I have a confession to make (yes another one). I went to India a couple of years ago and I didn’t buy any Indian clothes. In fact, I don’t even ask the parents to bring my anything back from their yearly trips. There is a lot of selection in the GTA to shop from, but I don’t really do that either. So where does This Mama get her Indian clothes from? Online shopping!
I know, online shopping for sweatpants is a daunting task. So online shopping for beautiful (and often expensive) Indian clothes? Yes! Hear me out though ok?
Why Online Shopping:
- It’s easy! But seriously – it is. There’s no pressure from any sales people; the currency is converted for you because the internet is genius. There’s a huge selection of styles for any budget.
- You can pick what you love. My philosophy for Indian clothes is to pick outfits that I love and not be swayed by trends. I am carefully choosing what I love and want to keep in my wardrobe for a very long time. Even if my daughters have started to eye the merchandise!
- You can take your time. Unless you’ve left things to the last minute and need an outfit as you head to a wedding, online shopping isn’t stressful. I like to shop throughout the year and see what I love and if I come back to it as well. Then I know it is timeless.
Tips for buying Indian Clothes Online:
- Read the fine print: Yes, read every word offered and available to you. Does it say that the item will take 6 weeks to manufacture and then 2 weeks to ship out? Is the colour subject to change because of the colour of your screen?
- Do your research: Try to have a good sense of knowledge about fabrics. Know that cotton is a casual fabric and that raw silk is heavy and formal. Having even a basic knowledge of the fabrics is important.
- Size up: My rule of thumb is to simply size up. I may think I am a size small, but let’s be honest here. I’m more of a giant by Indian standards. Although I do check the measurements that are offered on the websites, I still err to the side of caution and size up. It is much easier to take in something that is a little too large than it is to grow it bigger.
- Get a good tailor: Because of rule 3, this is key. You want a tailor who won’t ruin your garment and can at least do minimal alternations.
- Buy what you LOVE: This one is a little controversial because I love Sabyasachi but that doesn’t mean I can buy all his amazing pieces. There is something called “a budget.” But I do try to pick pieces that I would be happy to wear in 5 years.
- Check other sites: There is a much broader selection online with multiple retailers and even designers with their own online stores. Try to find that outfit you are looking at on another site. It’s worth price comparing, but to also see different images of the same product.
- Duties: This does vary between the different retailers. I’ve had to pay duty on some of the items and have been able to do so easily online before receiving my package. But keep it in mind when purchasing from any of the retailers that aren’t in North America.
My Favourite Online Stores:
I’m going to share my secrets here. I may regret this. These are the online stores that have actual designer pieces. They also have sales. Yes, you read that right. Usually around Diwali and Christmas they offer sales on almost everything.
But the online boutiques that I regularly browse (an eventually shop at) are:
Pernias Pop Up Shop: Perhaps one of the original for online Indian clothes shopping. They are in India, and have a wide range of designers at different price points. There is also a huge selection of jewellery and things for the home as well. They also carry items for kids and men. This site can be overwhelming with the wide selection they carry.
Aashni & Co: They have a flagship store in Notting Hill, UK. But even if you can’t there, then their online store is a great place to find something. They carry a large selection of designers and often have great sales. You can use their customer service line or email to ask questions about any products.
The Grand Trunk US: They have a large Instagram presence and can be messaged easily with questions. They are located in The US and are the official retailer of Sabyasachi in North America. Komal will also make complimentary adjustments to any outfits that may need altering. The process was easy as I sent her my measurements via email.
Live the Collective: This Toronto based business makes the process of shopping from India so easy! If you aren’t comfortable with shopping online, they do have a showroom in Mississauga by appointment. They carry designers such as: Astha Narang Masaba, Payal Singhal, SVA Couture, Varun Bahl and more. You can shop from their website or contact them via WhatsApp at 514-458-4094.
Ogaan: Is one of the best known Designer stores in India, but now you can shop from anywhere. They have a selective range of designers and items from those designers that may not be found at other retailers.
Aza Fashions: They have an extensive selection for women, children, men and for the home. This site can be overwhelming, but they have a lot in different price ranges and have regular sales as well.
Mani Jassal: Mani is a Toronto based designer, with her own gorgeous designs. She has even shown at Toronto Fashion Week. Her styles allow you to mix and match difference pieces to build your wardrobe.
The Dilli shop: The Dilli shop was opened up 2 years ago because there was a need for Indian designer wear in Toronto. While currently their showroom is closed due to Covid, you could still do a virtual appointment. They offer select pieces from designers such as Astha Narang, Ridhi Mehra, Jayanti Reddy and others. There are options for both custom orders or off the rack purchases. Their new website will be launching in the new year, until then you can contact them at info@thedillishop.com
As always the opinions this post are my own and based on my own experiences with these retailers.
