1. Understanding What Makes Tussar Silk Different
Tussar silk has its own personality, and anyone who has worn one knows it immediately. It has a textured surface, a gentle unevenness, and a warm, earthy shine that doesn’t feel forced. Unlike mulberry silk, which is smoother and more uniform, tussar has a grainy touch that gives it character.
To understand whether a saree is real tussar or a synthetic blend, start with the feel. Pure tussar always has a slightly coarse grip when you run your fingers across the fabric. It never feels slippery. Synthetic versions try to copy the look, but the softness feels artificial. The shine is also a giveaway. Tussar reflects light in a muted way, not in the loud glimmer that polyester blends tend to create.
Another thing people often miss is the weight. A real tussar saree feels light but grounded. It doesn’t float like chiffon, yet it doesn’t drag like heavy silks either. This balance is what makes tussar appealing for long functions or even workwear in many regions of India.
2. How to Care for Your Tussar Silk So It Lasts Longer
Most people assume silk is high-maintenance, but tussar is more about being mindful than being fearful. Once you know how the fibres behave, caring for the saree becomes simple.
Start with cleaning. Pure tussar should ideally be dry-cleaned, especially if the saree has embroidery, zari, or handpainted work. If the saree is plain or lightly printed, gentle hand washing is possible, but you need cold water and a mild, colour-safe liquid. No harsh rubbing. No twisting. Let the fabric soak for a short time, swish it lightly, then rinse. Spread it flat on a clean towel so the weight doesn’t pull the saree out of shape.
When ironing, use low heat. Tussar scorches easily, so place a thin cotton cloth over it if you’re unsure. Ironing on the wrong side keeps the natural shine from becoming too sharp. Many women also steam-press tussar to avoid direct heat altogether.
Folding is another area where people go wrong. Because tussar has texture, deep crease lines can set quickly. Refold your saree every few months, especially if it stays in the cupboard for long stretches. A simple shift in crease lines is enough to keep the fabric fresh.
For storage, use a breathable cotton or muslin bag. Plastic covers lock in moisture, which can weaken the fibre over time. Tussar also reacts to humidity, so keeping silica gel packets inside storage boxes helps maintain the fabric. Never spray perfume directly on the saree; it stains easily.
With these small habits, tussar holds its shape and colour for years. Many families pass down tussar sarees the same way they pass down mulberry silk or Kanchipuram pieces, and the fabric holds up well when treated with patience.
3. Common Signs of Fake or Blended Tussar Sarees
As tussar became popular in urban markets, blended versions also became widespread. While some blends are harmless, many are sold as pure when they’re not. If you’re buying a saree and want to be sure, here are a few simple checks:
The texture: real tussar never feels smooth. If the surface is too even, it’s probably not pure.
The shine: polyester blends have a strong, sharp shine. Tussar has a quieter glow.
The price: pure tussar, especially handloom variants, is never extremely cheap.
The edge stiffness: synthetic blends tend to have stiff borders that don’t fall well.
The pallu drape: pure tussar falls with a crisp, natural curve. Blends often hang stiffly.
There’s also the burn test, which many people mention. Real tussar burns like hair and leaves behind a crumbly ash. Synthetic fibres melt and form a small bead. This test works, but it’s best done on loose threads or scraps, not the saree itself.
At Mavuri’s, customers often ask how to check the authenticity of tussar sarees they already own. The easiest way is to observe the fabric after a wash or steam press. Pure tussar relaxes but doesn’t lose structure. Blends often wrinkle excessively or turn limp in a way that doesn’t match the original feel.
4. When and How to Wear Tussar Silk
Tussar silk sits comfortably between formal and everyday wear. For many women, this makes it a useful saree to keep in the wardrobe. It doesn't feel overdressed for daytime events, yet it still has enough weight to look refined for evening functions.
Plain tussar sarees with a soft border are a reliable choice for office meetings, conferences, or simple gatherings. Painted versions, especially those inspired by Madhubani or tribal art styles, stand out without being flashy.
Heavier tussar, combined with zari or intricate threadwork, is often chosen for festive events. These pieces hold the pallu well and look neat in photographs because of the structured drape.
Styling tussar is also straightforward. Gold jewellery works consistently well because of the fabric’s warm undertone. Silver jewellery creates a more earthy look, especially with beige, brown, or rust tones. The blouse can be plain or contrast-coloured; tussar pairs well with many palettes because the base shade is usually neutral.
5. Why Tussar Needs Special Handling
People often ask why tussar silk needs more care compared to other silks. The reason lies in the fibre structure. Tussar comes from wild silkworms, and the yarn has natural irregularities. These tiny variations make the fabric beautiful but also more sensitive to friction, harsh detergents, and high heat.
Another factor is colour. Tussar absorbs dyes differently from mulberry silk, which means harsh cleaning methods can cause uneven fading. This is why dry cleaning is recommended for most embroidered or richly dyed sarees.
If the saree contains zari, cleaning needs even more care. Zari reacts easily to moisture and chemical detergents. A simple mistake like soaking the saree too long can dull the metallic thread. Dry cleaning prevents this.
This combination of texture, fibre delicacy, and dye behaviour is what makes proper maintenance important.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my tussar saree is real?
Look for the uneven texture, muted shine, and natural grip of the fabric. Pure tussar never feels too smooth. At Mavuri’s, we guide customers through these checks when they shop for handloom tussar pieces.
2. How do I store a tussar silk saree correctly?
Store it in a cotton or muslin bag. Avoid plastic covers. Refold the saree every few months so the creases don’t settle permanently.
3. Is dry cleaning necessary for tussar silk?
If the saree has zari, embroidery, or heavy colours, dry cleaning is safer. Simple printed tussar can be hand-washed gently. Mavuri’s often recommends dry cleaning for heritage or heirloom pieces so the texture stays stable.
4. How is tussar different from mulberry silk?
Tussar is textured and has a warm shine. Mulberry is smoother and more uniform. The drape also differs; tussar holds structure better.
5. Does Mavuri’s offer pure tussar silk sarees?
Yes, Mavuri’s carries handloom tussar sourced from weaving clusters known for authentic production. The variations include plain tussar, printed tussar, and tussar with zari detailing.
