A New Look, A New Confidence - Vol 4
August 28th, 2025
Traditionally, girls in India begin wearing a sari at puberty, and for generations it was considered the only proper attire for women. But Mumbai is changing that. In the city's fast-paced, diverse environment, many women now choose the salwar-kurta with a dupatta (scarf) for comfort, convenience, and freedom of movement. Even so, for some, shifting away from the sari is still a bold step.
Kavita who married young and moved to Mumbai with her husband, never questioned the sari. But when she joined the Aakasa Cooperative and met Samba, things began to change. Samba, a woman from her home village, had embraced the salwar-kurta and encouraged Kavita to give it a try. They went to the market together, bought fabric, and Samba stitched her first outfit.
Kavita remembers the moment she put it on: "I felt so modern—and it was so comfortable, especially in Mumbai's heat and humidity. The other members told me I looked beautiful. My kids were surprised at first, but they loved it. I was nervous my husband might disapprove since I hadn't asked his permission, but he, too, complimented me. For the first time, I did something I wanted without asking anyone's permission."
In Mumbai, changing styles reflect changing mindsets. For Kavita, the shift from sari to salwar-kurta wasn't just about fashion—it was about choice, freedom, and a quiet but powerful step toward empowerment.
• Is there an item of clothing that makes you feel especially confident or free?
• Can a change in style also be a step toward self-expression? What do you think?
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