Greening Up Your Garba: Guide to Stylish Sustainable Navratri Attire

Greening Up Your Garba: Guide to Stylish Sustainable Navratri Attire

Navratri, the enchanting festival of dance, devotion, and colour, is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in India. As the beats of traditional music fill the air, and the twirls and spins of Garba and Dandiya Raas performances capture our hearts, one thing that remains constant is the desire to look magnificent in our Navratri outfits. 

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the need to adopt sustainable fashion practices. This Navratri, why not blend tradition with sustainability and make eco-conscious choices in your attire with these Navratri outfit ideas for women and Navratri outfit ideas for men?

The Navratri festival spans nine nights, and during this period, women and men adorn themselves in a stunning array of traditional attire.

In this blog post, we will explore a plethora of garba outfit ideas for men and Navratri dress ideas for ladies that not only showcase your style but also promote environmental consciousness. From upcycled ensembles to eco-friendly accessories, we have creative ways to make your Navratri celebration fashionable and environmentally friendly.  

Navratri Outfit Ideas for Women:

Upcycled Lehengas: Consider recycling old sarees or lehengas into trendy Navratri outfits. You can convert a vintage saree into a beautiful lehenga choli or crop top and skirt combination. This not only reduces textile waste but also gives a unique twist to your outfit.



Handloom Magic: Choose handloom sarees or dresses made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, khadi, or hemp. These textiles not only promote the craftsmanship of local artisans but also have a lower environmental impact compared to mass-produced synthetic fabrics.


Natural Dyes: Opt for outfits dyed with natural colours such as indigo, turmeric, or pomegranate. These natural dyes are eco-friendly and have the added benefit of creating rich and vibrant hues, making your Navratri attire stand out.


Mix and Match: Get creative by mixing and matching different elements of your wardrobe. Combine a colourful blouse with a contrasting skirt or experiment with different draping styles for your saree to create a fresh and unique look for each Navratri night.


Vintage Chic: Raiding your mother's or grandmother's closet can yield stunning vintage pieces having historical significance and contribute to sustainable fashion by extending the lifespan of clothing items.



Accessories to Play With and Wear:

Eco-friendly Jewellery: Seek out jewellery made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wood, or recycled metals. These eco-conscious pieces complement your outfit and also reduce the demand for environmentally harmful materials such as plastic and synthetic metals. Try pairing your outfit with accessories like waist belt, maang tika, bangles and bracelets, nose ring, anklets, etc. 


Handmade Clutches: Pair your Navratri outfit with a handcrafted clutch made by local artisans. These one-of-a-kind pieces often employ sustainable materials like jute or recycled fabrics, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.


Ethical Footwear: Choose comfortable and stylish footwear made from cruelty-free and sustainable materials. Vegan leather, jute, or hemp-based shoes are excellent choices that align with the principles of sustainability.


Hair Accessories: You can adorn your hair with decorative hairpins, clips, or flowers to complement your outfit.


Mehendi (Henna): Applying mehendi on your hands and feet with intricate designs is a popular tradition during Navratri. It's a temporary but beautiful accessory.

Navratri Outfit Ideas for Men:

Kurta Pyjama: A classic kurta pyjama made from organic cotton or handwoven khadi fabric is an ideal choice for sustainable Navratri fashion. Earthy tones or vibrant colours can be selected to suit your personal style.


Dhoti Kurta: Embrace tradition with a dhoti kurta ensemble. Opt for dhotis and kurtas crafted from sustainable fabrics and dyed using natural colours. This combination not only exudes elegance but also aligns with eco-conscious choices.



Sustainable Safas: Complete your look with a sustainable safa (turban) made from natural fibers. The safa adds a touch of tradition and grandeur to your outfit, and choosing eco-friendly options supports ethical fashion practices.


Handcrafted Accessories: Elevate your Navratri look with handcrafted accessories such as wooden cufflinks, handmade brooches, or organic cotton scarves. These unique additions add a personalized touch to your attire.


Vintage Finds: Delve into vintage clothing for men as well. Vintage sherwanis or Nehru jackets can be excellent additions to your Navratri wardrobe, and they contribute to sustainable fashion by reducing the need for new garments.

By embracing these detailed sustainable garba outfit ideas for men and Navratri dress ideas for ladies, you not only celebrate the festival in style but also make a positive impact on the environment and support ethical and local craftsmanship.

So, go ahead and dance your heart out in outfits that make you look good and feel good about your impact on the environment!