom sarees, woven with love, tradition, and skill. But in today’s market, where machine-made imitations are everywhere, how do you spot a genuine handloom saree?

Here’s your guide to identifying real handloom sarees, so you can buy with confidence and pride.

✅ 1. Check the Texture and Weave Irregularities

Real handloom sarees are woven manually using a shuttle and loom. As a result, you’ll often notice:

Slight inconsistencies in the weave
Minor thread pulls or unevenness
Soft, breathable texture

If the saree looks too perfect or symmetrical like print fabric — it’s probably machine-made.

✅ 2. Look for the Handloom Mark or Silk Mark

India’s Ministry of Textiles issues a Handloom Mark to certify authenticity. Similarly, Silk Mark India certifies pure silk sarees.

🧾 Always check for:

Handloom Mark (for cotton, khadi, linen, etc.)
Silk Mark (for pure silk handloom sarees like Kanchipuram, Banarasi, Chanderi)

✅ 3. Inspect the Reverse Side

Turn the saree and observe the reverse:

A handloom saree shows visible threads and knots.
Motifs or zari work appear less polished from the back — unlike machine sarees where both sides look exactly the same.

✅ 4. Test the Weight and Fall

Handloom sarees usually have a natural, graceful fall. They feel:

Light to medium weight
Not stiff (unlike power loom sarees)
Soft to touch (especially with khadi, muslin, or pure silk)

✅ 5. Check the Edges and Pallu

Edges are often hand-knotted
Pallu might have traditional borders or woven motifs
No printed designs — only woven patterns

👉 If the pallu looks like it’s printed or stuck on — it’s likely not handloom.

✅ 6. Ask for Origin & Artisan Info

Authentic handloom sellers usually mention:

The weaving cluster or town (e.g., Kanchipuram, Maheshwar, Kota, Varanasi)
Artisan or weaver details (especially on sustainable platforms)

Handloom sarees often carry a story — who made them, where, and how.

✅ 7. Buy from Trusted Sources

Buy from:

Government handloom outlets (like Co-optex, Khadi India, Handloom House)
Certified eCommerce stores that specialize in handwoven sarees
Local exhibitions, handloom melas, or verified artisans