Handloom Cotton Sarees vs Powerloom: What’s the Difference?

Sarees have been a part of Indian culture since the dawn of time. No wonder India has saree craftsmen hailing from all parts of the country. As times have changed, saree manufacturing went from thread pulling on the frame to weaving on the giant machine. This gave birth to two types of sarees, handcrafted and machine-made or powerloom sarees.

You may wonder if that’s the only difference between the two? You might be wrong. The craft, features, grace, flow varies a lot between the sarees that are crafted in two different manners. How would you know which one is right for you? Read on to find out more about handloom vs powerloom sarees.

What is the difference between handloom and powerloom sarees? 

As a buyer or a saree enthusiast, you may surely have an eye for the right fabric, texture, colour and prints. Handloom and powerloom sarees can be easily distinguished by a skilled eye,as they have many differences that a professional can notice.

Let us explore these basic differences between handloom and powerloom sarees so that you can give a wise thought to your next purchase. 

Handloom Sarees: These sarees are not just a garment. These are testimonies to our heritage and culture. Handcrafted Sarees carry and showcase the hard work of Indian craftsmanship. They are manually woven by skilled artisans on traditional looms, making the process crafty and lengthy.

Because of this handloom technique the woven designs are unique to each piece along with their prints and textures. It is a skillful and authentic process, as each thread is slowly woven and entangled with detailed attention.

Powerloom Sarees: These are the results of human innovation in the textile industry. Unlike handloom sarees, these sarees are woven on an electrically powered machine with an automatic weaving process, enabling easy weaving and faster production. 

Powerloom sarees exhibit uniform weaves with consistent patterns. Due to its mass production, these sarees are widely available and are comparatively cheaper than handloom sarees.

How to identify handloom cotton saree?

Identifying handloom cotton sarees can be easier if the buyer is clear about the features that set handloom and powerloom apart. Handloom sarees are handmade and manually woven; therefore, slight differences and distinct characteristics are common. Before buying a handloom cotton saree, remember the following checklist: 

Check for the weave: Handloom sarees are woven thread by thread slowly, which may lead to minor distortions in the texture or design.  

Check for the reverse side: Reverse your saree and check the back side. If the threads are loose or visible where the design changes, it is manually designed.  

Feel the texture: Take the saree in your hand and feel the texture of it. If the saree is soft yet slightly textured, then it is surely handloom. Powerloom sarees are slippery and soft due to their machine-woven weave. 

Check the handloom mark: Authentic Indian handloom sarees carry a mark that certifies they are handloom. This helps the buyers classify the right weave. 

Pricing: Handloom sarees are comparatively expensive than the powerloom sarees because of their craftsmanship, labour and time.  

Breathability: Handloom sarees are well known for air circulation and breathability.  

Are powerloom sarees good for daily wear? 

Yes, powerloom sarees are the most preferred choice for daily wear. As they are affordable, practical and functional, they make them the primary choice for daily use. Let us know in detail about the same: 

Budget-friendly: These powerloom sarees are produced in mass quantities through automatic loom machineries, making the process effortless. Thus, producing large numbers in affordable prices. 

Durable: As machine-made sarees are made with a uniform, strong weave, they tend to be more durable for rough use. It makes them suitable for frequent washing and daily wear.  

Easy to maintain: Machine manufactured sarees are suitable for frequent washing, dry easily and are good for crisp ironing. Thus, making them easy to maintain and convenient for everyday use. 

Lightweight: Powerloom sarees are lighter than handloom sarees, making them featherlight and easy to carry. They are breathable and perfect for warm weather. 

Variety: These sarees are machine-made and thus can be woven and printed into a variety of designs.  

What are benefits of handloom cotton sarees? 

Handloom cotton sarees can be a lovely choice to embrace a woman’s traditional beauty and grace. Like powerloom sarees, handloom cotton sarees also have their own features and specialities. Here are a few areas where cotton handloom sarees outshine any other fabric: 

Breathability: Handloom cotton sarees are hand-woven that creates tiny gaps in- between the threads, making air circulation easy, and this is how a handloom saree is a lot more breathable and airier. 

Long-lasting: These sarees are designed and woven in such a way that they can be treasured for a longer duration. These can easily be passed to upcoming generations.  

Eco- friendly: Handloom cotton sarees usually require less or no electricity for their production. Thus, making them eco-friendly and more sustainable. 

Supports craftsmanship: These sarees are made by the skill and craft of local artisans. This craft has been passed on to them by generations. Thus, carrying the heritage and art for centuries.  

Timeless: The uniqueness and craft of handloom sarees are artisan specific and that is what makes them timeless. No matter how many fashion cycles change, handloom cotton sarees carry an elegance that is forever charming. 

Which saree is better for summer handloom or powerloom?

You might wonder which cotton saree among handloom or powerloom would be right to wear through the unbearable summer heat, profusing sweat, and irritation. Your ideal choice should be a handloom cotton saree and the following answers would explain why.  
 
The weave of the handloom cotton saree makes it breathable and airy which makes them perfect to wear during summers. Natural cotton fibers of these sarees makes them gentle on skin and rash-resistant. Made from organic cotton fiber, handcrafted cotton sarees are good at sweat absorbtion, making them perfect for hot and humid days.

FAQs

What is the main difference between handloom and powerloom sarees? 

Handloom Sarees are woven manually with traditional techniques on handlooms and require a lot of time and skilled artisans. On the other hand, powerloom sarees are woven with electric machinery, cutting off the time and promoting more saree production. 

How can you identify a genuine handloom cotton saree? 

Genuine handloom sarees can be identified easily by checking the slight irregularities on the reverse side of the saree, its texture, and breathability. A handcrafted, authentic cotton saree will have a handloom mark of certification.

Which is better for daily wear: handloom or powerloom saree?

Both handloom and powerloom sarees are ideal for daily wear, although handloom sarees are breathable and comfortable for long hours. But if you are searching for something affordable and practical for daily wear, then powerloom sarees are the right choice.

Why are handloom sarees more expensive than powerloom?

Handloom sarees are woven on traditional handlooms by skilled artisans. This process of crafting a single saree takes a lot of time. Also, they use natural fibre, and these sarees have a limited production; therefore, they are more expensive than powerloom sarees.

Are handloom sarees more comfortable in hot weather?

Yes, handloom sarees are more comfortable in hot weather because they are made from pure fibres, which make them more breathable. They are also lightweight, easy to carry and help with excessive sweat and irritation which are a common occurrence during summer days.