Tussar Silk Sarees Explained: Weave, Look & How to Wear Them

If you love silk but find heavy Kanjivarams a lot to carry, tussar silk is worth knowing. Prized for its natural golden sheen and slightly textured feel, tussar (also spelled tussore or tasar) is one of India's most distinctive silks — elegant, breathable and beautifully wearable. Here's what makes it special.

What is tussar silk?

Tussar is a wild silk, produced by silkworms that feed on forest trees such as sal and arjun rather than cultivated mulberry leaves. That origin gives tussar its signature warm, dull-gold colour and a coarser, more textured hand than the smooth shine of mulberry silk. It's woven across India, with Bhagalpur in Bihar ("the silk city") especially famous for it.

Tussar vs mulberry silk

The look and feel

Tussar's charm is its understatement — a natural gold base that pairs beautifully with hand-block prints, Kalamkari, zari borders and bold contrast blouses. It has a lovely dry, papery rustle and sits light on the shoulder, which makes it easy to wear for hours. Explore the range in the Tussar silk collection.

When to wear tussar

Because it breathes and doesn't weigh you down, tussar is ideal for daytime and summer occasions — office wear, festive lunches, Navratri, house pujas and daytime weddings. A tussar with a rich zari border or a printed pallu dresses up easily for the evening too. Compare it with other weaves in the silk sarees collection or browse the full saree edit.

Caring for tussar silk

Tussar is best dry-cleaned, especially for the first few cleans, as the natural fibres can lose their crispness with water. Store it wrapped in cotton, refold it every couple of months to avoid permanent creases, and keep it out of direct sunlight so the natural gold tone stays even.

Frequently asked questions

What is tussar silk?

Tussar (also spelled tussore or tasar) is a wild silk made by silkworms that feed on forest trees rather than cultivated mulberry. This gives it a natural golden colour and a slightly coarse, richly textured feel.

Is tussar silk pure silk?

Yes, tussar is a genuine natural silk — it's simply a wild variety rather than cultivated mulberry silk. Some sarees are woven as tussar-silk blends, so check the product description for the exact composition.

What is the difference between tussar and mulberry silk?

Tussar comes from wild, forest-fed silkworms and has a natural gold tone, a textured hand and a lighter, breathable drape. Mulberry silk comes from cultivated silkworms, is bright white and takes dye vividly, with a smoother sheen and a heavier feel.

Is tussar silk good for summer?

Yes. Tussar is light and breathable, which makes it one of the more comfortable silks for daytime and summer wear.

How do I wash a tussar silk saree?

Dry-cleaning is best, particularly for the first few cleans, because water can soften tussar's natural crispness. Store it wrapped in cotton and keep it out of direct sunlight.

What occasions is tussar silk best for?

Tussar suits daytime and summer occasions such as work, festive lunches, Navratri, pujas and daytime weddings, and it dresses up for evenings when it has a zari border or printed pallu.