
Frequently Bought Together
The Bottle Green Velvet Square-Neck Blouse is a velvet saree blouse with gold zardozi hand embroidery worked across the sleeves, finished with a square neckline. Bottle green and gold is one of the oldest and most reliable pairings in Indian occasion wear, and this blouse is built for weddings, receptions, winter festive evenings and heavy silk saree looks.
About zardozi
Zardozi is a metal-thread hand embroidery tradition that came to India from Persia and flourished under Mughal patronage. The name comes from zar (gold) and dozi (embroidery). It is worked by hand with a fine hook, laying metallic thread, coils and sometimes beads onto the surface of the fabric so the design sits raised rather than flat. On velvet it is especially effective — the matte pile absorbs light while the metal thread throws it back.
Why bottle green velvet
Velvet has a raised pile that catches light differently depending on which way it lies, so it reads rich in photographs and under evening lighting where flat fabrics fall dull. Bottle green is a jewel tone that carries gold work better than almost any other colour, and it is a far less common choice than red or maroon — which means you are unlikely to see the same blouse across the room at a wedding.
Styling it
Bottle green velvet pairs naturally with gold and zari sarees, ivory, beige, mustard, deep red, black and rust. It is a classic match for Banarasi and Kanjivaram silks, and it lifts plain organza, chiffon and tissue drapes, where the velvet and zardozi become the only texture in the outfit. Gold jewellery is the obvious partner. Because the embroidery sits on the sleeves rather than the neckline, a square neck leaves room for a necklace here — unlike most of our embroidered pieces.
Product details
- Fabric: Velvet
- Work: Gold zardozi hand embroidery on the sleeves
- Colour: Bottle green
- Neckline: Square neck
- Sleeves: Sleeved, 10.5 inches
- Padding: Non-padded
- Lining: Lined
- Closure: Back hook closure
- Blouse length: 15 inches
- Neck depth: Front 7 inches, back 10 inches
- Sizes: refer to the size chart beside the product images
- Customisation: we make this blouse in any size
Please note: if your size is in stock it ships as usual. If you want a customised size, the blouse is made to order and takes around 15 days. Each blouse also carries a margin, so there is room if you ever need a small adjustment.
Care
Dry clean only. Velvet and zardozi both need it — washing flattens the velvet pile permanently, and water tarnishes metal thread. Never iron velvet directly; the heat crushes the pile. To remove creases, hang the blouse in a steamy bathroom or hold a steam iron a few inches away from the reverse side, keeping it clear of the embroidered sleeves. Store it hanging rather than folded, wrapped in muslin, away from direct sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
What is zardozi work?
Zardozi is a metal-thread hand embroidery tradition that came to India from Persia and flourished under the Mughals. The name comes from zar (gold) and dozi (embroidery). It is worked by hand with a fine hook, laying metallic thread and coils onto the fabric so the design sits raised rather than flat.
Is the zardozi hand-done or machine-made?
It is hand-done. Zardozi is worked by artisans with a hook, one section at a time — it cannot be reproduced by machine.
Where is the embroidery on this blouse?
The gold zardozi runs across the sleeves. The body of the blouse is plain velvet.
What fabric is this blouse made of?
Velvet, in bottle green.
Is this blouse padded?
No, this blouse is non-padded. It is fully lined, but you may prefer to wear your own inner or a padded bra with it. If you would like it made with padding, we can do that as a customisation.
Do you make this blouse in my size?
Yes. We make this blouse in any size. Refer to the size chart, and if your measurements fall outside it, message us on WhatsApp before ordering.
Is there any margin in the blouse?
Yes. Each blouse is stitched to the size you order and carries a margin, so there is room if you ever need a small adjustment.
How do I care for a velvet zardozi blouse?
Dry clean only. Washing flattens the velvet pile and water tarnishes the metal thread. Never iron directly — steam from a distance, keeping clear of the embroidered sleeves, and store the blouse hanging rather than folded.
Will the zardozi thread tarnish or come loose?
Not with correct care. Keep it dry, dry clean rather than wash, avoid perfume directly on the embroidery, and store it wrapped in muslin away from humidity.
Which sarees go with a bottle green velvet blouse?
