A dramatic revolution is taking place in the field of sarees.

The sari, a timeless symbol of Indian heritage and versatility, no longer requires the wearer’s patience to carefully wrap it around the body, create precise pleats and drape the pallu perfectly before going out to kill. Please note, we are in India, the country where the styles of draping saris change depending on the region.

Enter pre-draped sarees, or pre-stitched sarees – an innovative clothing offering that aims to eliminate the “hassle” of draping and wearing the traditional garment. From the nearby local tailor to the biggest designer stores in the country, pre-draped sarees are making their strong presence felt in the vast Indian fashion landscape and emerging as a distinct clothing category.

When practicality meets folds

As the name suggests, a pre-draped saree is pre-pleated and ready to wear. All you have to do is put it on like a skirt, flip the pallu over your shoulder and that’s it! Young people – Gen Z and millennials – are particularly drawn to these sarees which look festive and feel effortless, without requiring the meticulous craftsmanship of draping.

The range of pre-draped sarees is as diverse as the versatility of this traditional outfit. From elaborate bridal designs to minimalist chiffon sarees to bold, experimental numbers that scream bold drama, the options suit every preference and occasion. The price range too.

On online platforms like Myntra and Amazon, one can easily buy a pre-draped saree for less than ₹2,000. Top designers like Amit Aggarwal, Tarun Tahiliani, Jayanti Reddy, Anita Dongre and others have also benefited from the growing demand for pre-stitched sarees.

The rise of pre-draped sarees can be attributed to their practicality. Delhi-based fashion designer Nitika Gujral, who has been in the industry for four decades, says young urban dwellers are at the forefront of this trend.

“Young women today lead busy lives and often lack the time or experience to master the art of traditional sari draping. The pre-draped saree eliminates the need for assistance or trips to the salon for draping, offering both convenience and style in one piece,” says Sahib Bhatia, creative director and co-founder of the Amaare brand.

Rahul Khanna of Delhi-based designer label Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna echoes this sentiment, explaining that women today prioritize functionality without compromising style.

“Modern lifestyles demand fast and effortless fashion. I think the modern Indian woman is looking to buy clothes that are stylish, functional and versatile. Pre-draped sarees tick all these boxes while offering the elegance of traditional wear with the ease of contemporary wear,” says Khanna.

A national trend?

For professionals and city dwellers, pre-draped sarees have become essential. According to the founders of saree brand Suta, Taniya and Sujata Biswas, the demand for ready-to-wear sarees is growing at a rate of 8-10% per year, especially among busy millennials and Gen Z.

“Major demand comes from tier 1 cities, with growing interest from tier 2 and 3 cities. This category is growing at a CAGR of 8-10%. The growing demand is not just from women who don’t know how to drape a saree, but also from working women looking for convenience and time savings,” say founders Taniya and Sujata Biswas.

Suta has embraced this trend by introducing a unique feature on its website, allowing customers to choose any saree and opt for ready-to-wear customization at an additional cost. The saree is tailored to the customer’s specific measurements, ensuring a perfect fit.

This option is now also easily available in local stores.

“Many working women now prefer their sarees to be ready-made. Although they love saris, they often struggle to drape them properly, and time constraints add to the challenge. As a result, they demand pre-pleated sarees, which are not only easy to wear but also comfortable to carry,” shares Manisha Sharma, owner of Paridhaan Boutique in West Delhi.

“Even older women, who may find it difficult to manage their saris, are increasingly opting for pre-draped versions, especially for heavy or embellished curtains meant for festivals or weddings. These ready-made alterations wear can now be made by any local tailor at a cost of €700 to €1,000,” adds Sharma.

The generational change

But is draping a saree really a difficult or time-consuming task? Ask a saree lover and they will tell you it’s a one-minute job. They will also proudly claim that they can run, work, jump and live in a sari effortlessly – something that millennials and Gen Z may struggle to relate to.

The shift from daily sari wearing to occasional use has had an impact on draping skills.

Nitika Gujral notes, “The younger generations did not grow up wearing sarees on a daily basis or in school uniform. Most young people have not learned how to drape them and rely on help from older generations.”

“I think this generational change has definitely had an impact on the familiarity with the draping of the sari. As lifestyles evolve, everyday wear has shifted towards western or fusion ensembles, leaving sarees primarily for celebrations. This reduced exposure, combined with the complexity of traditional draping, led to a natural gap. So, I think with pre-draped sarees, we as designers are introducing the younger generation to the beauty of sarees in a way that feels relevant and accessible,” adds Rahul Khanna.

So, is India losing the art of sari draping?

The rise of pre-draped sarees does not translate into this, according to fashion professionals. In the country of origin of this iconic garment, the sari will continue to be a symbol of enduring grace.

Despite their growing popularity, pre-draped sarees are not a replacement for traditional curtains. Instead, they coexist, providing an array of choices suited to diverse lifestyles. “In places like South India and Bengal, traditional curtains remain cultural icons,” says Suneet Varma.

Nitika Gujral agrees, saying families in south, east and central India, as well as states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, are still bastions of the conventional sari with their distinct weaves.

Additionally, industry professionals believe that pre-draped sarees provide an entry point for many people who are new to wearing sarees. “Over time, they often evolve into traditional draping styles. The larger trend is the collective desire to bring saris back into everyday life,” say the founders of Suta. Sarabjit Saluja, founder of ethnic wear brand Saundh, also agrees.

“India has not forgotten the art of draping the sari; instead, the way the sari is experienced is evolving. Pre-draped sarees cater to specific needs – ease, speed and modern aesthetics – while the timeless charm of draping a saree continues to thrive in weddings, festivals and everyday wear,” says Saluja.

And timelessness?

Renowned draping artist Dolly Jain, who hates the idea of ​​a pre-draped saree in the first place, is confident that India will never forget the art of draping sarees.

“I can’t really understand this concept (of pre-draped sarees). I believe in showing people the countless ways to wear a sari, celebrating its versatility. Additionally, a saree is a treasure that we can pass down from generation to generation. Imagine trying to adapt a pre-stitched saree from a zero-digit generation to someone who will be a little more voluptuous in the future! What if you gained or lost a few pounds? Then you have a beautiful waste of fabric lying sadly in the closet,” remarks Jain.

“The sari has been around for over 5,000 years and remains as popular and iconic as ever. It’s the only item of clothing that has retained its shape and size for centuries, and we should be incredibly proud of that,” she adds.

Pre-draped sarees may offer convenience and edginess to six yards of drape, but the timelessness of a traditional sari remains unmatched.