Weight and Texture Matter

A pure silk Kanjeevaram isn’t feather-light. In fact, it feels a bit heavy because of the quality silk and zari work. The silk itself should feel smooth yet firm, with a natural shine that changes as it catches the light. If it feels stiff or too glossy, beware!

The Burn Test (Only If You Can Safely Try It)

If you can safely take a tiny thread and burn it (maybe when shopping in person with permission!), silk smells like burnt hair and turns to fine ash. Synthetic threads burn quickly with a chemical smell and hard, black beads.

Look at the Motifs

Check out the patterns woven into the saree. True Kanjeevarams have sharp, beautiful motifs like temple borders, peacocks, and mango designs, all tightly woven in—not just printed or embroidered on top. Turn the saree over; the backside should be nearly as detailed as the front, with no loose threads.

Certification & Price Check


Look for the Silk Mark label—it’s like an official stamp saying, “Yup, this is real silk.” And let’s be honest—if the price seems suspiciously low, it probably is. Authentic Kanjeevaram sarees reflect the time, skill, and materials that go into them, so they’re a bit of an investment.