Buying Handloom Outfits? 7 Crucial Quality Checks You Can’t Ignore

Buying a handloom outfit is more than just a fashion choice; it’s a way to support India’s rich weaving traditions and talented artisans. Handloom products like sarees, suits, and cord sets are woven manually by people rather than using automatic machines. This is why every piece would be different from the others.

7 checks before buying a handloom outfit

1.Look for natural differences

The easiest way to identify an authentic handloom piece is to look for natural differences. Unlike machine-made pieces, handloom products have minor variations in the thread thickness, weave and texture. These are signs of genuine handloom fits.

2.Buy from trusted sources

Buying from established and reliable sources is one of the safest ways to ensure authenticity. Recognized handicraft platforms maintain quality standards and product verification.

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3.Check the reverse side

Handloom products and hand-woven products can reveal their authenticity when viewed from the reverse side. Look for genuine handwork details, embroidery finishing, and consistent weaving patterns.

4. Attention to feel and texture

Real handloom fabrics are softer when touched. They are breathable, the usage of synthetic materials is less and the texture is natural. Authentic handloom fabric, especially silks like Banarasi or Kanjivaram, feels heavier because of the high thread usage and natural materials.

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5. Handloom mark

Look for a handloom mark that is usually attached as a label or a tag to the product. It is a hand holding yarn with the words “Handloom Mark.”  This mark certifies that it was handwoven and has met the requirements.

6. Understand the price point

Authentic handloom products are often more expensive than machine-made products because of the time-intensive labour involved, use of natural, pure fibers and the craftsmanship of skilled weavers.

7. Observe the edges of the cloths

Edges of genuine handloom products are usually slightly wavy and uneven, stronger as they are woven by hand and sometimes have tiny pinholes, which is a mark that the fabric was pinned in the loom.

Identifying authentic and natural handloom products is as much about awareness as it is about observation. By checking the fabric, weave and authenticity of the handloom product before buying it, you can enjoy wearing the outfit for years without worrying about it being damaged and also support Indian weavers.

(Image Credit: Magnific )

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