Buying Banarasi Silk from India: A Guide for NRIs

Buying Banarasi silk from India: why buy directly from Varanasi?

Banarasi weaving is centred in Varanasi, and buying from a seller there shortens the chain between the weaver and you. You can ask who made the saree, what it is made of and how it was woven. Items marked as Banarasi are protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and a seller in Varanasi can discuss it with you directly. Read our guide to the GI tag and Silk Mark.

Step 1: define what you need

Start with a short brief. Tell the seller:

• The occasion: wedding, festival, party, gift
• The date you need it by
• Your colour and budget preferences
• The fabric you like, if you know: katan, organza, tissue, georgette
• Your location, since climate and venue matter
• How the saree will be worn, and whether you need a blouse stitched

The more you share, the better the shortlist. Our guides to bridal sarees and khaddi georgette can help you narrow fabrics.

Step 2: see the saree properly

You cannot touch it, so do the next best thing.

• Ask for photos in natural light.
• Ask for close-ups of the zari and the back of the weave.
• Request a live video call to see the saree move.
• Ask for weight and dimensions.
• Ask for the fibre, loom type and zari type in writing.

Our guide to buying Banarasi sarees online safely has a full checklist.

Step 3: plan the blouse and sizing

Most Banarasi sarees come with an unstitched blouse piece. You can have it stitched abroad by your own tailor, or you can ask the seller whether blouse stitching is available for your order.

If you are asking for stitching:

• Take accurate measurements with a tape, wearing a well-fitting blouse or the garments you will wear underneath.
• Share a photo of a blouse that fits you well.
• Mention the neckline, sleeve and back style. See our blouse design guide.
• Allow extra time in your schedule for any alterations.

If you plan to stitch abroad, ask the seller to confirm the size of the blouse piece, so your tailor knows what is possible.

Step 4: shipping and delivery

Shipping from India to another country depends on the courier, the destination and the season. Delivery times, charges and tracking options vary, so ask for current details before you order.

A few practical points:

• Ask for tracking and an expected delivery window.
• Ask how the saree is packed. Silk should travel wrapped in cotton or tissue, protected from moisture.
• Provide a full address and phone number for the courier.
• Be available to receive the parcel, or arrange a safe delivery point.
• Ask about insurance for high-value pieces.

Our shipping and delivery page lists our current terms, and we are happy to answer questions on WhatsApp.

Step 5: customs and duties

Import rules differ by country, and they change. Some destinations charge duties or taxes on parcels, while others have thresholds below which none apply. We cannot give you your country's rules, but we can help you prepare.

• Check your country's customs website for the current rules on textile imports.
• Ask us for an invoice that describes the item accurately and states its value.
• Be prepared for possible duties or taxes, and ask your courier how they are collected.
• Keep the invoice and tracking information until the parcel arrives.

An accurate invoice helps parcels clear faster and avoids disputes.

Step 6: plan the timeline

Do not leave an overseas order to the last minute. Allow time for:

• 1. Choosing the saree, including video calls and photos.
• 2. Any customisation, blouse stitching or finishing.
• 3. Packing and dispatch.
• 4. Shipping and customs.
• 5. A buffer for the unexpected.

For a wedding, we suggest ordering as early as you can. If you are ordering a made-to-order piece, ask how long weaving will take, since it depends on the design.

Step 7: payments

Ask which payment methods are available for international buyers, and use secure, traceable ones. Request a receipt or invoice. Confirm the currency and any fees before you pay.

Step 8: when the parcel arrives

• Open it with care, ideally on camera.
• Compare the saree with the photos and the written details.
• Air it for a few hours before wearing.
• Contact the seller promptly if anything differs.

See returns and exchanges for our policy, and check any seller's terms before ordering.

Buying in person and bringing it home

If you are visiting India, buying in Varanasi lets you feel the cloth and watch the weaving. A few tips for the journey home:

• Carry the saree in your cabin bag if it is high-value, so it stays with you.
• Keep the invoice in case customs ask for it.
• Check the airline's baggage rules and your destination's import allowances.
• Fold the saree loosely, with tissue between layers, and unpack it soon after arrival.

Our guide to buying Banarasi sarees in Varanasi covers the in-person experience.

Common worries, answered

"What if the colour looks different?" Ask for natural-light photos and a video. Screens vary, so confirm before you order.

"What if it does not fit?" The saree itself is free-size. Blouses are the main fitting issue, so plan stitching carefully.

"What if there is a delay?" Build in a buffer, and keep in touch with the seller and the courier.

"What if I want to return it?" Read the returns terms before ordering. International returns can be harder than domestic ones, which is one reason to be sure before buying.

Further reading on buying banarasi silk from india: Banarasi sari on Wikipedia.

Visiting Varanasi? Read our checklist on how to choose a trustworthy Banarasi saree shop in Varanasi.

Frequently Asked Questions