← Back to Journals

Lehenga or Saree in Sydney? How to Pick the Right Outfit

Prakriti Kunwar

·

August 12, 2023

Lehenga or saree: which one should you actually wear?

You've got a wedding, a festival, or a ceremony coming up and you need an Indian outfit in Sydney. It usually comes down to two options: a lehenga or a saree. They both look stunning, but they feel completely different to wear. Here's a straightforward comparison to help you pick.

Saree: what to expect

A saree is a single length of fabric draped around the body. It's the classic choice and suits almost any occasion, from weddings and rice feeding ceremonies to festivals and formal dinners.

Pros:

  • Lighter and more breathable than most lehengas
  • Works for both formal and casual events
  • Wide variety of fabrics and styles available if you rent a saree in Sydney

Cons:

  • Draping takes real practice. If you haven't done it before, expect a learning curve
  • The drape can shift or come loose during the event, especially if you're dancing
  • You'll probably need someone to help you put it on

Worth knowing: we offer pre-draped sarees that skip the draping entirely. You just put them on and go.

Lehenga: what to expect

A lehenga is a three-piece outfit: a skirt, a blouse (choli), and a dupatta (scarf). It's become the more popular pick in Australia, particularly for weddings.

Pros:

  • Easy to put on with no draping skills needed
  • Stays in place all night
  • More structured, which tends to photograph well

Cons:

  • Heavier than a saree, which can wear you out at a long event
  • Traditionally more of a wedding outfit, though lighter styles work for other occasions too

Can you wear either to the same event?

For most South Asian events in Sydney, yes. You'll see a mix of lehengas and sarees at nearly every wedding or celebration. One isn't more "correct" than the other in most situations.

If you're unsure, think about comfort first. A saree gives you more freedom of movement. A lehenga is easier to get into and won't need adjusting throughout the night.

Should you buy a lehenga or saree in Sydney, or rent one?

We're a rental business, so we'll be upfront about that. But the maths is hard to argue with. If you buy a saree or lehenga in Sydney, you're looking at $300+ for anything decent quality. Most people wear the outfit once, maybe twice, and then it sits in the wardrobe taking up space.

Renting starts from $50. You get the outfit, wear it, return it, and we handle the dry cleaning. No wardrobe clutter, no waste.

For a city like Sydney where events pop up a few times a year, renting lets you wear something different every time instead of repeating the same outfit.

Browse and decide