At Dress365days, we’ve spent years working closely with skilled artisans to bring you genuine, hand-embroidered sarees that are steeped in tradition and artistry. But we also know how hard it can be to tell the difference between authentic hand embroidery and the machine-made copies that are everywhere these days.
So we’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide to help you shop smarter and ensure that what you’re investing in is truly heirloom-quality Parsi Gara or Chikankari embroidery — not a mass-produced imitation.
The Basics: Hand vs. Machine Embroidery
Let’s start with the most important difference.
Hand embroidery is an art form passed down through generations. Every stitch is done by hand, often taking weeks or months. That effort shows in the slight variations, soft texture, and personality of each piece.
Machine embroidery, on the other hand, is fast and repetitive. It lacks the soul, softness, and storytelling of handcrafted work. And when you know what to look for, spotting the difference becomes easier.
Here’s What We at Dress365days Look for in Every Authentic Saree
1. The Stitching Speaks for Itself
Hand embroidery has natural irregularities — a little shift in angle here, a variation in spacing there. That’s the beauty of real craft. Each piece is unique.
Machine embroidery is too perfect. The stitches are identical, overly uniform, and often too stiff. It’s easy to spot once you start noticing the patterns.
2. Flip It — The Back Tells a Story
One of our go-to tips: look at the back of the fabric. In genuine hand embroidery, you’ll see tiny knots, uneven tension, maybe even a few scattered threads. That’s all part of its authenticity.
Machine embroidery? It’ll either be unnaturally clean or very messy — and the back usually mirrors the front too perfectly, which rarely happens with handmade work.
3. Feel the Fabric
We use only high-quality, traditional fabrics like pure silk, cotton muslin, georgette, and chiffon. These materials are breathable and soft — ideal for intricate hand embroidery.
You’ll also feel the raised texture of real stitching when you run your fingers over it. Machine embroidery tends to feel flat and stiff in comparison.
4. Pay Attention to the Motifs
In Parsi Gara embroidery, our artisans handcraft stunning, nature-inspired motifs — birds, butterflies, pagodas, flowers, and more. Each motif has meaning, and together, they create a visual story across the saree. You’ll often see these done in white or colored silk threads on deep, rich bases like black, red, violet, or green.
Our Chikankari pieces feature signature stitches like Bakhiya, Phanda, Murri, Jaali, and Keel Kangan. These aren’t just decorative — they’re deeply traditional and take immense skill to combine into one piece.
Machine-made pieces tend to simplify or skip this storytelling entirely.
What to Watch Out for When Shopping Online
We know how tough online shopping can be when you can’t touch or feel the fabric. Here are a few red flags and tips we always recommend:
Be Wary of Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
Authentic hand embroidery is time-consuming and labor-intensive. If a saree is priced very low, it’s likely machine-made — no matter how beautiful the photos look.
Choose Sellers Who Are Transparent
At Dress365days, we proudly share multiple high-resolution images, including close-ups of the embroidery and photos of the back. If you ever want more, we’re just a message away.
We also describe our materials and stitching techniques in detail. Always buy from sellers who are open about how their products are made — and who made them.
Look for Artisan Connection
We work directly with our artisan partners and share their stories. When sellers don’t talk about their craftspeople at all, it’s worth asking why.
Why Thousands Trust Dress365days
We’ve built a reputation for delivering only authentic hand-embroidered pieces, backed by a 3-stage quality check process. Every saree we send out has been reviewed for thread-work accuracy, finishing, and fabric quality.
Before You Make Your Purchase, Keep This Checklist Handy
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Ask for close-up photos of the embroidery, including the back side
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Inquire about the artisans and how the piece was made
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Check the fabric type — it should match traditional materials
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Read up on return policies and customer service reputation
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Look for authenticity guarantees or certifications, when available
Final Thoughts from Our Team
When you choose an authentic Parsi Gara or Chikankari saree, you’re not just buying something beautiful. You’re investing in art, tradition, and the hands that made it. You’re also supporting the survival of intricate embroidery traditions that deserve to thrive.
We’re here to help you make the right choice — every time.
Have questions or want to see more of a piece before you buy? Just reach out to us — we love talking about embroidery and helping you find your perfect heirloom.
Warm wishes,
The Dress365days Team