Saree Hire Melbourne
Need to hire a saree in Melbourne? Chari Clothing offers sari rental with express shipping that reaches Melbourne in 1-2 business days. We carry pre-draped sarees for those who've never draped one before, as well as traditional sarees for experienced wearers. From $50 for a 3-day rental, dry cleaning included.
Your Options in Melbourne
Melbourne has a strong South Asian fashion scene, particularly around Dandenong and the south-east suburbs. But when it comes to saree hire — actually renting a sari for a few days rather than buying one outright — the options are limited. Most shops in the Dandenong area sell sarees. If you want to rent one for a single event, you're often out of luck.
That's where we come in. Chari Clothing is an online-first rental service. We ship express to Melbourne, and our sarees arrive at your door within 1-2 business days. You wear it, return it, and we handle the dry cleaning. No need to trek out to a shop, negotiate prices, or commit to a purchase you'll only use once.
Pre-Draped Sarees: Skip the Stress
Let's be honest — draping a saree is a skill, and it takes practice to get right. If you're attending a wedding or cultural event and you want to wear a sari but don't know how to drape one, our pre-draped sarees solve that problem completely.
A pre-draped saree looks exactly like a traditionally draped one. The pleats are stitched in place, the pallu falls correctly, and you put the whole thing on in a few minutes. No pins, no panic, no calling your mum at the last minute for instructions.
This is the most popular option among our Melbourne customers, particularly for:
- Non-South Asian guests attending Indian or Sri Lankan weddings
- Second-generation Australians who didn't grow up draping sarees
- Anyone who wants to look put-together without the draping learning curve
Traditional Sarees
If you're comfortable draping a sari and want the real unstitched experience, we carry traditional sarees in silk, georgette, chiffon, and more. These are high-quality pieces that you'd normally pay several hundred dollars to own. Renting one gives you access to that quality for a fraction of the price.
A Convenient Online Alternative
If you've shopped for sarees in Melbourne, you know the drill — a trip to Dandenong, browsing through racks, trying to find something in your size and style, and then committing to a purchase. Renting with Chari is different. You browse online, pick what you like, and it arrives at your home. After your event, you send it back.
Our Melbourne customers tell us the convenience factor is what won them over. No Saturday afternoon spent in traffic on the Monash. No buyer's remorse when a $400 saree sits in the cupboard for three years after the wedding.
Pricing and How It Works
Saree hire starts at $50 for a 3-day rental. There's a $100 refundable bond that comes back to you once the sari is returned in good condition. Dry cleaning is included — you return it worn and we take care of the rest.
Here's how the process works:
- Browse our saree collection online
- Choose between pre-draped or traditional styles
- Order and receive your saree via express shipping in 1-2 days
- Wear it to your event
- Return it using the prepaid shipping label we provide
Melbourne's Festival Calendar
Melbourne hosts some of Australia's biggest South Asian cultural events, and a saree is often the go-to outfit. If you're attending the FIAI Diwali celebration at Federation Square, the Dandenong Festival of Lights, or a Holi event in the city, hiring a sari means you dress for the occasion without the long-term investment.
We also see strong demand during wedding season (October through March) and around Navratri, when Garba nights call for something special.
Jewellery to Match
We carry South Asian jewellery for hire as well — necklaces, earrings, bangles, and hair pieces that pair with your saree. Renting your jewellery alongside your sari means you have a complete outfit sorted in one order.
FAQ
How long does shipping to Melbourne take?
Express shipping from our Sydney warehouse reaches Melbourne in 1-2 business days. We recommend ordering at least 4-5 days before your event to give yourself a comfortable buffer.
How much does saree hire cost?
Rental starts at $50 for 3 days. A $100 refundable bond applies. Dry cleaning is included in the price — you don't need to get the saree cleaned before returning it.
What is a pre-draped saree and who is it for?
A pre-draped saree is a real sari that has been structured and stitched so it looks like a traditionally draped one, but goes on like a two-piece outfit. It's designed for anyone who doesn't know how to drape a saree, or who simply wants a faster, easier option.
Can I rent jewellery with my saree?
Yes. We offer South Asian jewellery hire alongside our saree rentals. You can add matching pieces to your order to complete your look.
What happens if the saree doesn't fit?
Get in touch with us as soon as possible. We'll work with you to find a solution, whether that's an exchange or a different size. We recommend booking early so there's time to sort out any fit issues before your event.
Browse at chariclothing.com.