The saree is undoubtedly the best outfit for a woman.
There, I said it. But before you roll eyes at me or subject me to vitriolic comments that stem from (and rightfully so) the dislike of atavistic traditions that should have been nipped in the patriarchal bud, hear me out.
I like the saree because of how welcoming the garment is. The saree fits everyone; it does that regardless of the wearer's size, shape, and economic capacity. The saree, unlike the society, doesn't discriminate. Everyone can wear a saree. The saree's fabric feels good against your skin while its social variant always manages to get under yours. Unlike society, which perpetually showers women with unsolicited opinions about living her life, a saree lets you choose how you want to wear it (hint: there's no right/wrong way to drape one!) You can wear it with a t-shirt, a bandeau top, or a bralette; you can dress it up with accessories or go without them. You can wear them with pants or a petticoat. There's no judgment. You can wear a saree even if you can't drape it because the saree, unlike society, has adapted to a woman’s modern lifestyle and comes in pre-stitched versions that you can simply wear and enjoy should you choose to go down that route.
The saree also helps women come together (of course, unlike society that pits people against each other). If you disagree with me, you've probably never witnessed a bunch of women huddled around another woman, helping her fix the pleats, put the pins, and drag the hem lower. It's also empowering because there's no way a woman wears a saree and doesn't get compliments from her women counterparts. The saree is a fantastic community-building tool. It doesn’t hurt that it also looks very good.
I can continue to wax poetic, or we can just conclude that the saree is simply, and undoubtedly, the best outfit and that society, like the saree, needs to be more fluid and accepting.
While you don’t need anyone to tell you how to do things, this Women’s Day, take a minute to accept our suggestions on glamorous sarees that we think you need in your closet.
They’re fun, modern, and vivacious. Just like you.
Like our saree suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!
