A saree that matches the grandeur of Indian weddings, the joyous vibe of festivals, and even the comfort of a casual gathering - that’s the magic of Patola sarees. They stitch ancient stories and modern patterns together. A Patola saree is known for its luxurious fabric, colorful choices, and playful prints and patterns. They are an instant way to add glam while making a woman lively. Let’s look into what makes patola sarees so special, the different types of patola sarees, and how we can creatively style our look with them.
The story of Patola Saree
Famous in Sanskrit as “Pattakulla” meaning a silk cloth, Patola sarees originated in Gujarat and are a perfect example of how a coincidental choice can also sometimes lead to a stylish innovation. In the 12th century, Gujarat was under the rule of Chalukyas Rajputs, and a Salvi caste from Maharastra(famous for weaving silk) migrated there to gain financial and social support, in forms like more commission, protection, and other assistance. This helped them secure their inheritance of weaving in a stable and prosperous environment. It was Raja Kumarpal's reign, and he loved the patola fabric, making the whole ruling class adorn themselves in patola silk attires for special occasions.
Thus, like Banarasi Sarees, royal dynasties made Patola sarees a symbol of regality and one of the must-haves in today’s ethnic wardrobe.
Types of Patola saree
With time different types of Patola saree came into recognition. Designers played with comfort, style, choices, and current trends to bring out diverse designs in Patola sarees. So let’s look into what are the most trending types that we can try and find ourselves in the memories of belonging to a royal dynasty and making ourselves feel like the queen there.
But first, let’s know how Patola Sarees are made to understand the key differences between their types. Patola sarees are weaved with two silk threads, commonly called warp(lengthwise threads) and weft(crosswise threads). The artisans first draft the idea of designs for every saree. Then they are weaved by applying the ikat technique. In this technique, the threads are resist-dyed before weaving. In simpler terms, the threads are dyed in the intended pattern and then woven into the fabric. Now let’s look into the types:
Single ikat
In this style, either the warp or the weft is dyed to create the desired patterns. Flowers leaves and birds are the most opted prints and patterns in single ikat patola sarees. The weaving requires a precise alignment of the dyed thread to bring out the sharp edges and clean lines of the intricate designs. If you pick the printed patolas, one in symmetrical patterns and one or two vibrant colors are what go with the single ikat technique.
Double ikat
Most of the patola sarees are woven by using the double ikat technique. Here, both the warp and weft are resist-dyed which makes both sides of the saree look the same. It is one of the most difficult processes of weaving as the dyed threads have to be aligned meticulously to create asymmetrical patterns. With the double ikat method, complex designs like diamonds, squares, and chevrons are also possible with impeccable detail. Hence these types of patola prints bring more coordinating colors, vivid shapes, and a variety of prints.
One with traditional motifs
No matter the weaving method used, patola sarees are famous for their traditional motifs and patterns designed on the saree. These motifs, while keeping with the trend, also reflect themes of fertility, prosperity, and auspiciousness. Animals and birds have been given prominent places in the Hindu scriptures and the same notion is carried in Gujarat’s famous Patola sarees. This heritage Indian wear mostly has parrots(symbol of love and fertility), elephants (a sign of strength, wisdom, and good fortune), florals(beauty, femininity, and abundance, and peacocks (grace, beauty, and royalty), among others.
Contemporary designs
When designers started aligning the Patola sarees with the current trend, it brought a contemporary version of the Patola saree into existence. With unconventional color combinations, abstract patterns, and experimental weaving techniques, the Patola saree found its versatility in styling as per the occasion. Today a contemporary style is also opted by picking saree blouses in trending cuts like plunging neckline, halter neck, or even with a backless blouse.
Distinct features that help in identifying Patola sarees
When you see an Indian saree in innumerable color combinations like red, yellow, blue, green, or sometimes, even more colors coming together, you can safely say it is a Patola saree. Highlighted with the traditional symbols, you’ll find patola sarees having flowers and birds together. Or squares having elephants inside. Every creative imagination possible is what patola sarees inscribe in it. Overall the look that they create is vivid and long-lasting, catching your eyesight instantly whenever you spot a patola saree.
Styling tips for Patola sarees
Patola sarees are styling magic and need very little attention when it comes to accentuating them further. Yet there are a few hacks to consider when wearing a pattu patola saree. Take care of the occasion you are styling the printed sarees for. The contemporary types of patola sarees are great picks for casual meetups or party nights, provided you pick the prints wisely. Go for big motifs of birds and animals or abstract prints at sangeet parties. Similarly, pick ones with small motifs just on the pallu or borders to look stylish but also casual.
Shop Patola silk sarees in traditional style and accessorize them with Indian jewelry sets like matha patti, necklaces, and earrings to match the grandeur of Indian weddings while standing out with vibrant prints. Play with different drapes to change your overall appeal. For eg, a seedha pallu or the Nivi drape looks elegant for a traditional wedding gathering while you can try draping Patola saree in a mermaid or lehenga style for an unconventional party look. Patola sarees are one of the must-haves in your ethnic wardrobe. They can absolutely change your saree game play and keep you fashion ready wherever you go.
