The saree is an iconic garment—elegant, expressive, and effortlessly graceful. But for many modern women, wearing one can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to pleating and draping it correctly. That’s where the ready to wear saree comes in. Sometimes referred to as a pre-stitched saree, pre-draped saree, or pre-pleated saree, this updated version eliminates the guesswork and transforms the traditional six or nine yards of fabric into a silhouette that is easy to wear and beautifully structured.
A ready to wear saree is designed for those who love the traditional aesthetic but prefer a faster, simpler alternative. It usually comes with pre-stitched pleats and a fixed pallu, so there’s no need to spend time pinning, pleating, or worrying about whether it’s falling off mid-event.
Many of these sarees are designed like wraparounds or have a concealed zipper or waistband, allowing you to step into it and be event-ready in minutes. Whether you’re a first-time wearer, someone attending a destination wedding, or simply looking for a more manageable take on Indian attire, a ready to wear saree offers ease without compromising on elegance.
Ready-to-Wear vs. Traditional Sarees
Traditional sarees are long, unstitched pieces of fabric that require the wearer to manually fold pleats, tuck them into a petticoat, and drape the pallu over the shoulder—each step demanding some amount of skill and experience.
A ready-to-wear saree removes that complexity by offering pre-stitched draping elements. The fabric may be sewn into a skirt shape with built-in pleats and a stitched or fixed pallu. In many cases, it is designed with elasticated or fitted waistbands, making it as simple to wear as a dress or lehenga. Traditional sarees offer more flexibility in draping style, length, and personalization, but they also come with a steep learning curve.
While both versions can look equally graceful, the key difference lies in the convenience and the time it takes to get dressed.
Types of Ready-to-Wear Sarees
Pre-Pleated Sarees
Among the most popular variants of ready to wear sarees is the pre-pleated saree. This style retains the most traditional look but comes with pleats already stitched into the lower half. You simply wear it like a skirt and drape the pallu over your shoulder, which may also be pre-attached or easy to secure. Pre-pleated sarees work well for both formal and casual occasions and are particularly popular with younger wearers who want a quick way to look put together.
Gown-Style Sarees
Another stylish version is the gown-style saree. This design merges the fluidity of a saree with the ease of a gown. It often features a one-piece silhouette with draped detailing over the shoulder, giving the illusion of a saree without any need for extra accessories or effort. These are especially popular for cocktail parties, receptions, and Indo-western celebrations where a more experimental look is encouraged.
Dhoti & Pant-Style Sarees
The pant-style or dhoti saree like our Beige Embroidered Gharara Style Saree is a bold fusion take on the traditional saree. Instead of a skirt or petticoat, the lower half is styled like pants, dhotis, or even jumpsuits.
Yet another stunning piece is Lashkaraa’s Dusty Rose Embroidered Gharara Style Saree with beautiful zari, sequins, and thread work. These sarees bring a playful, youthful edge to ethnic wear and are ideal for women who love movement, comfort, and modern silhouettes. Often paired with crop tops or jackets, pant-style sarees are a favorite at fashion-forward events and contemporary functions.
Skirt-Style Sarees
The skirt-style saree is another fuss-free format where the bottom is pre-stitched like a flared or straight-cut skirt, and the pallu is either sewn to the waistband or separate and easy to drape. This type of ready to wear saree feels closest to a lehenga but with the fluid grace of a saree drape. It offers more volume and movement and works beautifully for weddings and festive occasions.
What Are The Benefits of a Ready-to-Wear Saree?
One of the most obvious advantages of a ready to wear saree is how quick and convenient it is. There’s no standing in front of a mirror trying to get the pleats right or needing someone to help you wrap it. Within minutes, you can go from casual to ceremonial with zero hassle.
Another significant benefit is that no draping skills are needed. For those who love sarees but feel intimidated by the technique required to wear them, this format is a game changer. It opens the doors for a wider audience, including younger generations and those living abroad who may not have grown up with saree-wearing traditions, to embrace this classic garment.
