The 3 Biggest Mistakes When Shopping for South Asian Clothing Online
If you had to describe the typical pre-pandemic shopping experience for South Asian clothing, you’d probably use the word “old school.” Think suburban strip malls, awkward haggling, and unpredictable customer service. While frustrating, there was one comfort: you could always touch and feel the items before you purchased them.
In 2020, the global pandemic forced thousands of retailers and consumers online in their search for the perfect lehenga or saree. This sudden shift highlighted how challenging it can be to buy South Asian clothing without the in-person experience. Sofi Kassam, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at The Saree Room, knows this struggle well — it’s why she built TSR in the first place: to design versatile, beautiful pieces, paired with a modern shopping experience South Asian women actually deserve.
Ishleen Kambo, The Saree Room’s Customer Experience Manager, has also seen it all — both personally and professionally. She outlined the three biggest mistakes women make when shopping online, and what to do instead.
1. You Cut the Timing Too Close
It’s hard enough to choose the right South Asian outfit online — it’s even harder when you’re under pressure. Many shoppers order last-minute and end up disappointed when their outfits don’t arrive on time or don’t fit properly. Rushing the decision almost always leads to frustration.
What to do instead: As soon as you get an invite, start planning. If your event is within a week, consider borrowing from your closet or a friend rather than buying new. When purchasing online, make sure the retailer is reliable and can deliver on time. At The Saree Room, all orders ship directly from Toronto — no long delays from overseas drop shipping. Be mindful of whether you’re ordering readymade or custom pieces. Last-minute custom items are risky and often can’t be delivered in time. Always read FAQs, check estimated delivery times, and choose express shipping if needed. The perfect outfit is only perfect if it arrives when you need it.
2. You Pick the Wrong Size
Sizing is a common frustration when shopping online, especially with international retailers who all follow different systems. Too often, shoppers don’t double-check size charts and end up with pieces that don’t fit — wasting time and money.
What to do instead: Use the size guides provided on each site. At The Saree Room, our size charts list garment measurements (not body measurements), so you can compare directly with items you already own. This small step eliminates most guesswork. TSR also designs with flexibility in mind — blouses have 1.5 inches of extra fabric inside to size up at home, while skirts tie at the waist for easy adjustment. Being realistic about your size, rather than aspirational, is key to avoiding disappointment.
3. You Buy from Unverified Websites
Many women fall for glossy photos and too-good-to-be-true prices, only to receive something completely different — or nothing at all. Fraudulent or unverified websites are a major risk in the South Asian fashion space, and can leave shoppers feeling scammed.
What to do instead: Shop only from well-reviewed, trustworthy retailers. Look for clear product photography, transparent return policies, and customer reviews. A lack of exchanges or returns is a major red flag. Would you ever buy jeans online if they were final sale? Probably not — and the same applies here. Also, ensure the website is safe for payments. If a store requests an e-transfer instead of offering secure checkout, it’s time to walk away.
Shop with Confidence
Buying South Asian clothing online can feel daunting, but avoiding these three mistakes makes it far less intimidating. With smart planning, realistic sizing, and careful selection of where you shop, you can build a wardrobe of stunning sarees and lehengas without the stress.
We’d love to hear your stories — both the best and the worst — about shopping for South Asian clothing online. Share your experiences below and let’s help other brides and fashion lovers shop smarter.
