Top 6 sari stores in Mumbai

The convenience of pre-stitched saris is undeniable, and for good reason.

However, if you're a traditionalist who prefers the art of draping and pleating, this guide to the best sari stores in Mumbai is just what you need.

1. Kala Niketan

If you're prone to sari-related stress, Kala Niketan will definitely put you to the test.

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, the two locations in Marine Lines and Juhu span over 3,700 square meters, packed from floor to ceiling with an impressive collection of saris and salwar kameez fabrics.

The reason it's a favorite among locals? The sheer variety of options available.

From classic Benarasi weaves to lush southern silks, cotton, bandhani, and modern embroidered and sequined designs, they offer a wealth of choices that make quantity just as comforting as quality.

Behind the counters, men—mostly older, but some younger—carefully unfold, stack, and fold saris, their faces unwaveringly serious. A smile might occasionally break through if a cheeky remark is made about a blouse design.

2. Nalli

A few months ago, when a Malyalee friend of mine in Mumbai decided to get married, she immediately booked her flight to Chennai. She knew that her wedding sari could only come from the original Nalli sari store.

For those of us who prefer to stay in the city for our Kanjeevaram silk fix, the Mumbai Nalli is the go-to choice.

Although the store spans three floors, it’s the ground floor that stands out. Here, you’ll find the silk saris with gold-colored weaves. Prices vary depending on whether the thread is synthetic, silver-plated in gold, or real gold zari.

While staff at most stores are generally helpful, the team at Nalli stands out for their dedication. They'll drape the sari on you, then wear it themselves to show you how it’s done.

If you’re still unsure, they’ll offer you a cup of their renowned South Indian filter coffee to sweeten the experience.

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3. Warp ‘n’ Weft

Don’t let the shop’s modest size or faded sign fool you. In this two-level space, Sagrika Rai’s sari store not only offers the finest Benarasi saris in the city, but she also gives customers an impromptu lesson in weaving techniques.

"I’ve been working to revive traditional Indian designs like Shikargah, which features animal and bird motifs woven into the sari," says Rai.

At Warp ‘n’ Weft, excessive sequins, uneven zari borders, and overdone embroidery are strictly prohibited on their handwoven saris.

Only finely crafted weaves with timeless patterns like paisleys, kamal booti, and jangla (twine) make the cut. While many in Mumbai associate Benarasi saris with heavy silk, those here—crafted from silk, cotton, tussar, and georgette—are surprisingly lightweight.

"This is the true feel of Benarasi weaving," says Rai.

While vibrant yellows and reds (haldi and kumkum shades) have been popular this season, whites and beiges remain timeless favorites.

4. Khatri Jamnadas Bechardas

When Khatri Jamnadas Bechardas celebrated its 100th anniversary two years ago, the store had to close its doors early due to the unexpected crowd.

While you won’t find flashy mannequins or bright billboards here, any Gujarati or Marwari shopper worth her salt will point you to this place for the finest bandhini saris in the city.

Crafted using the traditional tie-and-dye technique, the quality of a bandhini sari depends on how tightly the fabric is tied. This is also why displaying them is a challenge. At Jamnadas, the saris are kept wrapped in cloth bundles, preserving their tightly tied pattern for longer.

The store offers bandhinis in every color and material imaginable. However, it is especially known for its exquisite wedding and special occasion pieces, including the Gharchola (red-checkered sari with gold thread) and the Panetar (red and white checkered design).

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5. Sagar

After a phase when embroidered saris were all the rage, Sumit Jain from Sagar is thrilled to announce the return of woven saris.

"People have been opting for simple saris with unique borders," he says.

If you ask for a sari shop between Bandra and Santacruz, there's a good chance someone will point you to Sagar. Founded in 1963, the store started with just 27 square meters of space and has since expanded to two floors, although its original location remains unchanged.

Prints, the timeless favorites, are given equal importance as the high-demand embroidered saris. In addition to these, Sagar offers a variety of cotton, georgette, net, and silk fabrics.

Unlike many stores that only provide a blouse piece and not the actual blouse, Sagar has in-house tailors who can create those perfect blouse designs for you.

6. Dadar market

Choosing just one shop here would be unfair. For over 40 years, the market near Plaza Cinema has been a staple for Dadar's women, taking care of their wardrobes.

The cozy road is lined with shops on both sides. Lazaree, Paaneri, and Rangoli Annexe face Roopmilan and Dadar Emporium. While these stores originally served the middle-class Maharashtrian community, in recent years, sari enthusiasts from all over have started to explore the area.

Their main selling point is the affordability. Even though stores like Lazaree and Paaneri have become more upscale with fancier mannequins and security guards, they still cater to their working-class clientele.

This market is also a great place for sari shops that specialize in the traditional Maharashtrian nine-yard Navvari sari, which happens to be the original Mumbai sari style.

Jhilmil Motihar is a freelance features writer, people-watcher, and traveler.