A complete guide: how to identify handloom linen

While we were on our travel escapades across India, we came across many dealers & manufacturers who proclaimed that they are dealing with pure Handloom linen sarees. We wanted to believe them but as we researched more on ground, we felt difference in the touch & feel of the product. This made us curious as to whom to trust because we want our customers to get the best quality saree at the cheapest price. So after talking to multiple artisans & feeling different fabrics, we have finally found the answers to how one can distinguish between a Handloom fabric vs a power loom one.

These 5 methods are not the only methods but they are certainly proven ones & you can trust them too

Feel the Fabric: Genuine handloom linen has a distinctive texture that is both soft and slightly coarse to the touch. Run your fingers across the fabric to feel its natural irregularities and imperfections.

Examine the Weave: Handloom linen is characterized by its loose, open weave, which allows for greater breathability and texture. Look closely at the fabric to spot variations in thread thickness and irregularities in the weave pattern.

Conduct a Burn Test: While not recommended for every situation, a burn test can help determine the composition of a fabric. Genuine linen will produce a distinctive smell similar to burning paper, while synthetic fibers will often melt and produce a chemical odor.

Inspect the Selvedge: The selvedge, or the finished edge of the fabric, can offer clues about its production method. Handloom linen often has slightly uneven selvedges with small loops or knots, whereas powerloom linen tends to have neat, machine-finished edges without any irregularities.

Look for Slubs and Nubs: Handloom linen typically features slubs (thicker areas of yarn) and nubs (small knots or bumps) scattered throughout the fabric, adding to its organic charm. Powerloom linen, being machine-made, generally lacks these natural imperfections, resulting in a more uniform appearance.

So next time you buy a linen saree, remember to look beyond the surface and embrace the timeless beauty of handloom craftsmanship.

At Polki sarees, we have curated a carefully handpicked collection of handloom linen sarees. They are light, breathable & perfect for any occasion, adorned by our customers of all ages.

Do not miss out on our beautiful linen saree collection & get discounts on your purchases from our website

Hope this was helpful :)

Happy shopping!