6 Myths about the Sari

ByLoom

Yesterday, there was this interesting conversation happening at a friend’s page on a social media network. All about desi style. The kurti, sari, big bindi, kolhapuri (handcrafted slippers), big jhumkas (Indian-style chandelier earrings) and jhola (traditional handmade bags in India) look. The kind of look I love, and was surprised to read, that several other women love too.

For years, I’ve found myself alone in my love for the desi look. Oh yes, I do wear maxi dresses or treggings occasionally, but my preferred go-to ensemble is anything Indian, natural (fabric) and hand woven. I favor saris (6 yards of handloom fabric) heavily, my wardrobe and boxes bursting at the seams with them. I team these gorgeous beauties with embroidered blouses, lots of chunky silver and wooden jewelry, and a big bindi. While I’m confident and happy in this kind of attire and wear this to parties, malls, restaurants and work do’s, I’ve noticed that just wearing something that’s so Indian (in India!) and not fitting into the standard style mold, attracts all sorts of reactions.

From compliments like “wow, you’ve nailed that journalistic look” and “you’re looking chic” and “you can carry off a sari” to non-compliments like “why couldn’t you wear what others are wearing i.e. western casuals” and “you’re too young for a sari” and “let me teach you how to look stylish in slit skirts/trousers/jeans (fyi – I already know how to, but don’t choose to often)”, I’ve heard it all.

ByLoom

Wearing a sari as a young woman in the nation of its origin takes guts. Draping yourself in a sari, and walking into a sea of trousers, skirts and cocktail dresses takes all your self-confidence because at that party/meeting/interview, you’ll be the only one in the so-called traditional attire. And most (from what I've experienced) of Young Urban India doesn’t do traditional attire or doesn't find it acceptable/cool/normal.

So, while I have absolutely no issues if the women at the given occasion choose a dress/skirt/trouser to deck up in, I do have something to say if I’m given that “you must be out of your mind” look for having chosen a sari over a skirt or trouser.

This is what I have to say, to all those of you who love the sari and would like to wear it more often, but don’t for the fear that you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

Here are the myths woven around the sari…the myths I’ve come across more often than less. Myths that often eat into our personal sari style, egging us to dress like everyone else, to not stand out, to shy away from the sari.

ByLoom

Myth: The sari is boring!

Truth: It’s as versatile and unique as ever. There’ll hardly be two saris of the same kind on the face of earth, especially if these are woven on a loom by a weaver. You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. You can choose fabrics to suit the season. You can feast on a HUGE variety of designs and styles, and wear whichever suits your mood.

Myth: You can’t do casual in a sari.

Truth: Are you sure? Because I think you can and so do other ardent sari wearers. You don’t have to break out that heavy brocade and silk sari for a cocktail evening or dinner at a restaurant or a trip to the mall. You don’t have to load up on the gold. But you can do casual in a breezy hand woven cotton, in a gossamer chiffon, in a light georgette. Accessorize with fun jewelry and a jhola, and slip into a comfortable pair of kolhapuris to complete the look. The big bindi is optional J.

Myth: It takes ages to wear a sari.

Truth: It need not. Sure, when you’re just starting out, a sari can take up to an hour to drape, leaving you frazzled and sweaty – not the look you’re aiming for. But wear it a few more times, try it several more times at home when you don’t have to be rushing anywhere, and learn a few tricks to tuck and pleat, and you’ll be good to go in 5 minutes flat. I can promise you that.

ByLoom

Myth: Saris cannot be go-to garments for young women.

Truth: So not true. We’ve imposed this mantra on ourselves, when all it takes is a bucket load of confidence to walk out into the world in a sari and change this notion, one step at a time. Like I said before, choose your saris well and accessorize to create a cool look. Team your saris with a blouse that stands out (with mirror work, embroidery, applique) and own your look.

Myth: Saris are only great for a collection.

Truth: They do look great in a collection, especially if you’ve garnered a whole range from across the country. But they’re even better to wear. I feel a little sad for all those beautiful saris lounging in everyone’s wardrobes and boxes, waiting for a rare chance to be flaunted. As Indian women, we’ve retained our love for the sari and nurture it by buying more and more of them. But we shy away from wearing them often, keeping them aside for those oh-so-formal parties (in the services, it is mandatory to wear a sari to these kind of galas) or temple visits or weddings.

Myth: You’re weird if you’re wearing a sari to a restaurant/mall/movie/cocktail evening (i.e. ‘non-sari places & events).

Truth: Ah, I get that often, but really can’t understand it. As long as you’re not judging another’s choice of outfit and as long as you’re wearing your sari with panache, it really shouldn’t matter. After all, the sari is yet another outfit and not a costume for a few chosen occasions. But I know this myth will take ages to fade, if at all.

 Disclaimer: This blog post in no way discourages anyone from giving up Western outfits.

A Big Thank You: Dear ByLoom - thank you so much for letting me use photographs from your collection. 

If you have any specific question on wearing/styling a sari, send those to me via my Facebook page  or drop me a line on Twitter @chandanawriter.

#sari #desistyle #personalstyle