Ready to wear sarees are also travel-friendly and lightweight. If you’re attending a destination wedding or traveling across cities, you can pack one of these with ease. There’s no worry about carrying extra pins, petticoats, or even ironing the pleats into place. Many styles are wrinkle-resistant and easy to maintain, making them ideal for on-the-go dressing.
What makes these sarees especially appealing is that they are modern yet traditional. They preserve the visual impact and charm of a classic saree while using contemporary silhouettes and constructions. You can find styles with sequins, hand embroidery, ruffles, and even metallic drapes, making them perfectly suited for glamorous events and modern wardrobes.
Finally, they are ideal for fusion styling. You can mix and match your ready to wear saree with structured blouses, capes, belts, or boots—depending on the occasion. Designers have embraced this format to push boundaries, and fashion enthusiasts love how it offers more creative room to express personal style.
How to Make Your Saree More “Ready to Wear”
If you already own traditional sarees and want to simplify your experience, there are small changes you can make to create a more ready-to-wear feel. One easy approach is to pre-pleat and pin the saree beforehand. This way, when it’s time to get dressed, all you have to do is wrap and tuck. Many women also get their favorite sarees partially stitched or pleated by a tailor to replicate the ease of ready to wear styles.
Another great hack is to try a saree shaper skirt. Unlike bulky cotton petticoats, saree shapers are made of stretchy fabric with a snug fit and built-in shaping. They provide structure to your drape, hold pleats in place, and make the overall look sleeker and more comfortable.
You can also use draping tutorials or tailor services to get the look you want. Many online videos offer step-by-step instructions for specific styles, and tailors can alter traditional sarees into semi-stitched or fully pre-stitched versions based on your measurements. This is especially helpful if you love a saree but don’t want to deal with the draping every time you wear it.
You can explore Lashkaraa’s collection of sarees, which you can have professionally or personally stitched according to your own preferences and requirements. Styles like the Dusty Green Embroidered Georgette Saree and the Dusty Mint Embroidered Georgette Saree are perfect examples of beautifully designed pieces that can be customized for comfort and ease—making elegance feel truly effortless.
Lastly, accessories can go a long way in elevating the outfit. Invest in belts or brooches to secure the pallu stylishly. These not only keep the drape in place but also add a modern statement to the overall look, making your saree feel contemporary and fashion-forward.
FAQs for Ready-to-Wear Sarees
Do ready to wear sarees look like real sarees?
Yes, they do. From a visual perspective, a well-made ready to wear saree is nearly indistinguishable from a traditional one. The pleats, pallu, and drape are all in place—it’s just the stitching that makes wearing it easier.
Can I dance in a ready to wear saree?
Absolutely! In fact, many women prefer ready to wear sarees for dance performances or sangeet nights because they stay in place better and allow for freer movement without the fear of unraveling.
Do I need a petticoat?
Most ready to wear sarees do not require a traditional petticoat. They are designed with stitched bottoms that serve the same function. However, if your style mimics the traditional silhouette, a saree shaper skirt or built-in lining is often used instead.
Are ready to wear sarees suitable for weddings?
They are more than suitable! They’re becoming a favorite choice for bridesmaids, guests, and even brides who want a second look for receptions or cocktail events. With the right fabric and embellishments, they can be as grand or as minimal as you want them to be.
Where can I buy ready to wear sarees?
Ready to wear sarees are available at many designer boutiques, contemporary ethnic wear stores, and online platforms. Whether you’re looking for embellished versions, casual prints, or high-glam silhouettes, there’s a wide range of options to explore.
Grace, Simplified
The ready to wear saree is a reflection of how tradition continues to evolve in the modern world. It brings together the elegance of the past with the ease and adaptability of the present. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or someone who simply wants to move freely without sacrificing style, this style offers the perfect solution.
Want to explore traditional sarees? Lashkaraa’s collection of elegant sarees includes designs with easy-draping fabrics for today’s on-the-go lifestyle.