9 saris for women who aren't comfortable in saris
Who said you have to go the whole nine yards?
There’s a tribe of Indian women who can tell a Kanjivaram from a Paithani from 500 metres away on a cloudy night. True sari lovers. The elegant swans you want by your side when you need a magic trick to keep your pallu from slipping off in the middle of ‘London Thumakda’. My nani is one of those women. She often jokes that her sari collection (that takes up nearly three almirahs) is going to be a major part of my inheritance. I laugh along every time but it honestly terrifies me on the inside. As gorgeous as saris look, I am too clumsy to wear nine yards of fabric that are held in place with 200 safety pins. Thank whoever invented pre-stitched saris for thinking of awkward ducklings like me.
In my 25 years of existence, I have worn a traditional sari only once — to my 10th-grade graduation ceremony. It was a beautiful blue bandhani sari that my mother had spent two hours wrapping around me. But as much as I wanted to bask in the cheers and the applause, all I could think about was what would happen if the sari came undone in the middle of the auditorium.
If I had to rate my discomfort on a scale of one to sitting in the middle seat in coach on an overnight flight, the day I wore that bandhani sari would rate as high as being squished between two strangers for 12 hours.
With the festive season coming up though, we’re ready to push out of our ‘tights and oversized T-shirt’ comfort zone. So take baby steps with our curation of pre-stitched saris, that will please nani because you made an effort but won’t set your nerves on edge all evening.
Pre-stitched saris to put your mind at ease
Belted sari tunic by Indya
Are you still wondering what to wear to Sonya chachi’s daughter’s cocktail? This fuss-free sari tunic is the answer to your prayers. This outfit has an attached pallu with a foil print and the outfit is pulled together by a tie-on belt.
Put on those black heels that have been collecting dust in the corner of your shoe stand for the past year and a pair of statement earrings and you’re ready to go.
Peplum sari and pants by Pasha India
If you’re uncomfortable with the mere thought of having to wear a blouse, a petticoat and then be wrapped like a burrito in a heavy sari, this one’s for you.
The top of the outfit has drawstrings at the back so you can adjust the chest and waist size. But the elegant camellia motif and calming sea green hue are the main reasons you should add this look to your pre-stitched saris wishlist.
Sari dress by Pasha India
This blush pink sari dress is unrestrictive and the attached pallu leaves little room for wardrobe malfunctions. If you were searching for pre-stitched saris to wear to your office Diwali party, your search ends here.
Stitched sari by Global Desi
Global Desi by Anita Dongre is known for its easy-breezy Indo-western outfits and from its numerous collections, this black pleated stitched sari is one of our favourites.
This easy-to-wear outfit has dhoti pants instead of a traditional petticoat, so you don’t need to stand for hours getting poked by safety pins anymore. Wear this on Diwali or your next family luncheon and watch your nani’s eyes light up with joy.
Sari with jacket by Pooja Bagaria
This red draped sari with a jacket is for people like me who are terrified of the sari unravelling before everyone’s eyes. Though simple, this outfit is an absolute head turner.
It has a double-breasted jacket with a garchola checks print and is paired with a matching wrap-around sari. This no-brainer yet elegant look has the potential to become your go-to for all traditional occasions.
Pre-draped sari with belt by Swatantra
This emerald green sari is pre-draped and fuss-free. And the satin fabric will feel like a thousand feathers on your skin. Your aunts are bound to bring you a few unwanted rishtas after seeing you in this outfit. Be prepared.
Pre-stitched draped sari Set by Palak and Mehak
An unconventional play on chanderi printed saris, this one has a pure georgette base and a chic print all over. It’s paired with a chanderi hand-embroidered crop top and a gold belt.
This outfit is a wardrobe must-have for all sari noobs like myself. It’s the kind of outfit that gets swapped between friends, is perfect for most occasions and gets more comfortable with each wear.
Pre-stitched sari set by Suave by Neha and Shreya
If you’re looking for a stylish hack to coast through the shaadi season, this is the one for you. It’s a red pre-stitched sari with an all-over print, matched with a balloon-sleeve blouse.
It’s the perfect outfit to dance freely in baraats and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Well, maybe just an arm.
Soup by Sougat Paul
Paired with a printed short blouse, this pre-stitched and pre-draped offering by Sougat Paul is like a cheat code to a conventional sari.
The intricate design work on the blouse and the gorgeous border on the sari will give you that traditional look without you having to wrestle with yards and yards of fabric.
