Why You Should Choose Bengal Handloom Sarees Over Powerloom Sarees

Handloom sarees are made by hand. Power-loom sarees are made by machines. There is no direct interaction between the item and its maker.
Handloom sarees are the work of human hands and care. An artisan dedicates their whole lives to mastering the art of creating beautiful fabrics. Their livelihoods also depend on the art of creating these handloom garments. It's important to realise why Bengali handloom sarees ought to be your first pick, even though powerloom sarees that are mass-produced are becoming more widely available.

1. Texture 
   Apart from the cultural reverence, handloom sarees are softer and more durable compared to powerloom sarees. The latter are stiff and do not drape well. Handloom sarees often have extra threads at the end of their pallu, whereas powerloom sarees don't. These threads can be used to make tassels at the edge of the pallu for a more unique look.
2. Design
   Often, handloom sarees feature unique and very detailed designs that a powerloom cannot replicate. Because of handpicking, there are many designs that cannot be achieved by a powerloom. Also, because of the speed with which a powerloom weaves, there are fabrics that cannot be successfully produced by the machine, like Baluchari and Tussar silk sarees.
3. Craftsmanship
   Handloom sarees are an ancient craft that has been passed on from generation to generation. An intricate craft that has evolved and changed as the times and hands shift. With deft fingers lined with years of passion, dedicated craftsmen nurture their skill and give long hours to create a single saree. The attention to details and the personal touch of an artisan as he weaves a masterpiece cannot be replicated by a machine with no soul. When you buy a Bengali handloom saree online, you are buying a piece of art.
4. Quality and Durability
   Bengal handloom sarees are known for their unmatched quality. Handloom sarees are often much more resilient than powerloom sarees. Handwoven fabrics tend to be more durable and outperform their machine made counterparts. This is because the threads are not subjected to stretching and harsh industrial processes. In the hands of an artisan, the yarn is treated with much more care, hence creating much stronger fabric in comparison. A handloom saree can endure for decades with the right maintenance, frequently turning into a treasured family heirloom that is passed down through the generations. Even though they are less expensive, powerloom sarees are more likely to get worn out and lose their shine with time.
5. Production time and cost
   The time it takes to make a single Bengal handloom saree is much longer than a powerloom saree. Since Bengal handloom sarees are meticulously weaved by an artisan with a jacquard and take longer to produce, they are much more expensive than a powerloom saree. This usually means that the mass-produced powerloom saree is much more affordable.
6. Wrinkle Recovery and Pilling
   In contrast to powerloom fabric, which has floats or loose threads hanging on the back, handloom fabric has a rough, uneven surface. The creases and wrinkles in a Bengal handloom saree smooth out more quickly compared to powerloom sarees. As a result you won't have to press your handloom sarees too much for a clean look.

An occasional ball or two of pills may appear on the surface of powerloom sarees as a result of abrasion.

The Verdict

While the handloom holds a very special place in our hearts, we do not look at power looms with disdain. For many users, a value-for-money analysis can tilt the balance in favour of power looms, as they do offer the possibility of making beautiful textiles at low costs.
At The Bengal Store, all our sarees are made from the purest materials without any synthetic blends and made exclusively on handlooms by skilled rural artisans from Bengal. Our Bengal handloom sarees are the way to go if you are looking to buy something exclusive. Every handloom saree is an heirloom product that can be passed on. Stores like The Bengal Store want to help continue this age-old craft. But it is only because there are people like you who buy Bengal handloom sarees online and are willing to pay the price for the craft that they continue to survive.
So, the next time you're looking to add a saree to your collection, consider opting for a handloom piece that reflects the true spirit of Bengal.