Jamdani Sarees: Original Dhakai Jamdani in Soft Cotton Muslin

Jamdani Sarees, Woven Motif by Motif

A jamdani is a handloom weave in which the motifs are woven into the cloth, not printed or embroidered on top. As the plain ground is woven, the weaver inlays an extra, thicker weft thread by hand, only where each flower or vine falls, then cuts and tucks it at the edge of the motif. Row by row, the pattern seems to float on a sheer ground. That is why a handwoven jamdani takes so long to make, while the fine, sheer ground keeps it light.

What Dhakai Jamdani Means

Jamdani grew up in the muslin weaving tradition of Bengal, centred on Dhaka, and "Dhakai" describes the style and technique as much as the place: fine cotton, a sheer ground and delicate, closely placed motifs. In India the tradition continues in West Bengal weaving centres such as Shantipur and Phulia, and Uppada in Andhra Pradesh uses the jamdani technique in its own style. Read more in what is a Dhakai jamdani saree.

Our Dhakai Jamdani Sarees

Our jamdani sarees are original Dhakai jamdani, handwoven in soft cotton muslin with floral motifs inlaid on the loom. Lilac Bloom in lavender and Naples in yellow have woven florals and are ₹4,999 each. Bloom is a black floral, Sage a green floral and Feather Pink a floral original Dhakai jamdani. Jamdani is slow to weave, so each design comes in small numbers. Like every MAYIN saree, each is 5.5 m long and 45 inches wide.

Muslin Jamdani and Cotton Jamdani

Muslin jamdani is the finest and most sheer: a soft, airy drape for daytime functions, pujas and warm-weather weddings. A cotton jamdani on a denser ground is crisper and suits long office days. Ours sit on the soft muslin side, so match the petticoat to the saree where you can; if you have no match on a light saree, nude usually shows less than white. For more light cotton weaves, see our cotton sarees.

How to Tell a Handwoven Jamdani

Turn the saree over. In a handwoven jamdani the back is almost as tidy as the front, because the motif threads are tucked in at each motif rather than carried across. Powerloom and jacquard copies usually show long loose threads floating across the back between motifs, perfectly identical motifs and a flat, regular finish, and some are woven in synthetic blends with a slight shine. Small differences from one motif to the next are a sign of hand weaving.

When to Wear a Jamdani

A jamdani suits Durga Puja and other pujas, festive mornings, day weddings, cultural evenings and smart office days; in many Bengali families a jamdani is a favourite for Puja mornings. A black jamdani such as Bloom also works for an evening. Pair it with a plain cotton blouse in white, ivory or the saree's base colour, keep jewellery light, and wear smooth flats or sandals so nothing catches the motifs. See jewellery for saree and footwear for saree, or browse festive wear sarees.

Caring for Your Jamdani

Dry clean your jamdani to keep the woven motifs crisp and the muslin ground even. Iron on the reverse at medium heat so the motifs are not flattened. Store it folded in a cotton or muslin bag rather than plastic, and refold it along new lines every few months.

More Handloom and Heritage Weaves

Explore our handloom sarees for handloom linen and tissue, traditional sarees for heritage looks, and white sarees and floral sarees for more light, festive drapes.