Lehariya Pure Silk Kota Doria Leaf Green Saree Handcrafted

What kind of green is it?

A bright, fresh green with fine pale yellow-green lehariya stripes running on the diagonal. The paler waves keep it crisp and summery. It sits well with silver, pearls or a pale blouse for daytime, and with a pink or orange blouse when you want more contrast.

How closely spaced are the stripes?

The pale stripes are fine and set close together on the diagonal, which gives the saree an overall texture rather than bold bands. A slim gold-toned border runs along the edges. Being hand-tied, the stripes vary slightly in width and spacing, which you will notice if you look along the length.

How long is the saree?

The saree is 6.3 to 6.4 metres including the attached blouse. When your tailor cuts the blouse portion, ask them to take it from the blouse end only and leave the rest of the saree whole. Kota is light, so the full length does not feel bulky at the waist.

Is the fabric woven on a handloom?

Kota Doria is traditionally woven on pit looms in Kota, in a fine square check called khat. Hold it up to the light and you will see the tiny squares. The lehariya dyeing on top is then done by hand at the Indiehaat unit in Kota under master artisan Haq Nawaz.

Will it show through?

A little. Kota Doria silk is a sheer, airy fabric, so wear a green petticoat in a fine fabric, matched as closely as you can to the body. A pale or white petticoat can show through unevenly under the waves. For office wear, a full-length petticoat keeps it neat.

How should I care for it?

Dry clean only. Keep it in a separate bag in a dry place, change the folds now and then, and air it occasionally so the fine weave does not weaken along creases. If it gets caught in the rain, let it dry in the shade before putting it away.