Gorgeorus cottons are always in style these days. Be it for pujas, afternoon lunches, days out in town, or brunches in non AC spaces, they add a touch of class and grace, desi style. So what do you do when you have to dress it up but not sweat it out? Get a gorgeous cotton saree, of course! We’ve rounded up our favourite places, and online brands to get pretty and comfortable cotton sarees from.
Go Desi Cool: Where To Get Gorgeous Cotton Sarees Under INR 5,000
Metaphor Racha
One of our favourite Bangalore brands, Metaphor Racha stocks beautiful khadi clothing including tops, kurtas and stoles. But our favourite is their hand-spun and handwoven khadi sarees that come in woven, tie-dye and unique hand-block printed designs. While the printed numbers are a wee bit pricey, their basic khadi sarees come in understated colour schemes and are our picks. And did we mention their awesome khadi saree blouses, which come in lovely easygoing fits and floral patterns. And we hear Metaphor Racha now also does jewellery. Perfect to go with our summer sarees!
Price: INR 1,200 upwards
Byloom
This online store can be your go-to for all kinds of amazing cotton and linen sarees for this summer. Byloom’s collection is vast and they’ve got so many different patterns that there’s definitely something for everyone. Animal prints on colourful cottons, single and double coloured linen numbers, and lovely wood cut printed sarees are just some of the things you can expect here. The best thing about Byloom cottons is that they drape so well; they don’t fluff out like usual stiff Bengal cottons. Their online stock always gets sold out really fast, sometimes within hours, so you gotta keep an eagle eye on their Facebook posts when a new collection goes up. And the prices are so reasonable too!
Price: Starts at INR 650
Desi
Karnataka -based charitable trust Desi’s sarees are giving us all the #OOTD vibes we need for the summer. Handloom cotton sarees with vegetable-based dyes are the order of the day at Desi. In understated colours and a nice, comfortable drape, these sarees come in simple weaves. But our favourite is the gamcha kind of prints and the really fine Madras Checks. The most popular sarees at Desi are indigo printed cotton beauties. Simple on design and high on class – that’s our kind of saree.
Price: INR 1,000-3,000
Santhanalakshmi Pure Silks & Cottons
Score traditional temple sarees in checkered, Kalamkari, peacock and floral motifs at Santhanalakshmi. You can also get beautiful Kanchi and Chettinad handwoven cotton sarees at amazing prices. They have a super large handloom collection, so stock up for those summer weddings and festivals! The money goes directly to the master weavers and the people involved in creating each saree. For more information about their present collection, call them on +919739912003,
Price: INR 500 upwards
Nalli Silks
This one doesn’t need much explanation. Everyone (and their mothers) have gone to Nalli to shop for sarees and dress material. Kerala, Bengali, Taant, Chanderi, Kanchi – you name it, they’ve got it. Nalli Silks houses stunning cotton sarees from all over the country, in authentic styles, and if you can't visit a store, they've got an impressve inventory online too. We’ve got our eyes on their Coimbatore Checks sarees.
Price: INR 1,000 upwards
Chaani
This online brand from Chennai scores high on our list of gorgeous block-printed cotton sarees. The prints are done in Andhra Pradesh and patterns vary from contemporary to traditional. The prints are also done in black which makes the colours on their sarees really pop out. We’re keeping ourselves from buying too many of their Aztec printed sarees, especially considering they’re on high demand. You can also score gorgeous cotton, kota doria, and silk cotton sarees from Chaani.
Price: INR 900 upwards
Bakula
For ultra-curated sarees, fabric, dupattas, and super comfy and rich cotton dress materials, hit up Bakula. Based out of South Bangalore (Basavanagudi and Jayanagar), they have one of a kind cotton sarees for under INR 3,000 for the most part. Get vibrant block printed sarees, handloom weaves, and even a few mixed weaves. We're loving the Cherry Red Block print option right now.
Price: 1,200 upwards
Suta
For those of you who love the comfort of a cotton saree, and also the appeal and style of contemporary prints, patterns, and designs, Suta has your back. Be it a plain peach number, ones with polka dots, or tassle and pompom borders, they have a bunch. Of course they have classic designs on the borders, and mulmul options too.
Price: INR 1,500 upwards
Chungi Store
Wearing a saree that's actually art is what you can expect with the Chungi Store's range. Working directly with artisans to create some long lasting, timeless, and stylish weaves, get traditional designs made using modern methods. Be it a cheerful checkered drape, or a pastel green handloom option, they have something for any aesthetic and budget too.
Price: INR 897 upwards
Price: INR 897 upwards
Chowdhrain
Love prints and a riot of colours? Then Chowdhrain should be your first option. Working with Chanderi cotton, all their sarees have a lot of character. Blockprint, tie and dye, kalamkari work, embroidery work - their sarees come with this and then some. You'll be cool, comfy, and chic in Chowdhrain's drapes.
Price: INR 1,200 upwards
