Why Are Kanchipuram Sarees So Expensive?
What Makes Kanchipuram Sarees Costly — And Worth It
Everyone knows Kanchipuram sarees are expensive. But why? What makes these silks carry a price far above ordinary sarees? The reasons are simple, but not always obvious. Let’s break them down.
Pure Silk — No Blends, No Mix
A real Kanchipuram saree is made from pure mulberry silk threads. No mixes with art silk, polyester, or nylon. This silk is stronger, heavier, and shines without extra finishing. It costs more because it is real — and because silk yarn itself is costly to produce and source.
Zari That Has Real Silver
The zari in a true Kanchipuram saree is not simple golden thread. It’s made by twisting silver threads with gold plating. Even the thinnest border contains some silver. This is why old Kanchipurams stay valuable — they are part silver, part gold. That material cost adds up.
Handloom Weaving Takes Time
One Kanchipuram saree takes 10 to 15 days to weave — sometimes more, depending on the design. This is no power loom process. Every inch is woven by hand. Patterns, borders, pallu — all done carefully, without machines rushing the work. Time costs money.
Double Warp, Double Weft
Kanchipuram sarees use a special technique: double warp and double weft. This makes the saree thicker, stronger, and longer lasting. But it also means double the yarn, double the weaving time, double the labour. That raises the price naturally.
Wide Borders Need Extra Silk
The signature wide borders of Kanchipuram sarees need more silk than narrow ones. The contrast between the border and body is woven separately and joined — an extra skill only some weavers have. This adds to the material cost and labour charge.
Design Complexity
A simple plain Kanchipuram costs less. But add motifs — checks, temple borders, annapakshi, chakram — and the price rises. Each new element takes more time and more threads. Bridal Kanchivarams, with rich pallus and full body designs, are the most expensive.
BIS Certification and Hallmarking
Quality control also matters. Certified pure silks with BIS hallmarks cost more because they are guaranteed — no risk of cheap mixes. This assurance raises the market price, but gives buyers confidence.
Weaver Skill and Labour Shortage
Only skilled weavers in Kanchipuram and nearby towns can make these sarees. But young people don’t always want to learn this slow craft. As weavers grow fewer, their work gets more valuable — and more expensive. The skill cannot be rushed or replaced.
Custom Orders and Colour Choices
Some Kanchivarams are made on order — special colours, motifs, lengths. These sarees cost extra because they break normal production and need separate attention. Brides often want such pieces.
Traditional vs. Modern Kanchivarams
Cheaper Kanchipurams exist — but they cut corners. Polyester blends, power loom use, artificial zari. Real traditional ones stay costly because they skip all shortcuts. The difference shows in weight, shine, and drape.
Long Life Value
Kanchipuram sarees last decades. Their cost spreads over years of wear. A real one stays useful for weddings, festivals, family events — even passed to the next generation. This long life also explains the high price. It’s not for one-time use.
Mavuri’s Kanchipuram Collection
Mavuri keeps real Kanchipuram sarees — pure silk, real zari, certified quality. No blend sarees pretending to be original. The price reflects this honesty — but also offers long-lasting value. Brides, mothers, and saree lovers know this difference when they feel the fabric.
Why Buyers Still Choose Kanchipuram
Even with the price, women keep choosing Kanchipuram. For bridal wear. For temple visits. For big occasions. No other silk matches its weight, glow, or richness. It stays the king of sarees — because nothing else feels the same.
In the End: Real Quality Costs
The price of Kanchipuram sarees isn’t high by accident. It comes from real materials, patient skill, and slow, careful work. Shortcuts can cut price — but they also cut beauty, strength, and meaning.
A true Kanchipuram saree feels like itself the moment you hold it. That’s what the price buys.
And that’s why it stays high — and worth it.
