Mysore Silk

The KSIC factory in Mysuru was founded in 1912 by Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore, and passed to the Karnataka state government in 1980, which today holds the exclusive right to sell silk under the genuine Mysore Silk trademark. The saree received a GI tag in 1999. It is generally plainer than a Kanjeevaram, with the decorative weight carried mostly at the border.

Region: Mysuru, Karnataka, produced under the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC)
GI status: GI tagged since 1999.

1. 01Local sericulture farmers supply mulberry silk cocoons, which are reeled and sorted for quality.
2. 02The yarn is processed into fine, even threads and woven at the KSIC factory in Mysuru, mostly on dobby or jacquard looms rather than traditional pit looms.
3. 03A korvai-style interlocking weft technique gives the fabric notable strength and a nearly reversible finish.
4. 04Zari, when used, sits mainly at the border, keeping the body plainer and lighter than a heavily worked Kanjeevaram.

• Genuine Mysore Silk carries the KSIC trademark label; ask for it specifically, since the name 'Mysore silk' is also used loosely by sellers outside the official mark.
• The fabric should feel smooth and glossy rather than richly textured or heavily patterned; a saree sold as Mysore silk that is dense with brocade motifs may be a different weave altogether.
• Check the weight: Mysore silk generally runs lighter than a Kanjeevaram of similar size, which is one of its practical selling points.

WEIGHT

Medium, lighter than Kanjeevaram or Banarasi for a similar silk density.

WARMTH

Mild to warm.

BREATHABILITY

Moderate.

DRAPE

Soft and smooth, falls closer to the body than the stiffer South Indian silks.

WRINKLING

Wrinkle resistant, a practical everyday silk.

Best season: Suitable across most seasons given its lighter weight than Kanjeevaram

WASHING

Dry clean only.

IRONING

Low heat, cloth between iron and fabric.

STORAGE

Wrap in muslin, store flat, refold periodically.

STAINS

Take to a dry cleaner promptly rather than treating a stain at home.

PERFUME AND DEODORANT

Do not spray perfume or deodorant directly on the saree; scent skin first.

Its softness suits a standard Nivi drape without much stiffness to fight; a plain or lightly bordered blouse keeps the look understated in line with the fabric's own plainer style.