To find a proper authentic make of a cotton saree, here are the most important pointers you need to look out for:

Just rub your hands on the saree. The smoother it feels the better quality it is.
 
The Amount of Work Done

A saree with heavy patterns and intricate designs will cost more than the plain ones.

The Length and Width

A normal saree would have a minimum length of 5.5 meters and 42 inches. Anything below that is of an inferior quality.

Cotton Counts

The quality of a cotton saree depends on the number of cotton counts it has. Also known as thread counts, the quality of the material is based on the length and weight of cotton yarns used in it.

They usually come in 80 counts, 100 counts and 120 counts. The more the cotton counts, the better the quality.

The cotton counts are not written on the saree but there are some ways of detecting their numbers.Here are some of the  ways:

• Sarees with high cotton counts will be relatively thinner 
• When you pull the saree it should not strech easily.
• The threads of the saree should be closely weaved. There should not be any loosely hanging threads.

The Length of the Border

A thick border is normally higher priced than ones with a thinner border.

Zari Work

Zari work on the saree will always be priced more than a border without the zari work.