Chanderi silk saree are loved for their sheer texture, royal shine, and lightweight feel. Whether it’s for festivals, office wear, weddings, or gifting, a Chanderi silk saree always adds elegance to any wardrobe. However, the rising popularity of Chanderi has also led to an increase in machine-made, mixed, or fake sarees being sold as “pure Chanderi.” Many buyers get confused because duplicates often look similar at first glance.

To help you make a confident and informed purchase, here is a detailed guide with 7 authenticity checks to help you identify a pure Chanderi silk saree. These methods are simple, practical, and trusted by artisans and handloom experts across India.

1. Check the Transparency and Sheer Texture

The first and most distinct characteristic of a pure Chanderi saree is its sheer, airy transparency. The fabric is delicately woven using a unique blend of silk and cotton, giving it a translucent look that is neither too see-through nor too opaque.

How to check authenticity:

• Hold the fabric against the light.
• Pure Chanderi has a subtle transparency, but not like chiffon or georgette.
  
• The transparency looks natural, not artificially pressed or polished.
  
• The texture feels crisp yet soft.
  

Fake sarees often feel too shiny or too plastic-like, because these are usually made with synthetic fibres.

2. Examine the Handwoven Buttis

One of the most beautiful features of a pure Chanderi silk saree is its handcrafted motifs—known as buttis. These may be floral, peacock, ashrafi, geometric, or traditional patterns.

Authenticity signs:

• In a pure handloom Chanderi, buttis are woven by hand, not printed.
  
• They may have minor variations, which is a sign of authenticity.
  
• You can feel the motif slightly raised when you touch it.
  
  

Beware of fakes:

• Machine-made sarees have perfectly uniform motifs that feel flat.
  
• Printed buttis look too sharp and straight-lined.
• Genuine buttis look artistic, not mechanical.

3. Look at the Zari Work and Border Quality

The zari used in a pure Chanderi silk saree is usually fine, soft, and subtle, never overly glittery. The borders and pallu are woven with a beautiful combination of gold and silver threads.

Things to check:

• Pure zari has a matte-lustre, not a flashy shine.
  
• Borders will have clean, neat weaving, not glue or embroidery.
  
• The weave at the backside will show thread movement, not a plastic sheet-like backing.

Machine-made sarees usually have thick, glittery zari that looks artificial.

4. Feel the Weight - Pure Chanderi is Feather-Light

Original Chanderi silk sarees are known for being extremely lightweight. Despite the zari work and motifs, the saree feels soft and easy to carry throughout the day.

Authenticity clues:

• A pure Chanderi silk saree weighs much less than silk Banarasi or Kanjivaram sarees.
  
• When folded, it feels crisp but not stiff.

If a saree feels heavy, drapes poorly, or has a synthetic plastic-like bounce, it’s likely not pure Chanderi.

5. Observe the Fabric Shine - Subtle, Not Overly Glossy

Pure Chanderi silk has a natural, mild shine. This shine comes from the silk warp and cotton weft, giving the saree a soft-glow appearance.

What to look for:

• A fine, elegant shine that looks luxurious yet understated.
  
• The glow changes gently with light movement.
  
• No glitter, no artificial shine, no plastic gloss.

If the shine is excessively bright or reflective, it’s likely a synthetic fabric claiming to be Chanderi.

6. Check the Edges and Selvage for Handloom Finish

Every handwoven saree, including a pure Chanderi silk saree, has small signs of human craftsmanship. The selvage (the side border) often contains minor irregularities that prove the saree wasn’t power-loom produced.

Signs of a handloom Chanderi:

• Slight thread unevenness along the edges.
  
• Tiny knots or joining threads are visible inside the saree.
  
• The selvage might not be 100% perfectly straight (but still neat).
• Power-loom versions appear too perfect and too uniform, something a handloom cannot naturally achieve.

7. Verify the Seller, Tags & Weavers’ Certifications

The final and most reliable check is authentication from trusted sources. Since Chanderi has GI (Geographical Indication) tagging, many certified weavers provide official documentation.

Your authenticity checklist:

• Buy only from trusted sellers like handloom stores, artisans, or verified brands.
  
• Check if the saree comes with
  • Handloom Mark
  • Silk Mark
  • Weaver Cooperative Tag
  
  
• Research the seller’s reputation, reviews, and product consistency.
  

At Ekbanni, all Chanderi sarees are sourced directly from trusted weavers of Madhya Pradesh, ensuring that every piece is 100% authentic and handwoven.

How to Avoid Fake Chanderi Silk Sarees

Here are some quick ways to ensure you never get cheated:

• Avoid extremely low prices - pure Chanderi is premium.
  
• Avoid sellers who don't share clear photos of pallu, border, and buttis.
  
• Always ask whether the saree is handloom or powerloom.
  
• Check for product descriptions mentioning silk content.
  
• Stay away from overly shiny, synthetic-looking sarees.
  
  

These simple precautions can save you from purchasing an imitation.

Why Pure Chanderi silk saree Cost More

Many buyers wonder why pure Chanderi costs more than duplicates. Here's why:

• It is woven on traditional handlooms.
  
• Skilled artisans spend weeks on a single saree.
  
• Silk and cotton used are of premium quality.
  
• Zari's work is delicate, detailed, and made with real metal threads.
  
• Each saree is a piece of heritage art, not just fabric.
• A pure Chanderi silk saree is not just clothing - it’s a timeless investment.

Choose Pure, Choose Handloom

Chanderi silk sarees are a treasure in Indian fashion, known for their classic beauty and lightweight comfort. By following these 7 authenticity checks, you can confidently differentiate between genuine and fake sarees. Whether you’re buying your first Chanderi or adding to your collection, always prioritise authentic handloom pieces.

A pure Chanderi silk saree is more than just an outfit - it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence. When you choose authentic Chanderi, you support artisans, preserve a centuries-old tradition, and own a saree that will stay elegant forever.