Katan is the purest form of Banarasi silk yarn — untwisted mulberry silk threads plied together for strength. It has a glass-like lustre, holds pleats beautifully, and is the preferred choice for bridal trousseau.

How can I identify pure silk?

Look for the Silk Mark certification tag. Pure silk smells like burnt hair in a burn test, never like plastic. Small irregularities in the weave are proof of genuine handloom work, not defects.

What are warp and weft?

Warp (tana) threads run lengthwise on the loom, while weft (bana) threads are woven across them by the weaver, one pass at a time. Together they form the structure of every handwoven saree.

Which saree fabric is best for weddings?

Katan Banarasi silk and Kanjivaram are the classic bridal choices for their rich zari work and heirloom quality. Tissue and georgette sarees are popular lighter options for receptions and sangeet.

How should I care for a Banarasi silk saree?

Dry clean only. Store wrapped in muslin cloth, refold every few months to prevent creasing along zari lines, and avoid spraying perfume directly on the fabric.

The Katansi Fabric Guide

Know your weave
before you drape it.

Q: What is the difference between Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees?

Banarasi sarees are woven in Banaras with Mughal-inspired floral motifs and a finer drape, while Kanjivaram sarees from Kanchipuram feature temple motifs, bolder contrast borders and a heavier, stiffer body. Both are pure mulberry silk heirlooms — the choice is aesthetic, not quality.

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From pure Banarasi silk to breezy linen — everything you need to choose with confidence.

Authentication & Certification

Katansi — Government Certified

Every Katansi silk saree is made from 100% pure natural silk, officially certified by the Silk Mark Organisation of India, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Not synthetic. Not blended. Pure.

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Silk Mark Organisation of India — Membership No. SMOI/MUM/2023-24/5786

Central Silk Board · Ministry of Textiles · Government of India · Valid November 2023 – November 2028

The Anatomy of a Weave

Warp and weft — the two threads behind every saree.

Warp (tana) threads run lengthwise on the loom. Weft (bana) threads are woven across them, one pass at a time, by the weaver's hands.

The marked thread shows a natural weft irregularity — a weaver's signature, not a flaw.

Warp — lengthwise Weft — crosswise

Where Silk Begins

The journey of mulberry silk.

Banarasi, Katan, Kanjivaram and Tissue all begin the same way — with silkworms fed only mulberry leaves, producing the purest, finest silk fibre in the world.

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Mulberry Leaves

Silkworms are raised exclusively on mulberry — the secret to fine, even fibre.

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The Cocoon

Each cocoon yields a single continuous filament, hundreds of metres long.

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The Yarn

Filaments are reeled and plied. Untwisted and plied yarn becomes Katan — the purest form.

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The Loom

Warp and weft meet on the handloom in Banaras — weeks later, a saree is born.

A gentle promise: our silk is reeled with care — no silkworms are harmed in the process.

How the Fabric Takes Shape

The shuttle carries the weft over and under the warp — pass by pass, the saree grows on the loom. A single Banarasi can take weeks.

The Fabrics

Nine weaves, explained honestly.

Pure Banarasi Silk

Wedding · Festive

The crown of Indian handloom. Woven in Banaras from pure mulberry silk with real zari work — butas, bels, jhallar borders.

Feel: Rich, smooth, natural sheen that deepens with light
Weight: Medium-heavy. Drapes with royal structure
Care: Dry clean only. Store in muslin, refold every few months
Identify: Silk Mark tag. Tiny irregularities = proof of handloom
Katansi note: Every piece comes with a purity certificate

Katan Silk

Bridal · Heirloom

Katan is the purest form of Banarasi silk yarn — untwisted mulberry threads plied for strength.

Feel: Smoothest of all Banarasi weaves. Glass-like lustre
Weight: Medium-heavy. Holds pleats beautifully
Best for: Bridal trousseau, the "one saree for a lifetime"
Care: Dry clean. No perfume directly on fabric

Cotton Saree

Everyday

The everyday queen. Breathable, honest, effortless.

Feel: Soft, matte, crisp when starched
Weight: Light to medium
Best for: Daily wear, office, summer, pujas
Care: Gentle wash. Starch for structure
Identify: No sheen, absorbs water instantly, wrinkles easily (its charm)

Kanjivaram Saree

Wedding · Temple

South India's counterpart to Banarasi — woven in Kanchipuram with heavy gold zari. Border and body woven separately, interlocked (korvai).

Feel: Dense, structured, luxurious
Weight: Heavy
Care: Dry clean. Air twice a year
Vs Banarasi: Banarasi = Mughal florals, finer drape. Kanjivaram = temple motifs, bolder borders. Both heirlooms — the choice is aesthetic

Tissue Saree

Reception · Sangeet

Silk woven with metallic zari through the entire body — shimmers like liquid gold.

Feel: Crisp, lightweight, luminous. Slightly papery
Weight: Light, holds sculptural pleats
Care: Dry clean. Store flat; sharp folds crack zari over time
Style note: Minimal jewellery — the fabric is the statement

Organza

Day Events · Mehendi

A sheer, featherlight fabric with a fine, stiff finish.

Feel: Airy, translucent, crisp. Floats rather than drapes
Weight: Very light
Care: Dry clean pure silk organza
Honest note: Delicate — snags easily. Not daily wear

Linen

Summer · Office

Woven from flax — the most breathable natural fabric.

Feel: Cool, textured, matte. Softens with every wash
Weight: Light
Care: Gentle machine wash. Embrace the wrinkles — that's linen's character
Identify: Natural slubs (tiny thick threads), cool to touch

Georgette

Party · Travel

Lightweight, slightly crinkled, beautiful flow.

Feel: Soft, bouncy, graceful movement
Weight: Very light
Care: Gentle hand wash. Drip dry, no wringing
Loved for: The easiest saree to carry all evening

Muga Silk

Heritage · Collector

The golden silk of Assam — one of the rarest silks in the world. Naturally golden, never dyed for its base colour.

Feel: Warm golden sheen, firm yet smooth
Weight: Medium
Care: Dry clean. Shine improves with every wash — unique among silks
Rarity: GI-protected. Genuine Muga is an investment

Still Deciding?

Every Katansi silk is handwoven in Banaras, certified 100% pure.

Tell us the occasion — we'll help you choose the right weave.

Shop Sarees

About Banarasi Silk Sarees & Fabric Types

This guide covers the most loved Indian saree fabrics — pure Banarasi silk sarees, Katan silk sarees, Kanjivaram silk sarees, tissue sarees, organza sarees, georgette sarees, linen sarees, cotton sarees and rare Muga silk. Learn the difference between Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees, how to identify pure silk with the Silk Mark, what warp and weft mean in handloom weaving, and how mulberry silk is made. Every Katansi saree is handwoven in Banaras (Varanasi) by master weavers and comes with a 100% pure silk certificate — ideal for bridal wear, wedding shopping, festive occasions and heirloom gifting, with worldwide shipping from India.

Explore: All Sarees · Bridal Collection · Weaving Process · Silk Certification · Identify Pure Silk · Add-ons

Know your weavebefore you drape it.