At Panaah, we believe in celebrating the art of saree-making through a journey that respects tradition, embraces sustainability, and cherishes the craftsmanship of our artisans across the country. Here’s what goes into the making of our garment:
How we source our sarees
Each Panaah saree is carefully curated to represent the scope and diversity of our Indian heritage while keeping in mind modern aesthetics and functionality in terms of design, fabric and quality. This involves travelling extensively, from the vibrant lanes of Varanasi to the serene towns of Bengal, from the villages of Rajasthan to the crowded streets of Lucknow. Our sourcing process is deeply rooted in building and maintaining sustainable relationships with local weavers and artisans, the custodians of our ancient weaving techniques.
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our choice of cottons, natural silks, and dyes that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the natural beauty of our sarees.
How a Panaah saree is made
The creation of a Panaah saree is a meticulous and time-consuming process, involving several stages that transform raw materials into exquisite pieces of art. It begins with the spinning of the yarn, which is then dyed using natural dyes, reflective of the region where it’s being spun.
The prepared yarn is then set on the loom. Here, our skilled weavers use traditional handlooms and techniques passed down through generations to bring modern designs to life.
The weaving process is slow, demanding precision and patience, as each pattern emerges through the harmonious play of warp and weft. This ensures the superior quality of each saree - and gives the saree that intangible magic of a handmade piece of art.
How to identify an authentic handloom saree
Identifying an authentic handloom saree is key to appreciating its value and craftsmanship. If you’re wondering how to know if your saree is authentic handloom or not, ere are a few tips to distinguish a genuine handloom piece from its power-loom counterparts:
Texture and irregularities: Handloom sarees often have a unique texture with slight irregularities in the weave. These are the hallmarks of a handcrafted product, where each inconsistency or imperfection tells the story of the artisan's touch.
Feel and drape: Unlike machine-made sarees, handloom sarees are softer and have a fluid drape that gracefully falls around the body. The fabric is also more breathable - despite being heavier - making a handloom saree comfortable to wear throughout the year.
Sound: One lesser-known but traditional method to test the authenticity of a handloom saree is the sound test. Crumple the saree in your hand - a genuine handloom saree will produce a crisp sound, indicative of the quality of the fibres used.
Price and design: Handloom sarees are often more expensive due to the labour-intensive processes involved in their creation. The designs are also intricate and unique, indicative of the high level of craftsmanship in every inch of the fabric.
By choosing a Panaah saree, you are not just wearing a piece of clothing; you are embracing a piece of heritage, supporting sustainable fashion, and contributing to the livelihood of countless artisans across India. Our sarees are a testament to the beauty of handloom artistry, designed to be cherished and worn with pride across generations.
