Frequently Asked Questions

About Womaniya & Our Sarees

What is Womaniya?

Womaniya is a premium handwoven Bengali fashion brand based in Kolkata, West Bengal. We specialise in Jamdani, Tant, and handloom sarees made by skilled artisans from Bengal's weaving communities. Every piece is authentic, ethically made, and crafted without compromise.

What makes Womaniya sarees different?

We work directly with master weavers — cutting out middlemen entirely. This means our artisans earn a fair wage, our prices reflect true craft value, and you receive a piece with documented provenance. We do not sell machine-printed imitations or mill-made sarees. Every piece on our platform is genuinely handwoven.

What is Jamdani?

Jamdani is a fine handwoven muslin fabric with intricate geometric or floral motifs woven directly into the fabric using extra weft threads. It originated in the Dhaka region (present-day Bangladesh) and is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Bengali weavers have been weaving Jamdani for over 300 years. The finest Jamdani is gossamer-light and extraordinarily labour-intensive — a single saree can take 2–4 weeks to weave.

Are your sarees handwoven or handblock printed?

All sarees listed under our handloom categories are **handwoven on pit looms or frame looms**. The motifs are woven into the fabric, not printed on. We also carry a small selection of hand-block printed pieces, which are clearly labelled.

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Orders & Payment

How do I place an order?

You can browse our shop and add items to your cart for instant checkout. We also accept **orders directly via WhatsApp** (+91 91431 61829) if you would like to see more photos, ask questions about a specific piece, or arrange a custom order.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major UPI apps (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and most digital wallets through our secure payment gateway. For WhatsApp orders, we accept UPI transfers (GPay, BHIM, PhonePe) or bank transfer.

Can I modify or cancel my order?

Yes — within **2 hours** of placing the order. After that, your saree may already be in the packing process. Please message us on WhatsApp immediately and we will do everything we can to accommodate your request.

Do you accept COD (Cash on Delivery)?

We currently do not offer COD. All orders must be prepaid.

Can I order as a gift?

Absolutely! We can include a handwritten gift note with your order. Simply mention this when ordering via WhatsApp, or add a note at checkout. We also offer beautiful gift packaging — please ask us about it.

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Shipping & Delivery

How long does delivery take?

Orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days. Estimated delivery after dispatch: - Kolkata: 1–2 days - Rest of West Bengal: 2–3 days - Major metros: 3–5 days - Rest of India: 5–7 days

Do you ship outside India?

Currently we ship within India only. For international orders, please contact us on WhatsApp and we will try to find a solution.

How do I track my order?

Once dispatched, you will receive a **WhatsApp message with your AWB tracking number** and the courier partner's name. You can use this to track on the courier's website.

Is my saree insured during transit?

Yes. All Womaniya orders are insured during transit. In the unlikely event of loss or damage during shipping, we will send a replacement or issue a full refund.

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Sarees, Sizing & Fabric

What length are your sarees?

All Womaniya sarees are **5.5 metres** in length, with a **0.8 metre blouse piece** included — the standard size for Indian sarees.

Do I need to get the saree fall and pico done?

We recommend it. A fall (inner border strip) helps the saree drape better and protects the border edge from wear. A pico (decorative edge finishing) is done on the pallu. Most tailors charge ₹80–₹150 for this service.

What blouse size does the included blouse piece accommodate?

The standard 0.8m blouse piece comfortably accommodates up to a **42" chest**. For larger sizes, please message us before ordering.

Will the colours look exactly as in the photos?

We photograph all our sarees in natural daylight to represent colours as accurately as possible. However, slight variations can occur due to screen calibration and natural dyeing processes. Handloom fabrics may also have subtle variations in colour — this is a sign of authenticity, not a defect.

What fabrics do you use?

We work exclusively with **natural fibres**: fine cotton, silk, linen, and their handwoven blends. Our weaves include Jamdani, Tant, Muslin, Kantha, and Linen-cotton blends. No synthetics. No mill-made fabrics.

Can I request a custom colour or design?

Yes! Custom orders are one of our favourite things to do. Share your vision via WhatsApp and we will discuss what is possible with our weavers. Custom orders require a **minimum 4–6 week lead time** and full advance payment.

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Returns & Care

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within **7 days of delivery** for unworn, unwashed items with original tags and packaging intact. See our full Returns & Exchanges page for complete details.

My saree arrived with a small weaving irregularity. Is this a defect?

Handwoven textiles naturally contain subtle irregularities — a slightly uneven weft thread, a small loop, or a minor texture variation. These are not defects; they are evidence of hand-weaving and part of the beauty of the craft. However, if you notice something that significantly affects the appearance or drape, please send us photos and we will assess it.

How do I wash my Jamdani saree?

Always hand wash in cold water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Never wring or twist. Dry in shade. See our full Care Guide for detailed instructions for every fabric type.

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About Our Artisans

Who makes your sarees?

Our sarees are made by master weavers from Bengal's weaving communities — primarily from Murshidabad, Nadia, Hooghly, and the Dhaka-lineage weaving clusters of West Bengal. We also work with Kantha embroiderers from Birbhum district. We pay above-market wages and build long-term relationships with our artisan partners.

How many people work on a single saree?

A Jamdani saree typically requires a team of **two weavers** working side by side on a single loom. Weaving a fine Jamdani saree can take **2–4 weeks** of full-time work. Additional artisans may be involved in pre-loom processes — thread dyeing, warping, and design preparation.