Modal Silk vs Tussar Silk vs Cotton — Which Ajrakh Saree Fabric is Right for You?
One of the most common questions we receive at Earthy Blocks is: 'Which fabric should I choose for my Ajrakh saree?' It's a great question — and the answer depends on your lifestyle, the occasion, and how you like your saree to feel and drape.
Here's our honest guide to the three most popular Ajrakh fabrics.
Modal Silk Ajrakh Sarees
Modal Silk is our most popular fabric — and for good reason. Made from beech tree pulp, Modal Silk is technically a semi-synthetic fabric that combines the best of natural and modern fibres. It's incredibly soft, drapes beautifully, breathes well, and has a subtle sheen that makes Ajrakh prints look luminous.
Best for: Daily wear, office, casual festive occasions, year-round use
Price range: ₹5,950 – ₹8,500
Care: Gentle hand wash in cold water
Drape: Fluid and effortless — falls beautifully without stiffness
If you're buying your first Ajrakh saree, Modal Silk is where we'd start you.
Tussar Silk Ajrakh Sarees
Tussar is a wild silk — produced by silkworms that feed on forest trees (not the cultivated mulberry variety). The result is a fabric with a natural, slightly rough texture, a distinctive golden hue, and a matte finish that is unlike any other silk. Ajrakh on Tussar Silk has a richness and depth that is unmatched — the natural dyes sit differently on Tussar, creating a more textured, earthy look.
Best for: Festive occasions, weddings, gifting, investment pieces
Price range: ₹16,500 – ₹21,895
Care: Dry clean recommended
Drape: Structured with natural body — holds pleats well
Our Ajrakh Tussar Silk sarees are heirloom pieces — the kind you pass down.
Cotton Ajrakh Sarees
Ajrakh on cotton is the most traditional combination — this is how the craft began. Cotton Ajrakh sarees are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for casual or daily ethnic wear. The prints on cotton have a slightly softer, more washed look than on silk — giving them a relaxed, artisanal character.
Best for: Daily wear, summers, casual occasions, gifting
Price range: ₹3,500 – ₹5,950
Care: Gentle machine wash or hand wash
Drape: Light and casual — easy to manage all day
Dola Silk Ajrakh Sarees
Dola Silk is a blend of silk and polyester, giving it a smooth finish and a price point between cotton and pure silk. Our Dola Silk Ajrakh sarees offer a rich look at an accessible price — perfect for those who want the visual effect of silk without the care requirements.
Best for: Festive wear, gifting, parties
Price range: ₹6,950
Care: Dry clean or gentle hand wash
Our Recommendation
- First Ajrakh saree? → Modal Silk
- Special occasion / wedding? → Tussar Silk
- Daily wear / summer? → Cotton
- Festive on a budget? → Dola Silk
At Earthy Blocks, all our fabrics carry the same authentic Ajrakh hand block printing by Kutch artisans with natural vegetable dyes. The fabric changes — the craft never does.