One of the most common questions we receive at Varni Vastra is: "How do I know if my saree is real silk?" With the market offering everything from ₹500 art silk sarees to ₹5,00,000 heritage handlooms, knowing the difference is essential for making an informed purchase.
## What is Real Silk?
Real silk (also called pure silk, natural silk, or genuine silk) is a **natural protein fibre** produced by silkworms. The most common type is mulberry silk, produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm. Other natural silks include Tussar, Muga, and Eri.
## What is Art Silk?
Art silk (artificial silk) is a **synthetic fabric** designed to mimic the look and feel of real silk. Common art silk materials include: - **Polyester** — the most common, very affordable - **Rayon/Viscose** — made from cellulose, closest to real silk in feel - **Nylon** — smooth and durable but distinctly different texture
## Comparison Table
| Property | Real Silk | Art Silk | |----------|-----------|----------| | **Touch** | Warm to touch, slightly rough | Cool to touch, very smooth | | **Weight** | Heavier per unit area | Lighter | | **Lustre** | Shimmery, changes with angle | Uniform, synthetic-looking shine | | **Drape** | Fluid, moulds to body | Stiffer, may crinkle | | **Burn test** | Burns slowly, smells like hair | Melts, smells like plastic | | **Price** | ₹2,000–₹5,00,000+ | ₹300–₹3,000 | | **Durability** | 50+ years if maintained | 3–5 years typical | | **Care** | Dry clean recommended | Machine washable |
## The Burn Test (Use with Caution)
Take a tiny strand from the saree's loose thread (never cut the fabric): 1. **Real silk:** Burns slowly with a small flame, self-extinguishes when removed from fire, leaves a black ash that crumbles easily, smells like burning hair/feathers 2. **Art silk (polyester):** Melts and drips, continues burning after flame removed, leaves a hard plastic bead, smells like burning plastic
> **Warning:** We do not recommend performing the burn test on expensive sarees. Use it only on loose threads or small fabric swatches.
## When to Choose What
### Choose Real Silk When: - Buying for weddings, heirloom pieces - Investment purchase (will hold value) - Comfort in humidity (silk breathes) - You want authentic craft and heritage
### Choose Art Silk When: - First-time saree buyer exploring styles - Casual festive wear on a budget - Need easy-care, machine-washable fabric - Experimenting with trendy colours/prints
## How Varni Vastra Helps
At Varni Vastra, every product listing clearly states the fabric composition. When we say "Pure Silk," we mean natural silk — never synthetic blends marketed misleadingly. Our 7-day return policy means you can verify the quality in person and return if it doesn't meet your expectations.
## Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I identify real silk? A: Real silk feels warm to touch, has an angle-dependent shimmer (not uniform shine), and burns like hair with a crumbly ash. Art silk feels cool, has a uniform shine, and melts like plastic when burned.
Q: Is art silk bad? A: Not at all! Art silk is a legitimate, affordable option for casual and festive wear. The issue arises only when art silk is sold as "pure silk" at genuine silk prices.
Q: Does Varni Vastra sell art silk sarees? A: We clearly label every product. Our collection spans pure silk, art silk, satin, cotton, and blended fabrics — each honestly described so you know exactly what you're buying.
