- Sneha
10 [Nicer] Alternatives to Fabindia for Women's Dresses
Dresses are an essential component of any woman's wardrobe. There is a dress for any occasion - there are party wear dresses, business wear dresses, summer dresses, vacation dresses, and of course, the LBD (little black dress)!
Given the severe heat and humidity in India, as well as the extreme cold, stylish dresses in natural fabrics like cotton and linen are best suited. Furthermore, the indigenous Indian textile traditions and craft add a distinct character and comfort to the clothing. And the magic happens when Indian textiles and techniques like hand-block printed textiles, mashru, ikkat, and handloom meet modern clothing silhouettes.
While Fabindia has long been associated with modern handloom cotton and silk garments, there are now numerous options available in India. We've curated a combination of homegrown, made in India brands to help you widen your wardrobe's horizons.
1. Okhai
Okhai sells handcrafted clothing items like dresses, tops and kurta sets made by rural artisans from all over India. These artists have the talent and traditional techniques to create stunning patterns in styles distinct to their culture and background. Okhai items have modern designs at affordable prices. Okhai dress prices start from ₹1500 to ₹15000, with the average price being ₹3600.
Photos courtesy: Okhai
2. Soma
Soma is an amazing example of what can be accomplished when work ethic and talent are applied to an old trade in the age of mass-produced fast fashion. The art of block printing, which uses knowledge and techniques passed down through many generations, brings passion and excitement into the 21st century.
Soma Shop is a hidden gem filled to the brim with hand block printed clothing and furnishings. These mulmul dresses are ideal for casual day trips, getting together with friends, and embracing the WFH style.
Soma dresses are priced from ₹1300 to ₹6000, with the average dress priced at ₹2000.
Photos courtesy: Soma shop
3. Anokhi
Anokhi, founded in 1970, is dedicated to craft conservation and development via design and project finance. Anokhi strives to be an alternative role model for good business practises and the ongoing restoration of traditional expertise, distinguished by its patterns, silhouettes, and product quality.
Anokhi, as a brand, transcends Indian textile and craft to create clothing that are both well crafted and comfortable. The main drawback is that Anokhi is only sold in their own stores across India, and are not available online anywhere.
Photos courtesy: Instagram (anokhijaipur)
4. Silai Studio
Silai Studio was founded with the intention of creating clothes that reflects India's textile heritage. The label focuses on designing garments that are comfortable and simple by employing numerous handcrafted processes such as weaving, printing, and embroidery. Although India is at its center, the reach is supposed to be global and contemporary.
The prices of Silai Studio dresses range from ₹1850 to ₹10500, with an average price of ₹6400.
Photos courtesy: Silai Studio
5. Cottons Jaipur
Cottons Jaipur is a socially conscious brand noted for its reasonably priced, well-made, fashionable clothes. Rajasthan, a region known for its brilliant and vivid designs, serves as inspiration for the textiles.
They have a range of summer dresses in strappy, sleeved and flouncy styles, with prices ranging from ₹1900 to ₹2600, with an average price of ₹2200.
Photos courtesy: Cottons Jaipur
6. Khara Kapas
Khara Kapas, which translates to "Pure Cotton," began with the concept that well-designed garments created from pure textiles may bring enjoyment into people's daily life. All of the products are handmade and manufactured from 100% Indian textiles.
Khara Kapas makes the most stunning dresses in flowy yet flattering silhouettes, with prices ranging from ₹5000 to ₹13000, with an average price of ₹7000.
Photos courtesy: Khara Kapas
7. Turn Black
Turn Black, a new fashion company, is so obsessed with black that they are working with a range of black textiles. Turn Black, based in Delhi, is an online retail label that aims to dispel prejudices and myths about this colour.
Turn black celebrates the colour black in the form of timeless dresses, with prices starting from ₹1200 to ₹12800, with an average price of ₹3600.
Photos courtesy: Turn Black
8. Upasana
Upasana is a clothing brand based in Auroville, a place where creativity, fashion, design, Indian culture, business, social responsibility, and spiritual advancement are all intertwined.
Upasana dresses are unique and designed keeping comfort and style in mind, priced between ₹1320 and ₹32500, with the average price of ₹4900.
Photos courtesy: Upasana
9. The Jodi Life
Jodi Life arose from a common passion for craft, culture, fashion, and travel. With the goal to give indigenous artisan traditions a fresh lease of life, they use only natural Indian fabrics and mix them with the artisanal method of hand block printing.
Jodi Life has the most stunning printed dresses in flowy, super chic, comfy silhouettes, with prices ranging from ₹4000 to ₹17000, with an average price for ₹7000.
Photos courtesy: The Jodi Life
10. Translate - Handwoven Ikat
Translate's brand concept is effortless style, and the apparel line emphasises adaptability and usefulness in its relaxed silhouettes. The notion of timelessness is emphasised in their products.
Translate's sustained effort in keeping the indigenous craft of Ikat weave alive, offers dresses with prices ranging from ₹4600 to ₹9900, with an average price of ₹8200.