Ret Ki Chhaya Ajrakh Printed Chanderi Silk Saree Charcoal Blue

What is the jaal on this Ret Ki Chhaya saree like?

The body is covered edge to edge in a dense jaal of circles and stars in red and cream. There is very little plain ground, so the print itself becomes the texture. It is the geometric language Ajrakh is known for, laid out in a tight, repeating grid.

How are the border and pallu finished?

A wide printed paisley band with a fine gold line frames the edges, and the pallu ends in a red band. After the busy body, the red gives the eye a place to rest and adds warmth against the cooler blue, so the saree doesn't read as one flat pattern.

How long is the saree?

It measures 6.3 to 6.4 metres in all, and that includes an attached blouse piece. Your tailor cuts the blouse portion off before stitching, and the rest is the saree itself, ready for draping.

How should I store it?

Fold it into its own cloth bag and keep it somewhere dry. Every so often, open it out, let it air in dry weather and refold along new lines, so the folds don't leave lasting marks on the silk. Dry clean only, and never leave it damp in a cupboard.

What should I wear under it?

Chanderi has a natural, fine sheerness. The dense print on this one covers well, but a fitted petticoat in navy or a slate shade gives the cleanest result, especially at the pleats, where the fabric gathers and light can still pass through.

What blouse works with a print this busy?

Keep the blouse plain. A solid red picks up the pallu and the jaal, a cream one lightens the whole look, and a deep blue lets the print carry everything. Skip a printed blouse here, as it tends to fight with the jaal. The attached blouse piece is also there if you'd like to use it.