1. How do I know if a saree is handmade?

Seek minor flaws in the work of the weave, traces of natural dye, minor errors in the pattern. A handmade saree can never be duplicated.

2. What’s the difference between handloom and power loom sarees?

Handloom sarees are weaved by hands and thus they are gentler, breathe more and usually, sometimes have uneven texture. Power loom sarees are produced using a machine and usually they have synthetic finish.

3. Are handmade sarees more expensive?

yes, with a reason. Homemade sarees are time consuming, skillful and sustainable material, so they are valuable and ethical.

4. Can I wear handmade sarees daily?

Absolutely! Handmade cotton/mulmul sarees are ideal as a day to day wear and these are comfortable, breathable and stylish.

5. What makes a hand-painted saree unique?

The sarees that are hand painted are unique. There will be flow in design, brush strokes, flaws in the dyes and marks of what can be called real artisans work.

6. Do handmade sarees last longer?

Yes. Hand crafted saree with right treatment can last generations, particularly those which are prepared using pure cloth and with natural results.

7. How can I verify a saree's authenticity online?

Make sure to have artisan credits, zoomed pictures, transparent product information, and this brand would adhere to slow fashion. Supermarkets such as Shop Ojasi will always emphasize authenticity.

8. Why are imperfections in handmade sarees good?

They indicate to us that it is not a machine-made product. Minuscule imperfections would make you wear something desirable, thoughtful, and spiritual.

Can You Spot the Difference Between Handmade & Machine-Made Sarees? |

Behind the Seams

Have you ever looked at two sarees—both stunning—and thought, “They look the same, so why is one more expensive?”

The truth? They’re not the same at all.

One is a piece of art made by human hands. The other is a mass-produced imitation.

In the world of fast fashion, a handmade saree is an identity one can call a conscious luxury. Have you ever wondered about how to distinguish between the two, here is a guide turning you to the soul of a saree instead of the fabric over it.

1. The Weave Tells a Story

In a handmade saree, the weave is slightly uneven—on purpose. Each thread is passed through manually on a handloom , creating a fabric that feels alive. In contrast, machine-made sarees are often perfectly uniform—too perfect to be real

What to feel for:

Tiny slubs (knots or thread bumps)

Irregularities in weave or design

No synthetic shine

2. Look for Minor "Flaws" (They're Actually Beauty Marks)

Machine-printed sarees are flawless—but soulless. A genuine handloom saree can have some differences in the designs, slight overlapping of dyes, or brushstroke flaws. These mark hand-painting, hand-blocking or hand-weaving.

Think: No two handmade sarees are ever the same.

3. The Drape Is Everything

Ever draped a saree and it just... flowed? That’s usually a handmade one. It falls naturally around the body, feels breathable, and doesn't “bounce back” like synthetic power-loom sarees.

What to notice:

Handmade sarees hug the body softly

They crease slightly (natural fabrics do!)

They weigh lighter than machine-made counterparts

4. The Art in the Details

Whether it is a sophisticated Kalamkari, lush Bandhani or simple Jamdani, actual artisan hands take hours (or even days) to make. A machine may reproduce the print,--but not the depth, the profundity, the erratic perfection of hand-made designs.

Freepik

Ask yourself:

Does the design look too perfect?

Can you spot natural dye fading or brush lines?

Do motifs flow naturally or repeat like a template?

5. Sustainability Is Woven In

Homemade sarees are made out of natural fibres, non-toxic dyes and they create fewer wastages. When you purchase a handmade garment you purchase not only fashion, you acquire values; sustainability, tradition and fair artisan wages.

6. The Price Tag That Makes Sense

If a saree claims to be “pure silk, hand-painted” but is priced like fast fashion—pause. Handmade sarees are priced fairly based on skill, time, and material. Too cheap? It’s likely not authentic.

Ask the seller:

Who made it?

Where was it made?

How long did it take?

At Shop Ojasi, we proudly share our artist stories—because every saree has one.

Final Thoughts

Handmade sarees aren’t just clothing. They’re living heirlooms—one-of-a-kind pieces carrying tradition, emotion, and soul. In a world full of copies, choosing handmade is choosing meaning.

Discover true craftsmanship – start with this saree

FAQs

1. How do I know if a saree is handmade?
Seek minor flaws in the weave, traces of natural dye, or slight pattern errors. A handmade saree is one-of-a-kind.
2. What’s the difference between handloom and power loom sarees?
Handloom sarees are woven by hand—softer, breathable, often with slight texture variations. Power loom sarees are machine-made with a more uniform, synthetic finish.
3. Are handmade sarees more expensive?
Yes, and for good reason. Handmade sarees involve time, skill, sustainable materials, and ethical craftsmanship.
4. Can I wear handmade sarees daily?
Absolutely! Handmade cotton or mulmul sarees are breathable, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear.
5. What makes a hand-painted saree unique?
Every hand-painted saree reflects flowing designs, brush strokes, and beautiful imperfections—marks of true artisan work.
6. Do handmade sarees last longer?
Yes. When cared for properly, handmade sarees—especially those in pure fabric—can last generations.
7. How can I verify a saree's authenticity online?
Look for artisan credits, detailed images, and clear product info. Brands like Shop Ojasi champion slow fashion and transparency.
8. Why are imperfections in handmade sarees good?
They signify authenticity. Tiny flaws show it's not mass-produced, but made with soul, intention, and human touch.