Long before the bustling looms and showrooms, Kanchipuram was a temple town. Legend says sage Markandeya introduced silk weaving here leading to generations of weavers learning the craft of textiles worthy for the gods.
Over centuries, the craft grew alongside the grandeur of temples. Motifs like peacocks, elephants, Yazhi, lotuses, and temple borders were inspired by carvings on stone. Each saree became a canvas where mythology, artistry, and devotion came together.
Many wonder: why are Kanchipuram silk sarees so expensive? The answer lies in understanding what goes into every weave.
Why do Kanchipuram silk sarees cost more than other sarees?
If you look closely, you’ll see that every authentic Kanchipuram saree also known as Kanchi pattu saree is woven only in a handloom. Depending on the design, a single piece can take from 7 days to an entire month to complete. The journey begins with pure mulberry silk, stronger and sturdier than most silks you’ve seen. 3 or 4 threads of mulberry silks are twisted to make every single warp which we call it as murukku pattu- meaning twisted silk. This twisted silk gives strength and hence durability to a traditional kanchipuram silk saree. In this way the saree also does not get crushed easily.
Then comes zari, the glittering gold thread that gives Kanchipuram sarees their signature radiance. Unlike synthetic imitations, true zari is made from silver threads dipped in gold. A 3G or 4G pure zari kanchipuram silk saree has 30-40% silver in its zari along with a small quantity of pure gold, which makes it even more valuable. That alone adds significant value, and when combined with weeks of intricate designs and hand weaving, it explains the price tag.
Did you know? Some traditional Kanchipuram sarees use over 50,000 twists of silk threads, making them stronger and heavier than most silks in the world.
What makes Pure kanchipuram silk sarees valuable?
The value goes beyond fabric. Kanchipuram craftsmanship is centuries old, perfected by generations of weavers. The saree’s body and border are woven separately and joined so smoothly in korvai weaving technique that they never detach, even if the saree tears (after many decades). This unique korvai technique ensures unmatched durability of a pure kanchipuram silk saree.
The motifs also carry cultural meaning. Temple gopurams, checks, mango buttas, and peacocks are not just designs, but reflections of South Indian culture and nature. When you buy a Kanchi pattu saree, you are not only paying for silk and zari, but also for heritage and symbolism of ancient craft.
How are Kanchipuram silk sarees priced?
The real price comes from three factors:
● Silk quality: Fine mulberry silk, heavier than ordinary silk due to twisted silk yarn being used, gives the saree its rich drape.
● Zari work: Genuine zari woven with silver and gold threads adds weight and shimmer.
● Labor: Skilled artisans spend weeks creating a single handloom kanchipuram silk saree, often working on intricate motifs that demand precision.
Depending on these elements, sarees can start around ₹10,000 and go well above ₹3,00,000. Limited-edition pieces with heavy zari work or rare designs are often treated as collectables.
Did you know? Some bridal Kanchipuram silk sarees are so heavy with intricate weaving motifs and zari that they can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms.
Types of Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
When you explore traditional Kanchipuram silk sarees, you discover a variety of weaves, each with a distinct story:
● Traditional Sarees: Rich hues with broad zari borders, often chosen for weddings, temple festivals, and major family celebrations. Prices usually range from ₹15,000 to ₹80,000, depending on zari work.
Paripoorna collection
● Temple Sarees: Inspired by temple motifs and architecture, deeply traditional in appeal and favoured during religious ceremonies. They generally start around ₹20,000 and can go higher for elaborate patterns.
Temple border kanchipuram silk sarees
● Modern Sarees: Lightweight with pastel shades and contemporary designs, suited for festive wear and special gatherings. These are priced from ₹10,000 upwards.
Yuva Collection
● Korvai Sarees: Known for contrasting borders and body, joined with flawless craftsmanship of weaving, often seen in weddings and traditional events.
Korvai kanchipuram silk sarees
● Pure Zari Sarees: Woven with genuine silver and gold zari, unmatched in grandeur, making them highly prized at weddings. These can range anywhere from ₹20,000 and above
Pure zari Kanchipuram silk sarees
Each type carries the same heritage but speaks differently to the wearer.
The value of handloom Kanchipuram silk sarees
At South Indian weddings, brides, mothers and aunts often choose Kanchipuram silks, but their significance doesn’t end there. Women wear them for temple visits, festivals, and family milestones. Many see them as heirlooms to pass down, each saree holding the story of a celebration.
A saree bought 30 years ago still shines today. That durability, along with its cultural weight, makes it far more than a garment. It becomes part of a family’s legacy.
A living tradition
Think back about your family. Perhaps your grandmother still treasures her first Kanchipuram saree from a temple festival. Your mother may recall choosing hers for her wedding or milestone celebration. Today, you may drape it and feel the same pride they once felt.
That is the real value of Kanchipuram silks. Not only the gold and silk but the memories, heritage and continuity woven into every piece.
Final Thoughts
So, why are Kanchipuram silk sarees so expensive? Because they are not just clothes. They are identity, culture, and artistry passed from hand to hand, generation after generation. For every Indian, they are pride wrapped in silk, a reminder that true beauty never fades.
Today, when a South Indian woman drapes a Kanchipuram silk saree, she isn’t just wearing a garment. She is carrying a piece of living heritage.
If you are looking to own an authentic piece of this heritage, explore the curated collection at The S Studio. Each saree is woven in our handloom and curated to celebrate the legacy of handloom Kanchipuram silk saree while making it part of your story.
