A silk unlike any other, one born of patience, respect, and harmony with life. Soft yet resilient, warm yet breathable, Eri silk carries the quiet beauty of craftsmanship nurtured over generations. Every strand tells a story of tiny silkworms feeding on castor leaves, of artisans weaving by hand in misty hills, and of a fabric that is both ethical and timeless. Eri silk embraces imperfection and natural texture, reminding us that true elegance lies in authenticity and care. It is more than a fabric. It is a celebration of tradition, sustainability, and the gentle art of living in balance with nature. To understand why Eri silk holds such a special place in Indian textiles, we must travel back to the hills, where its story began. 

Table Of Contents

1. History  
2. The Process  
3. Evolution over Time 
4. What Makes Eri Silk One-of-a-kind 
5. Care & Maintenance 
6. Jaypore’s Eri Silk Edit 

History  

In the misty hills of Assam long ago, villagers noticed a humble silkworm feeding on castor leaves , the Samia ricini. Unlike other silkworms, it left its cocoon open when it became a moth, freeing itself before humans ever touched it. From these empty cocoons, people began spinning soft, wool-like threads, creating a fabric so gentle that it came to be known as Eri silk, or the “peace silk”, because no life was harmed in its making. The name “Eri” itself was born from the Assamese word era, meaning castor, the plant that sustained the silkworm. 

Generation after generation, women in the villages of Assam and Meghalaya wove this silk by hand, their looms echoing through bamboo houses as monsoon rains fell outside. Naturally dyed with turmeric, indigo, and madder root, each piece of Eri cloth carried the warmth of the hills and the spirit of compassion. Once known as the “poor man’s silk,” it has now become a global symbol of sustainable, ethical fashion, a timeless thread that connects humanity, nature, and peace. 

The Process  

• Rearing: In the quiet villages, tiny Eri silkworms (Samia ricini) are lovingly fed with tender castor or kesseru leaves until they grow and begin spinning their soft, open-ended cocoons. 

• Cocoon Collection: Once the moths emerge and fly away, the empty cocoons are gently collected—making Eri silk known as the “peace silk” for its cruelty-free process. 

• Degumming: The cocoons are then boiled to remove the natural gum (sericin), revealing soft, fluffy fibers ready for spinning. 

• Spinning: Unlike other silks, Eri fibers are spun by hand on a spindle or spinning wheel, creating yarn with a cozy, wool-like texture. 

• Dyeing: The yarn is naturally dyed using turmeric, indigo, or madder roots, giving it beautiful earthy shades inspired by nature. 

• Weaving: Finally, the colorful yarn is handwoven on traditional looms, transforming it into strong, breathable Eri silk fabric—woven with care and harmony with nature. 

Evolution over Time 

Today it is used for every day wear, festive clothing, and household textiles. Buddhist monks prized it for its warmth and simplicity, wearing it as robes that reflected compassion and mindfulness. Over centuries, the craft evolved from villagers noticing silkworms spinning open-ended cocoons to a refined tradition of hand-spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving, making Eri silk both a practical fabric and a symbol of cultural heritage. 

What Makes Eri Silk One-of-a-kind 

As discussed earlier, eri silk is celebrated for its cruelty-free and sustainable production process. Instead of being reeled into long, glossy threads like other silks, it is spun like cotton or wool, giving it a soft, warm, and slightly matte texture.  

This fabric is remarkably durable, breathable, and comfortable to wear in any season as it makes you feel cool in summer and warm in winter. Produced using natural dyes and traditional handweaving techniques, eri silk supports sustainable, small-scale village craftsmanship in Assam and Meghalaya. More than just a textile, it represents a beautiful harmony between nature, people, and compassion. 

Care & Maintenance 

Always hand wash or use a mild detergent on a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Dry it in the shade to preserve its natural sheen, and store in a cool, dry place, preferably folded in a cotton cloth to protect it from moisture and dust. With proper care, Eri silk retains its softness and elegance for years. 

Jaypore’s Eri Silk Edit 

Jaypore’s Eri Silk Kurta Collection celebrates the beauty of tradition and craftsmanship. Made from cruelty-free Eri silk, each piece is soft, warm, and effortlessly elegant. The collection features indigo, red, yellow, ivory, and charcoal kurtas, adorned with delicate golden hand-embroidery that reflects the skill of artisans from Assam and Meghalaya. Vibrant colors meet subtle shimmer, creating kurtas that are both contemporary and timeless. Every thread carries a story of sustainability, heritage, and thoughtful artistry, making each kurta a piece to cherish. 

This festive season, reclaim your roots with soft, breathable, and sustainable Eri Silk- offering warmth in winter, coolness in summer, and calm to the soul every time you wear it.