Chanderi Fabric Online: Weaves, Care and Styling

Chanderi is the fabric that made sheer fashionable long before it was easy. Woven in Madhya Pradesh from silk and cotton, it has a glassy transparency, a gentle sheen and a weight so light it almost disappears in the hand.

Why chanderi is special

The weave is built from fine silk warp and cotton weft - the silk gives strength and shine, the cotton gives breathability and a matte base. The result is a fabric that looks dressy but behaves like cotton in Indian heat.

Mul chanderi, the softer, lighter version, is the one you will see most often online. It takes print, embroidery and zari equally well, which is why it is a staple for both everyday and festive wardrobes.

Buying chanderi online

Because chanderi is semi-sheer, check the listing for a description of its transparency and plan a lining for fitted styles. Look at the width - most chanderi is 44 inches - and confirm the price unit before ordering.

Order a metre first if you are choosing between mul chanderi and a heavier chanderi silk; the difference in fall is noticeable and only obvious in hand.

Care that keeps it sheer

Hand-wash in cold water with a mild detergent, or dry-clean for embroidered pieces. Never wring. Dry flat in shade - direct sun dulls the sheen - and iron on low while slightly damp.

Shop chanderi by the metre

Saroj Ensemble carries mul chanderi, chanderi silk and embroidered chanderi by the metre, dispatched across India. Buy fabric online or visit our Mumbai fabric stores to see the full colour range in person.