These 5 Stores in Hyderabad Have Alternatives to Silk Sarees

Now, more than ever before, it is possible for people to buy cruelty-free and vegan clothing. Not only that, but it has become incredibly easy as well. So whether you are attending a friend’s wedding or getting married yourself, there are plenty of options for you to try and buy.

Traditionally, silk and cotton sarees have been the norm, with silk taking the crown as the most coveted fabric type. Unfortunately, silk extraction involves killing silkworms while they are still in the pupa stage. To obtain the silk, the worms are boiled alive while still wrapped in their cocoons. 

Another material that is derived from animals includes wool, which is used to make coats and pashmina and cashmere shawls in India. Wool, like silk, also involves abusive methods to obtain the fibers. Since some species of sheep are bred specifically for their hair. Which means that they grow so much that if they are not sheared, they 

Shearers have frequently been observed to kick and hit sheep while removing the hair. These practices occur due to the high volume of sheering that is required, since they are paid by the hour. Many of the sheep come out with injuries.

Many who have come to know the incredibly cruel process of silk production buy “peace silk” or “ahimsa silk.” While the name may sound like it doesn’t involve any animal abuse, it is very hard to authenticate the actual process involved. There is currently no authority that certifies the silk as being cruelty-free, and in most cases it isn’t. So even if a seller claims that the silk was collected only after the moths emerged from their cocoons naturally, there is no way that you can confirm it.

Fortunately for those who are conscious about their buying habits, sarees made from other materials are just as beautiful as their silk counterparts. We have compiled below, a list of 5 stores in Hyderabad, where you can purchase cruelty-free sarees and still look fabulous.

1. KALANJALI

• Saifabad -  5-10-194/195, Hill Fort Rd, Saifabad, Adarsh Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004
  Phone number:  040-2323-1147
• Jubilee Hills - 16 & 36, PLOT NO. 237, Rd Number 2, opposite HERITAGE FRESH, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 50003
  Phone number:  040-23540862

While most famously known for their collection of silk sarees, Kalanjali also sells sarees that are made from cotton, linen, chiffon, crepe, and georgette. Their collection includes colourful sambalpuri, ikat, mangalgiri, uppada, pochampally, kanchi, kota sarees. They have two locations across Hyderabad - one Saifabad and one in Jubilee Hills.

Ikat Saree Image Source: Kalanjali

2. Fancy Heritage

Banjara Hills: Shop No. 6, Road Number 2, Venkateshwara Nagar, Sri Nagar Colony, Aurora Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500073
Phone number: 098491 76506

If you prefer simple yet elegant looking sarees, Fancy Heritage has a good range of cotton and linen sarees. They boast high quality faux silks, with unique saree styles from all over Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and north Indian. The pieces here sell off pretty fast whenever new stock comes in though, so if you see something that you like, you better be quick about it!

3. Neeru’s Emporio
Jubilee Hills: Plot no, 729, Rd Number 36, Aditya Enclave, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033
Phone number: 040-65220000

The first floor of Neeru’s is where you can choose from a variety of different sarees with very unique drape styles. Much of their collection features lycra sarees, but they also have satin and georgette sarees as well. While slightly on the more expensive side, the sarees here can be worn for more dressy occasions like a wedding or reception.

Image Source: weddidngwire.in

4. Radhika Attire

Banjara Hills: 101, S.S.Plaza, Road No.4, Banjara Hills, opposite GVK One, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
Phone number: 040-23358589
Radhika Attire is an unassuming boutique store in Banjara Hills. While they don’t usually have linens and cottons, Radhika sells a variety of beautiful sarees made from materials like net, georgette and velvet. The sarees here are very unique since they come from the North. Many of their pieces feature intricate stone work and unique designs like attached belts and frills.

5. Exhibitions

Taj Krishna, Taj Banjara, Novotel
Both casual and serious shoppers alike will find a treasure trove of embroidered, printed and heavily worked sarees at exhibitions. Ranging from materials like cotton and linen to bamboo silk, exhibitions are great places to find vegan sarees if you want something unique. You will find some great pieces ranging from fairly affordable to the more expensive designer pieces. Some of the best clothing and saree exhibitions in the city are held at the above-mentioned locations.

Most saree stores in Hyderabad have collections that are made without silk. All you need to do is have a word with a salesperson and let them know what material you prefer. And as with any product you buy, make sure to enquire about things like lining and blouse material, as sometimes they may be made from silk.

With how easy it is to find cruelty-free alternatives, and the quality, you don’t need to compromise on quality. From hemp fabric to faux silk and upcycled materials, these options are eco-friendly too. So make a statement, save the animals, and happy shopping!

Read More:  Why is Silk a subject of concern for Vegans?
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