Gold and zari sarees, ivory, beige, mustard, deep red, black and rust. It is a classic match for Banarasi and Kanjivaram silks, and works well with plain organza, chiffon and tissue.
Can I wear a necklace with this blouse?
Yes. Because the embroidery is on the sleeves rather than the neckline, the square neck leaves room for a necklace — unlike most of our embroidered blouses.
Is a velvet blouse too warm to wear?
Velvet is a cold-weather fabric. It is ideal for winter weddings and evening functions, but not the most comfortable choice for a summer daytime event.
How long does delivery take?
If your size is in stock, we dispatch in 3–4 working days and deliver in 5–7 working days across India. If you want customisation, the piece is made to order and takes around 15 days.
Fabric & care
Handcrafted details need a little extra care to stay beautiful.
- Dry clean first. Always dry clean the first time to protect the fabric, colour and embroidery.
- Hand wash gently, only if needed. After the first dry clean, wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not soak, scrub or wring.
- Dry in shade. Direct sunlight can fade the colour.
- Iron inside out on low heat, with a thin cotton cloth over embroidered or painted areas. Never iron directly on mirrors.
- Store in a muslin or cotton cover, not plastic, so the fabric can breathe.
Will my blouse look exactly like the photos?
Yes. Our photos are taken in natural daylight and match the piece closely. Slight colour differences can occur because of screen settings.
How do I choose the right size?
Check the size chart beside the product images. If you are between sizes, choose the larger one, as a blouse is easier to take in than to let out. Custom sizing is also available.
Can the blouse be customised?
Yes. We can make it to your measurements and design preferences. Price and delivery time may vary, as the piece is made specially for you. Customised pieces cannot be returned or exchanged, so please share your measurements carefully.
Is there margin for alterations?
Yes. Our blouses have around 2 inches of margin, so the size can be let out if needed.
How can I tell if a blouse is hand embroidered?
Look at the reverse side. Hand embroidery shows small knots and slight irregularities, while machine work looks uniform. Each product's details state whether the piece is hand-worked or machine-embroidered.
Why do handcrafted blouses cost more?
Each handcrafted piece takes days of skilled artisan work and is made individually, not mass-produced.
Delivery within India
- Ready to ship: dispatched in 3–4 working days, delivered in 5–7 working days.
- Made to order or customised: around 15 days. We will let you know in advance if there is any delay.
International orders
- Available on request. Courier charges and customs duties are paid by the buyer and quoted before the order is confirmed.
- Before dispatch, we share photos and a video of your actual piece, and ship only after you approve it.
- Shopping from abroad? We can also deliver to any address in India at no extra cost.
Returns & exchanges (ready-to-ship orders within India)
- Wrong or defective item: report it within 24 hours of delivery with photos and an unboxing video. Once verified, we arrange a free pickup and send a replacement (if available) or store credit valid for 45 days.
- Size or preference exchange: one exchange per order. The piece must be unused, unwashed and returned with original tags and packaging. Return shipping for exchanges is arranged by you.
- Not eligible: change of mind, minor colour variation (up to 5%) and natural handcrafted variations.
Customised orders
- Pieces made to your measurements or design requests are made specially for you, so they cannot be returned or exchanged. Please double-check your measurements and requirements before confirming the order.
Cancellations
- Orders can be cancelled only before dispatch. A 5% payment gateway fee applies to prepaid cancellations.
Need help?
Email kavita@timelessbasics.in or WhatsApp +91 63040 37938. For full terms, see our Returns & Exchange Policy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, your blouse matches the image closely, shot in natural daylight; slight variations may occur due to mobile settings.
Refer to the size chart beside product images to find your best fit. If unsure, choose a slightly bigger size—altering bigger to smaller is easier than the reverse.
Yes, we offer customization based on your size and design preferences. Price and delivery time may vary as each piece is specially made for you.
Yes, all our blouses come with ~2-inch margin, allowing you to increase the size easily (e.g., from 40 to 44).
Our handcrafted pieces come with authenticity certifications like Silk Mark and Hallmark (for pure fabrics). You can also check the reverse side—handwork shows natural knots and slight irregularities, unlike machine finishes.
Handcrafted blouses aren’t costly, they’re valuable—each piece takes days of skilled artisan work and is made individually, not in mass production.