Discover the Truth: Is Your Saree Really Silk?

Have you ever asked yourself why one saree is £20 and another, which appears similar, costs £200? This price difference can be attributed to two key factors;

  1. The material of the saree
  2. The material the Jari (mostly the border or the body work) 

Real silk is made from natural protein fibres produced by certain insects, most famously the silkworm — specifically, the Bombyx mori species. This is an intricate and expensive process. 

All good, but potting the difference between a real silk saree and a faux (artificial) one can be tricky, but there are several reliable methods to help you out. Here’s a mix of visual, tactile, and burn test methods—some safe and quick, some more conclusive:

1. Touch and Feel Test

  • Real Silk: Feels smooth, soft, and warm when rubbed between fingers. Has a rich, almost buttery texture.

  • Faux Silk: May feel slippery, cool, or even slightly rough. Doesn’t have the same warmth.

2. Luster and Shine

  • Real Silk: Has a natural sheen that appears differently in different angles—multi-tonal or iridescent.

  • Faux Silk: Shiny but often uniform—the light reflection looks flat and plasticky.

3. Burn Test (only if you can snip a thread discreetly!)

  • Carefully burn a few threads from the edge or inside hem:

    • Real Silk: Burns slowly, smells like burning hair, leaves a crisp ash that crumbles.

    • Faux Silk: Burns quickly, smells like plastic, and forms a hard bead.

⚠️ Be extremely careful if you try this. Best done under supervision or by a professional.

4. Chemical Water Test (for experts)

  • When dipped in chlorine or bleach:

    • Real Silk: Dissolves slowly.

    • Faux Silk: Doesn’t dissolve.

(Not recommended for regular users, but textile experts sometimes use this.)

5. Weave and Imperfections

  • Real Silk: Slight irregularities in the weave—tiny knots or unevenness are common.

  • Faux Silk: Machine-made and too perfect—no flaws in the weave.

6. Price Tag and Label

  • Real silk is expensive, especially types like Kanchipuram, Banarasi, or Mysore silk.

  • Look for labels like “Silk Mark” (India)—certifies it's pure silk.

7. Rub Test (Heat by Friction)

Rub the fabric briskly:

  • Real Silk: Will warm up quickly due to protein content.

  • Faux Silk: Tends to stay cool.

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