The Saree Revival: Women Making the Tradition Trendy
In a world swept up in fast fashion and fleeting trends, the saree—a six-yard wonder steeped in heritage—has staged an elegant comeback. And this time, it isn’t confined to festive occasions or wedding wear. It’s draping itself confidently over office chairs, boardrooms, evening soirees, Instagram grids, and global runways. Women across generations are bringing the saree back—not just as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of pride, power, and personality.
For me, though, the saree never really left.
My relationship with the saree began in childhood—unexpectedly and delightfully—as part of our school choir. Whenever we performed classical or traditional pieces, especially Bengali songs, sarees were our uniform of grace. At that young age, standing in a line of girls swathed in starched cottons, I remember feeling something stir inside me. The pleats, the anchal, the poise it demanded—it all made me feel grown-up, dignified, and somehow connected to something ancient and meaningful. I didn’t realise it then, but that experience was planting seeds.
Also Read: My Six Yard Story
Those seeds bloomed in my first job, at a prestigious college in Delhi University, where sarees were part of the unwritten dress code. As a young lecturer in my twenties, wearing a saree every day wasn’t just about following protocol—it became my armour of authority. In a hall full of bright, questioning students, that saree gave me confidence. It said: I belong here. I am enough.
And I never stopped.
For the last thirty years, I’ve worn sarees to work every single day—through summers and winters, shifting trends, evolving roles, and raised eyebrows. There’s a rhythm to it now: selecting the fabric, ironing the pleats, matching the blouse. It’s not a hassle—it’s a habit, a grounding ritual that starts my day with intention.
Contrary to popular belief, the saree isn’t restrictive. It adapts to you. From breezy mul cottons and elegant chiffons for long workdays, to bold silks or printed georgettes for meetings, the saree flows with my mood. Even when I step out for evening parties or book events, my first choice is often a saree. I just modify the look—pairing it with a halter blouse, a long jacket, or a sleek belt to add drama. That’s the beauty of it: you can be traditional and modern at once.
As I often say,
“Wearing a saree every day isn’t about making a statement—it’s about staying rooted while reaching for the sky.”
It isn’t nostalgia—it’s a conscious, daily act of self-expression.
What’s even more exciting is that I’m not alone in this journey. A new generation of women is embracing the saree on their own terms. From urban professionals draping it over boots, to artists wearing it with crop tops, to influencers reviving regional weaves, women are reclaiming the saree as a versatile, vibrant garment of the now. It’s not about “bringing it back,” really—it’s about allowing it to evolve.
This saree revival is as much about identity as it is about aesthetics. In a world that often demands speed and sameness, the saree invites slowness and individuality. When a woman walks into a space in a saree—especially where it’s unexpected—she’s quietly saying, “I’m proud of who I am and where I come from. And I get to define what tradition looks like for me.”
In many ways, I’ve lived through the full cycle—from seeing the saree as formal, to being told it’s outdated, to watching it now become fashionable again. But for me, it was never about trends. It has always been about comfort, confidence, and culture. I’ve found freedom in the folds.
Also Read: The A – Z Directory of Sarees – 50 Different Types of Sarees in India That Define the Culture
And now, as more and more women turn to sarees—not just for weddings or Independence Day celebrations but for everyday wear—I can’t help but smile. We are not just reviving the saree. We are reimagining it.
And in doing so, we are reviving something deeper: our connection to heritage, our right to reinterpret it, and our power to wear it with pride.
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About the Author: Sangeeta Relan
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I’m Sangeeta Relan—an educator, writer, podcaster, researcher, and the founder of AboutHer. With over 30 years of experience teaching at the university level, I’ve also journeyed through life as a corporate wife, a mother, and now, a storyteller.
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Sangeeta, your words flow with the grace and elegance a saree drapes. I love the line, “a grounding ritual with intention”, an absolutely beautiful way to put the idea across!
Thank you Puja!