# Would you wear a sari, even if you aren't Indian? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 15, 2003, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458 "2003-08-15T20:26:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2003, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/101 "2003-08-21T22:21:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by liirogue \* > \*\*What is usually worn under a salwar kameez? Anything special? \*\* Just your normal unmentionables: bra ‘n’ undies. Unless the kameez (tunic) is partiularly sheer. Good sheer ones are usually either lined or come with a matching slip / undershift, but you do occasionally come across ones that need you to supply your own. ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2003, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/102 "2003-08-21T22:33:03Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Troy McClure SF \* > \*\*I biggest regret in life is that I was not born an Indian woman, so that I could wear saris. > > Any suggestions about how a white boy like me could appreciate sari material? \*\* Heh! I’m with you, soul brother; I’ve often wished I could have been a drag queen. Snap! It’s exceedingly common for American folks to decorate with saris, buying pretty ones off eBay and turning them into curtains, cushion covers, coverlets, etc. There are also many commercially available bed sets (comforter cover + pillowcases =dust ruffle, etc.) made out of what looks like sari material. I think Pottery Barn has some sari-border pre-made curtains, too. Or you could take up the hobby of cross-cultural crossdressing. The sky’s the limit! ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2003, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/103 "2003-08-22T14:39:56Z")
Well, mom and I tried the salwar kameez yesterday… I was disapointed. The fabrics were beautiful, and I loved trying them on, but I couldn’t fine any that looked “right.” Because I’m so short, it exaggerated my shortness unbelievably. I tried the shorter tops, but then the pants didn’t fit! The shop owner said in about a month they will be getting different lengths in, and to try back then. The owner was very nice, very personable. Very patient, too. I felt completely at ease, and I had been pretty nervous about this before! ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/104 "2003-08-22T20:53:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by liirogue \* > \*\*… I was disapointed. The fabrics were beautiful, and I loved trying them on, but I couldn’t fine any that looked “right.” Because I’m so short, it exaggerated my shortness unbelievably. I tried the shorter tops, but then the pants didn’t fit! \*\* Bummer! I’m so sorry. Could you tell me more about what didn’t look right? Were the tunics too long on you, or too shapeless, or did they have designs with horizontal stripes or whatnot? ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2003, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/105 "2003-08-23T03:37:50Z")
Too shapeless, the tunics were too long, and it didn’t help that the pants were too long and bunched around my ankles and made me look even shorter! ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2003, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/106 "2003-08-23T04:03:15Z")
Well, I should have told you before you went shopping that it _is_ fashionable for the pants to be extra-long and bunch around the ankles. This style of pants is called “churidar”, which means something like “falling in folds like bangles [chunri]”. Traditional “salwar” pants don’t bunch much, but are very very full at the hips (in a yoke) and sort of pegged downwards from there, with a thin, stitched-through cuff at the ankle. You can also sometimes get “parallel” pants, which are identical to American-style slacks, with a waistband and zipper closure instead of a drawstring. I find churidars uncomfortably clingy and somewhat binding. They’re usually cut on the bias, and cna get pretty tight around the knees. If you order from someone that takes exact measurements, you can specify pants fitting type, tunic length, tunic fittedness, etc. I think Indian Exotica and eShakti are the best for this, in my experience. ---
**Author:** ![Aankh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@Aankh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aankh)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2003, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/107 "2003-08-23T14:35:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by emilyforce \* > **Well, I should have told you before you went shopping that it _is_ fashionable for the pants to be extra-long and bunch around the ankles. This style of pants is called “churidar”, which means something like “falling in folds like bangles [chunri]”.** A _chunri_ is the scarf/shawl/veil-like thing you wear with the salwar kameez, aka the _dupatta_. Basically, it is supposed to “cover your modesty”. Bangles are called _chudiyan_ (singular - _chudi_). The pronunciation roughly goes along the lines of “choodiyaan”, where the final “aan” is a nasal sound. Bangles can also be called _kangan_, though this term is primarily used for gold bangles and the like. Just clarifying… ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2003, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/108 "2003-08-23T17:48:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by aasna \* > \*\*Just clarifying… \*\* Thank you! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/109 "2003-09-03T00:54:24Z")
I am wearing my new green and gold salwar kameez from Indianexotica, and I LOVE IT!! It’s absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to wear it in public!! ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/110 "2003-09-03T14:04:57Z")
Can you get us pics of you in the salwar kameez? I’m curious to see what other people look like in them! ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/111 "2003-09-03T15:35:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by emilyforce \* > \*\*If you order from someone that takes exact measurements, you can specify pants fitting type, tunic length, tunic fittedness, etc. I think Indian Exotica and eShakti are the best for this, in my experience. \*\* About a week before this thread was started, I ordered a kameez with churidar pants from eShakti, and was amazed to discover that they tailor your garment to you! My entire ensemble was only $55, too. I could never afford to buy tailored clothing here - even my wedding dress was your basic off-the-rack deal, with alterations (which I believe were extra) made after it came in. At eShakti, I got to select the tunic length, the style of the neckline, the length of the sleeves and the pants type. If you are busty, make sure you get a size large enough to accomodate - they do fit the kameez pretty closely as **emilyforce** mentioned earlier, and if I had big 'uns they’d be pretty crowded in there (I’m small and short and a size 6, so I entered Small as my general size). I love my outfit, though the pants do take some getting used to since they are so different from what we Westerners are used to wearing. As **emilyforce** mentioned, they do also have the ‘parallel pants’ you can order instead if you like, which are Western-style. The churidar I have are plenty roomy at the top - you could wear them right through pregnancy if you wanted to. The dupatta that came with my outfit is big - I’ve been wearing the rest of the outfit without it since I am not used to wearing something like that - I have to learn! I love how the kameez flows when I walk. As mentioned, I’m short and my butt is the biggest part of me, so anything that makes me look more graceful and less like a fireplug is all good with me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![tiggeril](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tiggeril/32/7234_2.png) [@tiggeril](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiggeril)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/112 "2003-09-03T17:08:36Z")
A word of warning about the salwar kameezes/punjabis. As an overweight Indian, I have to say that the pret a porter punjabis are NOT made for those with extra poundage. And even if you’re on the slim side, be careful, as the fancier suits are not cut to be kind to those of us with busts. Just a note. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/113 "2003-09-03T17:21:45Z")
Re **tiggeril** ’s comment: I’ve definitely found that to be true for clothing in import shops – it’s rare to find tops/dresses with adequate room for “the girls.” But FWIW, my plus-size salwar kameez from Indianexotica is plenty roomy (I’m about 200 lbs, size 22 or so, 38D). I was wearing it yesterday with a slightly padded bra and there was enough slack to be comfortable. I’ll try to get a pic or two up later this week. ---
**Author:** ![tiggeril](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tiggeril/32/7234_2.png) [@tiggeril](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiggeril)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/114 "2003-09-03T17:26:33Z")
Yeah, that’s the problem. I usually get mine when we head back to India to visit the fam every now and again. Not too many overweight people for them to design for, ya know? ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2003, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/115 "2003-09-03T23:02:13Z")
Interestingly, the online shops that cater to ABCDs and Americans seem to specialize in plus-size salwar kameezes. I think this is partly because they also typically offer custom tailoring, and plus-size Americans don’t have enough options off the rack as it is; and partly because a salwar kameez is just so damn flattering on a curvy body. Or a skinny body for that matter. Frankly I also think saris look especially good on curvy bodies, but so many curvy Americans would sooner moon the boss than expose their midriff that this seems to be less of a market. ---
**Author:** ![Annie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/858c86/32.png) [@Annie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2003, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/116 "2003-09-04T01:53:15Z")
There are a lot of plus size Indian ladies in my area of Vancouver who wear salwar kameez, so someone’s making them around here. Maybe they buy the fabric and home sew. Doubt it though. ---
**Author:** ![Aankh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@Aankh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aankh)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2003, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/117 "2003-09-04T02:00:02Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by emilyforce \* > \*\*Frankly I also think saris look especially good on curvy bodies, \*\* Interestingly, the saree seems to have a lengthening, slimming effect _when worn correctly_. The ideal drape gathers in gently around the knees before swirling back out (as opposed to hanging down like a cylindrical sack). Also, cover the feet. Always cover the feet. That definitely seems to add inches height-wise. As for baring the midriff, there are many draping styles that end up covering most of the bared area. Refer to the Gujarati style: front and back are both covered up by the _pallu_. ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2003, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/118 "2003-09-04T02:52:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by aasna \* > **Interestingly, the saree seems to have a lengthening, slimming effect …** One of the reasons I love wearing them! > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by aasna \* > \*\*As for baring the midriff, there are many draping styles that end up covering most of the bared area. Refer to the Gujarati style: front and back are both covered up by the _pallu_. \*\* Oh definitely, and it’s also possible to drape a nivi drape for minimal exposurrre, but all the options are still more skin-baring than your typical American outfitts – forrr grrown-ups, anyway; Britttney Spearrs clones excluded. Nivi drape like **aasna** descrribes as flattering [http://66.33.13.113/ishop/saree/new/l007.jpg](http://66.33.13.113/ishop/saree/new/l007.jpg) Gujarati drape (sort of) [http://www.indiangarment.com/myshop/image.php3?URL=http://66.33.13.113/ishop/fas-show/s002.jpg](http://www.indiangarment.com/myshop/image.php3?URL=http://66.33.13.113/ishop/fas-show/s002.jpg) (Please pardon my rrrrrrs and ttttttttts… keyboard dying.) ---
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2003, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/119 "2003-09-04T07:55:54Z")
Iin all honesty, I’d never have expected such a long discussion on the sari on these boards!! I think some of my friends could learn a thing or two about Indian attire from all of you 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Aankh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@Aankh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aankh)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2003, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458/120 "2003-09-04T13:34:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gouda \* > \*\*Iin all honesty, I’d never have expected such a long discussion on the sari on these boards!! I think some of my friends could learn a thing or two about Indian attire from all of you 🙂 \*\* Heck, _I_ learned from the people in this thread, and I’m the only actual Indian woman in it… Hadn’t the foggiest idea that the normal saree drape was called a _nivi_… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-wear-a-sari-even-if-you-arent-indian/195458.md?page=7)