Jaipuri print is the name for the hand block printed textiles made in and around Jaipur, Rajasthan. It mainly covers two village traditions near the city: Sanganeri print, known for fine floral motifs on light backgrounds, and Bagru print, known for bolder motifs in earthy tones. Artisans stamp each motif onto cotton by hand using carved wooden blocks.
What is Jaipuri print?
"Jaipuri print" is a shopper's term, not a single technique. When people search for a Jaipuri print shirt, dress or kurta, they usually mean cotton fabric that has been hand block printed in the Jaipur region. A printer dips a carved wooden block in colour and presses it onto the fabric, repeating the motif row by row until the whole length is covered. Borders and fine details often need separate blocks, one for each colour.
Because every impression is made by hand, the print has small variations in spacing and colour. That is how you tell a real hand block print from a machine-printed copy.
What is Jaipur print called?
Most Jaipur prints are called by the place they come from:
- Sanganeri print comes from Sanganer, just south of Jaipur. It is known for delicate florals, small butis (repeating dots or flowers) and fine outlines, usually on white or pale backgrounds.
- Bagru print comes from Bagru, a village west of Jaipur. It is known for bolder, often geometric motifs on darker or off-white grounds, and for dabu, a mud-resist technique. Read more in What Is Bagru Block Print?
You will also hear "Jaipuri" used for Rajasthani tie-dye, such as bandhani (bandhej) and leheriya. These are made by tying the cloth before dyeing, not by printing. Our guide to bandhani vs shibori explains the difference.
What is the most famous print from Jaipur?
Sanganeri and Bagru hand block prints are the two best-known Jaipur prints. Sanganeri is the one most people picture: small, neat floral motifs on a white cotton base, the look of classic Jaipuri bedsheets, kurtas and summer shirts. Bagru is the earthier sister, with bolder motifs and deeper colours.
Sanganeri vs Bagru print: how to tell them apart
| Sanganeri print | Bagru print | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Sanganer, south of Jaipur | Bagru, west of Jaipur |
| Background | Usually white or pale | Often darker or off-white |
| Motifs | Fine florals, small butis, thin outlines | Bolder, often geometric motifs |
| Known for | Delicate, detailed repeats | Dabu mud-resist printing |
Is Jaipuri print good for summer?
Yes. Jaipuri prints are usually made on cotton, which is breathable and comfortable in warm weather. That is why Jaipuri print shirts, midi dresses and co-ord sets are so popular for holidays and summer days. See our cotton vs rayon vs linen guide for how cotton compares.
How to tell real hand block print from a machine copy
- Look at the repeats. Hand block prints have tiny gaps, overlaps or shifts where one block impression meets the next.
- Check the colour. Colour depth varies slightly from motif to motif.
- Turn it over. On hand printed cotton the print often shows through on the reverse side.
Our guide to hand block print vs screen print goes into more detail.
How to care for Jaipuri print clothes
Wash hand block printed cotton gently in cold water with a mild detergent, and dry it in the shade to keep the colours bright. Full steps are in our care guide.
Where to buy Jaipuri print clothing online
Qala Jaipur makes hand block print clothing with artisans in Jaipur, and every piece is made after you order it. Browse Jaipuri shirts for men, block print dresses and block print co-ord sets. Allow 7 business days for making, and shipping is free to every country.
Quick answers
What is Jaipuri print?
Hand block printed cotton from the Jaipur region, mainly Sanganeri and Bagru prints, made by stamping carved wooden blocks onto fabric by hand.
What is Jaipur print called?
Usually Sanganeri print or Bagru print, after the villages near Jaipur where they are made.
Is Jaipuri print the same as block print?
Jaipuri print is a type of hand block print. "Block print" is the technique; "Jaipuri" tells you where it comes from.
