Chanderi

What is Chanderi?

Chanderi is a sheer, feather-light handloom fabric woven in the town of the same name in Madhya Pradesh, usually as a silk-cotton blend. Its defining trait is a glass-like translucent sheen — the result of using fine, non-degummed yarn — paired with small woven butis (motifs) of peacocks, coins, and florals scattered across the body.

Origin and cultural significance

Chanderi weaving carries centuries of courtly association; the fabric was historically favoured by royal households across central India for its combination of fineness and dignity. Today it occupies a sweet spot in Indian wardrobes: dressier than plain cotton, lighter and more breathable than brocade silk — the fabric of daytime weddings, pujas, festive office wear, and summer celebrations.

How it’s woven

Chanderi is woven on handlooms with a silk warp and fine cotton weft (pure-silk and pure-cotton variants exist). The traditional yarn keeps its natural gum, which is what produces the signature sheen. Butis are woven in by hand with separate needles — count the butis and their regularity, and you can often tell handloom from powerloom.

Made to measure with us

Chanderi is our favourite recommendation for Anarkali suits and co-ord sets that need festive polish without weight — it holds a kali (panel) flare crisply and breathes through long ceremonies. For summer sangeets and daytime functions in Punjab’s heat, it is the fabric we reach for first.