The "fancy" aspect can come from various embellishments, weaving techniques, and design elements applied to the cotton fabric:
- Decorative Prints: Beyond simple floral or geometric prints, fancy cotton sarees might feature more elaborate, artistic, or unconventional prints, including digital prints with intricate designs, abstract patterns, or even themes.
- Embellishments: These sarees often incorporate various embellishments like:
- Lace Borders: Delicate or intricate lace trims added to the borders and pallu.
- Designer Elements: Fancy cotton sarees might feature unique color combinations, contemporary design sensibilities, or unconventional draping styles incorporated into the weave or design.
- Blended Cottons with Shine: Sometimes, "fancy cotton" might refer to cotton blends that have a slight sheen or a richer texture, making them look more festive. This could include mercerized cotton or blends with art silk.
- Unusual Weaves and Textures: The weaving process itself can be manipulated to create interesting textures or patterns within the cotton fabric, adding to its fancy appeal.
- Themed Designs: These sarees might be designed around specific themes, such as nature, mythology, or contemporary art.
- Contrasting and Bold Borders and Pallus: Using rich, contrasting colors or intricate designs specifically on the borders and pallu can instantly elevate the look of a cotton saree.