What is tissue silk?
To put it simply, tissue silk is a heritage fabric that is best known for its elegance, shine, and craftsmanship. However, there is much more to it. For instance, tissue silk is created by weaving silk threads together with metallic zari. This results in a light weight fabric that is rich in texture. Because of its elegant appearance, the tissue silk is widely used in sarees, especially in Banarasi sarees. Being said that, the Banarasi Tissue silk sarees have been long admired for their elegant drape, festive appeal, and traditional craftsmanship.
There are many questions surrounding tissue silk. For instance, questions like, is tissue silk real silk, whether the tissue silk sarees are worth buying, and what makes them stand apart from other silk sarees. In this article, we will discuss all these questions and help you understand the heritage and value it holds.
Is Tissue Silk Real Silk?
Is tissue silk real silk – this is the most common question asked about tissue silk. Many sarees, made of polyester blends and artificial silk, are being sold in the market. This is why many buyers are confused and have the question repeatedly. However, to tell you if it is real or not, the answer depends on the quality and the composition of the fabric.
An authentic tissue silk saree will have fine weaving quality, rich and soft texture, natural sheen, high-quality zari work, pure silk, and elegant drape. Also, look out for the certification when buying premium silk sarees. It is another way to check the authenticity of your purchase. The Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) issues a certification for silk buyers.
What Is a Tissue Silk Saree?
Now that you know about tissue silk, let us discuss tissue silk saree. These are crafted using tissue silk fabric, of course, but they are enhanced with zari patterns, floral designs, and traditional motifs.
Being said that, Banarasi tissue silk sarees are widely loved due to their traditional Banarasi craftsmanship, weaving technique, intricate zari, lightweight elegance, and festive and bridal appeal.
If you seek to know more about this, then you read the detailed guide on What is a Tissue Silk Saree.
How Is Tissue Silk Made?
The true beauty of tissue silk sarees lies within its weaving process. Like you already know, the traditional tissue silk is made using silk threads and metallic zari, which in turn gives it a luminous texture. Being said that, the process includes preparing the silk yarn, designing traditional motifs, setting up the handloom, integrating the zari threads during weaving, creating intricate borders and pallu designs, and quality inspection.
In Varanasi, weavers spend days and even weeks working on tissue silk sarees depending on the intricacies of the sarees and the complexity of the weaving pattern. This is one of the reasons why handmade Banarasi tissue silk sarees are cherished for generations.
Why Are Banarasi Tissue Silk Sarees So Popular?
For years, Banarasi tissue silk sarees have been the go-to wear among women, including brides. This is because the Banarasi tissue silk saree offers an elegance that is unmatched, while combining the heritage with modern look and feel. Here are some of the reasons why it has been so popular.
- Lightweight Yet Luxurious
Many bridal wears are heavy and not suited for day long events. But with Banarasi tissue silk saree that is not the case. Along with elegance they also offer a lightweight wear.
- Rich Visual Appeal
The zari work on the saree is unmatched and unique. It creates a subtle glow that makes the overall look much more appealing.
- Heritage Craftsmanship
There is nothing like Banarasi silk sarees that comes with centuries old weaving techniques. Thus, the Banarasi tissue silk saree is not just a saree it is a piece of history.
If you are someone who is on the lookout for authentic saree collections, then the Banarasi tissue silk saree is among the most admired ones within the traditional Banarasi wears.
Is Tissue Silk Saree Good or Bad?
Most of the buyers try to compare the tissue silk saree with sarees made from other fabrics. However, it is not the question of good or bad. It is the question of choices and what actually you are looking for.
For instance, if you are looking for elegance with a lightweight saree then a tissue silk saree is a good choice. If you want something that is rich with zari work and is suitable for weddings and other celebrations then again, tissue silk sarees are a good choice. If you want timeless beauty then a tissue silk saree is your finest bet.
Being said that, there are a few considerations when buying a tissue silk saree. For instance, premium handloom tissue silk sarees are expensive. Moreover, these sarees require careful handling.
How to Choose an Authentic Tissue Silk Saree?
The rising popularity of tissue silk saree means that there are more and more duplicates, including machine-made replicas available in the market. It is, therefore, crucial that you evaluate carefully before making the buying decision.
Look out for silk mark certification, fabric texture, zari detailing, store reputation, online reviews, and customer feedback. These are the things that will help you evaluate the authenticity. Being said that, real Banarasi sarees often show detailed weaving patterns, with refined zari work and features of handloom. Among all the things, the most important is to make a purchase from a trusted heritage store like JDS Banaras.
JDS Banaras
If there is one place that offers quality, trust, and heritage all at once then it has to be JDS Banaras. The wide range of Banarasi sarees caters to the needs of every individual, regardless of their taste and budget.
Being said that, JDS Banaras works directly with the weaving communities. Moreover, JDS Banaras also helps customers in understanding the difference between genuine Banarasi silk and fake products available in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tissue silk?
Tissue silk is a piece of art which is crafted by weaving silk yarn and metallic zari threads giving it the shine and elegance.


