How to Identify Handloom Fabrics in a Powerloom World

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Published on 21st Jun, 2024

Last Edited on 26th Mar, 2025

Reading Time: 2 Minute Read

The difference between powerloom and handloom fabrics lies in their production methods and characteristics. Powerloom fabrics are mass-produced with electrical looms, offering uniformity and affordability. Handloom fabrics, crafted manually, showcase unique designs and textures, reflecting traditional artistry and craftsmanship. Handmade fabric’s irregularities add charm, while powerloom fabrics ensure consistency. Handloom fabrics, rich in cultural heritage, differ significantly from powerloom’s industrial efficiency.

Visual Inspection

Irregularities: Handloom fabrics often have slight irregularities or variations in the weave, which add to their charm and uniqueness. Powerloom fabrics are usually uniform and consistent in appearance.

Selvage: Check the edges of the fabric. Handloom selvages are often a bit rough and uneven, while powerloom selvages are smooth and even.

Feel and Texture

Handloom: These fabrics tend to feel softer and have a more organic texture due to the gentle weaving process.

Powerloom: These can feel stiffer and more uniform because of the precise and mechanical production process.

Weight and Thickness

Handloom: These fabrics can have variations in thickness and weight throughout the material.

Powerloom: The fabric will generally have a consistent thickness and weight.

Thread Count and Yarn Quality

Handloom: Often, handloom fabrics use coarser yarns, and the thread count can be lower. The yarns may also show variations in thickness.

Powerloom: Higher thread count and finer, consistent yarns are common, leading to a more polished finish.

Cultural and Regional Marks

Certain regions are renowned for specific types of handloom fabrics (e.g., Banarasi silk from Varanasi, India). Authentic handloom products often carry cultural or regional indicators, including geographical indication (GI) tags.

Certification and Labels

Look for certifications or labels from organizations that verify the authenticity of handloom products. In India, for example, the "Handloom Mark" is used to authenticate handloom textiles.

Burn Test

While not always recommended due to safety concerns, a burn test can sometimes help. Natural fibers used in handloom fabrics will usually smell like burning paper or hair and leave a fine ash. Synthetic fibers used in powerloom fabrics might smell like plastic and leave a hard bead.

TEXTURE AND FEEL

Handloom fabrics often have a unique texture and feel. They tend to be softer and more breathable compared to their powerloom products. due to the natural fibers and manual weaving process. When you touch a handloom fabric, it usually feels more organic and less uniform and uneven.

IRREGULARITIES AND INPERFECTIONS

One of the hallmarks of handloom fabrics is their irregularities. Since they are woven by hand, you can often spot small imperfections and variations in the weaveand color, which add to their charm and authenticity. Powerloom fabrics, in contrast, are more consistent and uniform due to machine

WEAVE DENSITY

The density of the weave can also be a clue. Handloom fabrics can vary in weave density, often appearing looser or more open in some places. Powerloom fabrics, on the other hand, generally have a consistent and tight weave throughout.

LABELS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Many handloom fabrics come with labels or certifications from organizations that authenticate their origin and craftsmanship. Look for tags that mention "handloom " or certifications from bodies like the Handloom Mark, which guarantees the fabric was woven by hand.