Quick answer: Resham is embroidery worked in fine silk or art-silk thread, creating colourful florals, vines and patterns. Unlike metallic zari or dabka, resham brings colour and softness rather than shimmer, and it's lighter to wear. It's wonderfully versatile — used on its own for delicate, colourful work, or combined with zari, sequins and beads for richer designs. Quality shows in the neatness, density and smoothness of the threadwork.
Not all embroidery shimmers — some of the most beautiful work is soft, colourful thread. That's resham. Here's what it is.
What is resham work?
Resham is thread embroidery, traditionally in silk (today often art-silk), used to create colourful floral and geometric patterns. Where metalwork adds shine, resham adds colour, texture and softness — and it's lighter and more flexible to wear. (See what drives embroidery cost.)
Resham vs metalwork
| Resham (thread) | Zari / dabka (metal) |
|---|---|
| Colourful and soft | Shimmering and metallic |
| Lighter to wear | Heavier and more structured |
| Florals, vines, patterns | Opulent, raised detail |
How it's used
- On its own: for delicate, colourful, lighter pieces.
- Combined with zari and dabka: colour plus shimmer for richer designs.
- With sequins and beads: added sparkle and texture.
It often sits alongside other crafts — see gota, mukaish and chikankari.
What signals quality
Good resham is neat, smooth and evenly worked, with rich colour and no loose or puckered stitching. Fine silk thread and careful handwork make the difference — see real zari vs imitation for why materials and craftsmanship matter.
Browse the party wear and luxury pret collections, or ask us about the work on any piece.
Frequently asked questions
What is resham work?
Resham is embroidery worked in fine silk or art-silk thread, creating colourful florals and patterns. It adds colour and softness rather than the shimmer of metalwork, and it's lighter to wear.
How is resham different from zari?
Resham is soft, colourful thread embroidery, while zari is metallic thread that adds shine. Resham brings colour and is lighter; zari brings shimmer and is more structured.
Is resham used on its own?
Yes — it can be used alone for delicate, colourful pieces, or combined with zari, dabka, sequins and beads for richer, more opulent designs.
How can I tell good resham work?
Look for neat, smooth, evenly worked stitching with rich colour and no loose or puckered threads — a sign of fine thread and careful handwork.
AÏNN London works with resham, zari and other traditional techniques — made to measure in 900+ shades, with a video before dispatch. Ask us anything.
Last updated: June 2026
