Udupi sarees date back to the 1800s and are crafted from the finest pure cotton yarns that are locally dyed in calming hues. Karnataka's Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts are the manufacturers of these sarees. The Udupi Saree is unique in that it uses a technique where starch is applied to the warp to fortify and shield the yarn from abrasion in the healds and reed of the Malabar frame looms.

The artform

The contrast pattern on the pallu and border of the Udupi saree is what makes it distinctive. Before weaving, the pallu (or lower half of the saree) is dyed with a dark shade using the tie and dye method. The saree's warp is first completely dyed in one shade, and then a different colour dye is applied for the pallu. Next, during the weaving process, starch is applied to the section of warp yarn. Malabar frame looms are used in the weaving of Udupi sarees.

GI tag

In 2016, these sarees received the GI tag.