Ethnic wear like sarees, kurtas, anarkalis, etc. make for great traditional outfits that can be worn on festivals, weddings, and other occasions. While buying ethnic wear from physical stores is fun because you can feel the fabric and try out different styles, the convenience of online shopping cannot be denied. With online shopping, you get access to a wider variety of styles from all over India without having to step out. However, buying ethnic wear online can seem daunting for first-timers. Here are some useful tips on how to shop for ethnic wear online:
Research Well On Types Of Fabrics
The first step is to understand the different types of fabrics used in ethnic Indian wear. Fabrics like cotton, silk, chiffon, georgette, crepe etc have different textures, fall and drape. Study how each fabric would look when tailored into ethnic silhouettes before ordering. For instance, silk sarees have a rich, royal look while chiffon and georgette are better for occasions like sangeet, mehendi where you have to dance. Cotton is ideal for daily wear.
Know Your Size Properly
It is crucial that you know your accurate size and measurements especially if you are ordering ethnic wear online for the first time. Refer to a size chart and measure yourself at home. Keep some margin for error as sizes may vary across brands. Ethnic wear like sarees, and kurtas are not meant to be body hugging and allow for some breathing space. However, an ill-fitting outfit can ruin the look. Check size charts and order the right size.
Read Product Descriptions
Never order ethnic wear online without reading the product description in detail. The fabric type, patterns, stitching type, length, wash care instructions, etc should be clearly mentioned. This will give you a better idea of what the outfit would look like. Product descriptions also usually tell you whether the choli/blouse comes attached or you have to buy it separately. For sarees check if the blouse piece is included.
Compare Prices
Always compare prices across 2-3 websites before placing the order. Many sites offer discounts or have sales during the festive season. Some sites like Flipkart, and Amazon also have exchange offers where you can return the outfit if you don’t like it. Comparing prices will ensure you get the best deals.
Check Return And Exchange Policies
Make sure to check the return and exchange policies before ordering ethnic wear online. Most sites allow exchanges within 7-10 days if the size or outfit is not right. Some may charge a small return fee while others offer free returns. See if you can get a refund if needed. This provides a safety net in case you need to exchange the outfit.
See Reviews And Ratings
Checking reviews by other customers and ratings of the website/brand can give you an idea of the quality of the ethnic wear outfits, their fitting, authenticity of designs, etc. Opt for websites and brands that have at least a 4+ rating and good reviews. You can also post questions on the product page and existing buyers may respond.
Order From Reputed Sites
While there are many ethnic wear e-commerce portals, it is best to order from reputed sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc. They authenticity check sellers before allowing them to list products. Customers also rate the sellers. This ensures you don’t get cheated and receive outfits as shown in the photos.
Check Shipping Charges
Most sites offer free shipping if your order value crosses a certain amount. Else shipping charges are levied based on pincode and courier partner. Heavy outfits like lehenga or high-value products tend to have higher shipping costs. Factor in the shipping charges before placing your final order. Some sites may allow you to opt for slower and cheaper shipping if your delivery date is not urgent.
Track Your Order
Once your ethnic wear order is shipped, track it regularly to see when it will be delivered. Most sites allow you to track your order with a link that redirects you to the courier company’s tracking page and shows the current status. This helps avoid situations where you are not available at home when the courier comes to deliver the package. You can plan to be home when the delivery is scheduled.
Inspect On Arrival
When you receive your ethnic wear order, carefully inspect it to ensure there are no defects, stains, or damage. Check that the fabric, color, and patterns match the product photos and description. See if the stitching is neat and done properly. Full-length outfits like anarkalis should be checked for the correct length based on your height. Inspect the outfit properly before accepting delivery.
Know Your Rights
As an online consumer, you have certain rights. This includes the right to refund if the product delivered is defective, damaged or if significant details were not mentioned in the description. You can raise a return/refund request as per the return policy of the site. If your grievances are not handled, you can contact the consumer court. Remember, you have every right to receive exactly what was shown and ordered.
Conclusion
I hope these tips help you buy ethnic wear confidently and conveniently online. Just spend some time researching fabrics, reading product info, checking reviews, etc before ordering ethnic wear. Comparing prices across sites will ensure you get the best deals. Once your order arrives, inspect it properly and ensure it matches the product description before accepting delivery. If you face any issues, you can reach out to customer care and even consider consumer court. With these tips, you can build an amazing ethnic wear wardrobe without stepping outside your home.
