Shop Nalli & Pothys Sarees from Abroad

What each store is known for

Nalli began in T. Nagar, Chennai, in 1928, and is best known for Kanchipuram silk. Its website sorts Kanchipuram sarees by zari (pure gold zari, half-fine zari and pure Kanjeevaram silk) and also carries Banarasi, Tussar, Mysore crepe, Paithani, Chanderi, Gadwal, Uppada, Baluchari and ikat sarees, along with dhotis, men's kurtas and pattu pavadai for children.

Pothys traces itself back to 1935 and a first showroom in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, and is known for silk. Its website carries pure silk and Kanchipuram sarees, semi-silk, cotton and half sarees, silk and cotton dhotis for men, kidswear, readymade blouses and blouse material, and dress material. Pothys states that its pure Kanchipuram silk sarees come with the Silk Mark tag, and offers blouse stitching as an option when you order.

For what to look for in each weave, see our notes on Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, Mysore silk, Paithani and Chanderi sarees.

Choosing a Kanchipuram silk online

• Look for the Silk Mark. The label is issued by the Silk Mark Organisation of India under the Central Silk Board, and each one carries a hologram and a unique number. It confirms the silk is pure; it says nothing about the zari.
• Read the zari line on the listing. Pure zari is silver thread dipped in gold. Half-fine, tested and silk-fast zari contain no precious metal, which is why those sarees cost less. Neither is wrong; they are different things at different prices.
• Look at the border. A korvai border, woven in a contrasting colour and interlocked with the body, is a hallmark of Kanchipuram weaving.

Blouse and stitching

Nalli listings we read include an unstitched blouse piece. Pothys offers stitching at checkout and states 5 to 7 business days for pre-pleated sarees with stitched blouses, so allow for that before the saree reaches us. A stitched blouse is best sorted out in India, where it can be altered before it flies.

Check it while it is still in India

Both stores' return windows are for orders delivered in India. Because the saree comes to us first and we photograph it on arrival, you can check the colour and the zari before it leaves, while a domestic return to the store is still possible. Read the store's own return policy before you order.

What it costs to ship

A Kanchipuram silk is one of the heavier sarees, and it often comes in a rigid box. Tell us to remove the retail box and the saree ships on its real weight. Several sarees from Nalli, Pothys and any other Indian shop go in one box, which costs far less than sending them separately. The calculator gives the price to your country before you commit.