Organza, Tissue & Kora Silk: A Buyer's Guide
Organza, tissue, and kora silk are the three lightweight pure silks brides and patrons keep confusing. Organza is sheer, crisp, and sculptural. Tissue is featherweight, fluid, and reflective. Kora is a tightly-spun pure silk with the matte finish of fine cotton. All three can be Banarasi or Kanjivaram in origin.
If you ask us to send one saree to a destination wedding, it is almost always an organza Banarasi, it packs flat, drapes in ten minutes, and photographs like couture.
Organza silk
Tightly woven from twisted pure silk yarn, organza has a crisp, papery hand and a defined sculptural drape. The pleats hold their shape; the pallu floats. Organza Banarasi (organza body with handloom Banarasi zari work) is the bestselling reception silk of the past five years.
Best for: receptions, cocktail evenings, destination weddings, photographs. Avoid: monsoon, very hot direct sun.
Tissue silk
Even lighter than organza, tissue is woven with a fine zari weft running through the body so the entire saree has a subtle metallic shimmer. Drapes like water, weighs almost nothing. The classic Kanjivaram tissue and the Banarasi tissue (sometimes called kora-tissue) are the two great regional variants.
Best for: temple weddings, summer engagements, the bride who wants to glow without weight.
Kora silk
Kora is pure silk woven from un-degummed yarn, the natural sericin gum is left on the thread, giving the saree a slightly stiff, matte, almost cotton-like finish. Kora Banarasi (sometimes called 'cora') is the most popular variant. It drapes flatter than organza and reads more traditional.
Best for: daytime ceremonies, brides who want a more matte, less shimmering finish.
How to spot pure silk in any of the three
The burn test (one fibre at a time, please): pure silk burns slowly, smells of singed hair, and leaves a black ash that crumbles between your fingers. Synthetics melt and smell of plastic. At an atelier, ask for the Silk Mark, it is the simplest proof.
See these weaves in person.
The Trisha Silks flagship at Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad welcomes private viewings. Patrons abroad, we host video viewings worldwide.
Frequently asked
Is organza saree pure silk?+
Pure silk organza is woven from twisted mulberry silk yarn. Many market 'organza' sarees are synthetic polyester organza, much cheaper, but they will not drape, breathe, or age like silk. Always check for the Silk Mark.
Is tissue saree see-through?+
Yes, tissue silk is one of the sheerest silks woven. Always wear it with a well-fitted underskirt in a tone that matches the body of the saree, and a substantial blouse.
Can I wear an organza Banarasi as a bride?+
Yes, for the reception or a destination wedding ceremony. For the muhurtham/main ceremony itself, most traditional families still prefer a heavier weave like a pure Kanjivaram or kadhua Banarasi.
