How to Identify Original Paithani Saree: A Quick & Easy Guide

A Paithani saree is not just another piece of ethnic wear—it's a symbol of Maharashtra’s royal heritage and one of India’s most exquisite handloom creations. Due to its rising popularity and price, the market is unfortunately flooded with fake or machine-made replicas. So, how do you identify an original Paithani saree?

In this blog, we’ll guide you through essential checkpoints to help you spot an authentic Paithani, ensuring your investment is worth every rupee.

What Is a Paithani Saree?

Before we get into the identification process, let's quickly revisit what makes a Paithani saree special. This luxurious six-yard drape is woven from pure silk and zari with handwoven motifs like peacocks, lotuses, vines, and parrots, making each piece unique. It’s traditionally made in Paithan and Yeola towns in Maharashtra and is often worn at weddings and festivals.

Explore more authentic Paithani saree collections at House of Hind.

1. Check the Weaving Technique (Handloom vs Machine)

Original Paithani sarees are handwoven. Here's how you can differentiate:

• Reversible borders and pallu: The design appears almost the same on both sides.
  
  

• No threads sticking out: Machine-made sarees often have cut threads at the back.
  
  

• Slight imperfections: These are a good sign in handwoven fabrics—each motif is manually crafted.
  
  

If you see mechanical perfection and identical patterns repeating throughout, it's likely machine-made.

2. Look at the Motifs

Real Paithani sarees feature classic and intricate motifs such as:

• Bangadi Mor (peacock in a bangle)
  
  

• Narali (coconut) border
  
  

• Asawalli (flower and vine)
  
  

• Lotus (on the pallu)
  
  

These motifs require skilled craftsmanship and are not commonly found on fake sarees.

You can also match your saree with a traditional Paithani blouse design to complete the regal look.

3. Silk Quality

A genuine Paithani silk saree is made from fine mulberry silk that feels:

• Smooth and soft to touch
  
  

• Lightweight yet sturdy
  
  

• Glossy but not flashy
  
  

Fake or blended silk sarees might feel coarse, heavy, or overly shiny.

4. Zari Test

Original Paithani sarees use:

• Pure zari made from silver or copper, coated in gold
  
  

• Or tested zari, a high-quality imitation that still maintains richness
  
  

How to identify:

• Rub the zari gently. Real zari retains its color, while fake ones may turn black or peel.
  
  

• Weigh the saree. Original zari makes the saree heavier compared to low-grade fakes.
  
  

5. Price Factor

While price alone isn’t a guarantee of authenticity, real Paithani sarees rarely come cheap.

Here's a price estimate:

For high-quality bridal wear, browse our Paithani silk saree range at House of Hind.

6. Check the Seller's Authenticity

Buy only from trusted sellers—either local artisans from Yeola or reputed online stores. House of Hind offers handpicked, authentic Paithani sarees crafted by skilled weavers.

If you're shopping in person, ask for:

• Weaving certificate
  
  

• Silk mark
  
  

• Zari authentication (if pure zari is used)
  
  

7. Matching Blouses for Final Finish

An authentic look is incomplete without the right blouse. Choose from rich, traditional styles such as:

• Marathi Paithani blouse designs with puff sleeves, gold thread work, and high necks.
  
  

• Embroidered or zari-bordered Paithani saree blouse designs that match your saree pallu.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Identifying an original Paithani saree is more about knowledge than guesswork. Keep an eye on the weave, feel the silk, check the zari, and most importantly, buy from trusted sources. With proper care, your authentic Paithani saree can become a family heirloom.

Browse House of Hind’s exclusive collection of Paithani sarees and complement them with elegant paithani blouse design pieces to embrace the true essence of traditional Indian beauty.