What to Look for When Buying Traditional Indian Clothing Online

Ever fallen in love with a stunning lehenga choli online, only to wonder if it will actually look and feel the same when it arrives? 

Shopping for traditional Indian clothing online can feel exciting and overwhelming at once. It’s easy to get swept up in beautiful photos, especially when you see trending styles in vibrant colors. 

However, unlike everyday outfits, ethnic wear comes with layers of details. For instance, the fit of the blouse, lining, dupatta, embroidery, craftsmanship, and more. 

Online photos do not always reveal the true weight or quality of the fabric and the quality of the stitching. Thus, taking a few extra minutes to review the product carefully can ensure that your chosen traditional clothing meets your expectations. 

Check the Fabric and Material Quality First

The fabric of your lehenga and salwar suits affects its appearance and comfort. Many people also overlook the fabric’s weight. Heavy fabrics offer better structure, while lightweight fabrics are breathable and easier to drape.  

• Heavy fabrics: A silk, brocade, or velvet lehenga for women is better suited to weddings and festivities. These fabrics are rich, featuring detailed embroidery and embellishments. 
• Lightweight fabrics: Georgette, chiffon, organza, and net fabrics are well suited for long events, like sangeet. Cotton is a good choice too, perfect for daytime functions and casual gatherings.

It is also helpful to check the lining details, fabric composition, and care instructions while choosing traditional Indian clothing. They help you understand how the garment will hold up over time.

Read Product Descriptions Beyond the Photos

Avoid buying your outfits based only on model images. Instead, read through the product descriptions carefully to understand the finer details.

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Review the following details when evaluating a lehenga choli or any other ethnic outfit: 

• Fabric & lining: Check the outfit’s fabric and whether it includes a comfortable inner lining. 
• Embroidery: Verify the type of work (zari/mirror/sequins/crystals) to see if it’s suitable for the occasion. 
• Blouse & dupatta: Look for details like the neckline, sleeve length, and padding. For dupattas, focus on the material and any decorative elements. 
• Closure type: See how the garment can be fastened (using zippers, hooks, drawstrings, or buttons) and if it is a comfortable option. 
• Included pieces: Confirm what pieces of the garment are included. For instance, if you buy a lehenga online, you should ideally receive a blouse, skirt, and dupatta. 

Evaluate Product Images Carefully

High-quality product images are a good starting point for evaluating the quality and craftsmanship of Indian clothing. Here are a few tips: 

• Refer to the front, back, side, and close-up images. 
• Look closely at the blouse fit, neckline, and sleeves for traditional sarees and lehengas.
• Zoom in to see how the embroidery and border finishing appear. 
• Check the garment flares and the dupatta’s drape to get a clear idea of outfit styling.  
• Compare customer-uploaded photos with studio images for a better idea of fit, color, and drape. The colors may appear slightly different due to lighting conditions, screen settings, and editing.

Use Size Guides and Measurements Properly

Many people hesitate to order traditional Indian clothing online because of incorrect sizing. 

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Indian sizing often differs from US, UK, Australian, and European size standards. Check for your bust, waist, hip, and shoulder measurements and compare them with the size chart. 

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You’ll have to pay a little more attention while buying a lehenga online. Consider additional measurements for the skirt (waist and length), blouse (sleeve length), and dupatta (length) to improve the overall fit. 

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If you’re still unsure, check if custom sizing is available. It reduces fit issues considerably as the outfit is stitched according to your measurements. 

Check Customization and Tailoring Options

Customization options ensure that the garments are tailored to fit you perfectly, enhancing both comfort and confidence. Below are some customization options:

• Blouse: Fit, neckline, padding, and sleeve length. 
• Lehenga/skirt: Length and waist. 

Confirm the customization timelines early on for wedding shopping, as alterations require extra time. These lehenga choli orders may be subject to stricter return policies. Thus, confirm all measurements before ordering.

Hatkay’s customization option for Indian traditional clothing allows shoppers to buy outfits that align with their preferred fit and styling requirements. This makes buying Indian outfits like a women’s lehenga online easier than ever. 

Look for Reviews and Real Customer Feedback

Customer reviews can give you insights that product descriptions might not. Look for feedback related to the fit, fabric quality, stitching, color accuracy, delivery, and overall customer service. 

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If you come across customer photos, take a close look at them to see how the garment appears in a real-life setting. Furthermore, pay special attention to repeated complaints. You can also contact support for more details or close-up images if you’re investing in high-value Indian clothing. 

Review Shipping, Return, and Exchange Policies

If you’re shopping for traditional Indian clothing online or placing an international order, take time to review the store’s policies carefully. These include:

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• Delivery period: Check how long it takes to ship orders, especially during peak wedding and festive seasons. 
• International shipping: Check if the store delivers to your location along with the applicable shipping charges, customs duties, and taxes.
• Return, refund, and exchange: Many brands that sell salwar kameez and lehengas online classify made-to-order garments differently. These items may not qualify for return and exchange, making it important for you to read through the policy carefully before purchase. 

Assess Craftsmanship, Embroidery, and Finishing

Quality craftsmanship and tailoring add to the royalty of bridal, festive, and premium Indian traditional clothing, enhancing the outfit’s overall look. 

Look for the following type of work based on occasion: 

• Wedding lehengas & festive wear: Zari, thread work, and embroidery. 
• Party wear & contemporary styles: Sequins, mirror work, beads, and stones. 

Additionally, look for neat stitching, secure embellishments, proper lining, and carefully finished borders. Remember that heavy embellishments often increase the overall weight of your traditional Indian clothing and require more careful handling.

Conclusion

Buying traditional clothes like Indian sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas online becomes much easier when you know what to evaluate. 

Review the fabric, description, included pieces, and stitching details. Use the size guide and weigh in customization options. Consider if embellished Indian clothing will remain comfortable throughout your celebrations.

It's also best to review shipping and return policies beforehand. 

Hatkay is your trustworthy online store to buy all varieties of Indian ethnic wear. Browse our collection today and get your favorite traditional outfit today!

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