Blog · 2026-09-24
Aari vs Maggam vs Zardosi: What Is the Difference?
Customers often ask whether they should get aari work, maggam work or zardosi on their blouse. The short answer: aari and maggam are the same thing, and zardosi is a related style that is usually combined with them.
Aari work
Aari is the Tamil word for the hooked needle used in this embroidery. The fabric is stretched on a wooden frame and the hook pulls thread up through the cloth in a chain stitch. Beads, sequins and stones are threaded on and locked down as the stitch moves. It is fast, fine and versatile, which is why it is the backbone of South Indian blouse embroidery.
Maggam work
Maggam is the Telugu word for the frame itself. The technique is identical to aari work. If a shop in Hyderabad says maggam and a shop in Coimbatore says aari, they are describing the same embroidery.
Zardosi
Zardosi uses metal wire, coils and springs stitched down onto the fabric, giving a raised, metallic, heavier texture. It came from Persian and Mughal court embroidery. On blouses it is usually combined with aari thread work for outlines and filling, because pure zardosi is heavy and stiff.
Which one for your blouse?
- Daily and office sarees: light aari thread and bead work.
- Party and reception: aari with zari, sequins and stones.
- Bridal silk: aari base with kundan, pearls and zardosi highlights.
- Velvet lehenga blouses: zardosi and mirror work shine on velvet.
Whatever you call it, the quality comes down to the hands doing it. See our gallery and pricing, or message us on WhatsApp for advice on your saree.