Upcycle Your Old Sarees Into New Outfits: New Trends

Are you the one among many who have a pile of sarees just sitting in your wardrobe wondering what to do with this old treasure. You’ll be relieved to hear that you are in the right place, as I can help.

Sarees are often forgotten and pushed to the back of wardrobes due to changing fashion trends and seasonal changes.

However, reusing and upcycling old sarees can be a stylish and environmentally friendly way to give these lovely pieces of cloth a second chance at life.

As you know the practice of “upcycling” old clothes has been widely accepted in India for far longer, even though the phrase was coined in the 1990s. Most of us have seen our mothers transform used sarees into brand-new attire. They found their way into seat cushions, baby footie pajamas, kid’s holiday clothes, and sometimes draperies and even curtains.

Reusing and upcycling old sarees will help you embrace sustainable fashion ideas and reduce textile waste. Plus you give these gems a fresh outlook by expressing your sense of style by creating unique pieces.

Particularly, silk sarees offer a variety of options. They are not only gorgeous and extravagant, but also carry great cultural and historical significance. Upcycling these sarees helps preserve the traditions and cultural history woven into these exquisite garments.

Reusing/Upcycling/Revamping materials have become increasingly popular in a society where sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness are becoming top priorities. Also, most women love to minimize stuff. Thus, reusing sarees has become the newest fashion.

I too am a strong adherent of sustainable/slow fashion where Restyling and Upcycling new outfits from the old ones, has mostly been part of my fashion game for which I received great compliments.

In this post, I will walk you through some simple yet incredible projects that can help upcycle/revamp your old sarees into something exciting and fashionable. You’ll be astounded by the range of creative options available. The best part is that you make something of your preference from the old saree and avoid paying extra for fabric. Moreover, the saree gets a new transformation, so you tend to use it longer. In this manner, you will hold onto the sentimental value or unique recollections linked to the cloth.

So, you should try to upcycle the old sarees if you wish to treasure them.

Since saree dresses are currently in style many designers have indicated an interest in creating stunning anarkalis, ethnic gowns, Kurtis, etc out of Chiffon, Silk, Cotton, Organza, and Net sarees. With a little modification, your old saree can quickly become a distinctive and contemporary attire. The secret to upcycling old sarees is choosing styles you can easily adopt to create a fashionable look.

Now that you’re convinced of the perks of reusing old sarees, it’s time to look into some chic and innovative ways to accomplish it. To begin going, all you need is a little patience and creativity.

Don’t hold yourself up any longer. Get fueled! Discover how to infuse a fresh look into old sarees with the inventive ideas from the blog. Check it out!

1.  Revamp An Old Saree Into A New Saree

You don’t have to throw away your wonderful saree with the frayed pallu or the slightly ripped borders. The border of vintage silk and pattu sarees is usually where the most damage occurs. Just pull off the worn-out border at home or with the assistance of a tailor, and replace it with a patchwork border made of zari, sequins, or Kundan work.

Or add some pom poms, pearl lace, tassels, or mirror work to the border of your saree especially plain ones for an extra edge That’s it. Simple isn’t it.

2. Get A Salwar Suit Stitched From Old Sarees

The most obvious and perhaps one of the simplest ways to freshen up your wardrobe is to upcycle your old saree to a basic salwar kameez. Perhaps, it works like magic on any old silk, cotton, or pattu saree.

Vintage sarees can be transformed easily into stunning salwar suits. You can reuse the saree’s body for the top. Even if the borders are damaged one can apply contrasting patchwork borders for the sleeves, neckline, and hemline. Another old saree can be used for the bottom and dupatta, or you can simply construct something with what you have by mixing and matching.

3. Kurta/Kurti From An Old Saree

If there’s not enough material left of the old saree for stitching a complete attire, simply have a kurta/kurti made and pair it with jeans, plain leggings, dhoti pants, or a modern-looking palazzo, depending on the kurta/Kurti type. Reusing old sarees for everyday wear is a terrific idea.

4. Lehenga Stitched From Old Saree

A lehenga or half saree made from an old silk saree is an excellent choice. You can either reuse one or two sarees to get your lehenga and blouse stitched as per your style and pattern. If it’s a half saree, keep it basic but add embellishments like borders, zardozi, sequins, embroidery, or lace to make it stand out on a lehenga. Follow the same design for the dupatta and blouse. Here are a few pics below.

5. A Dress From An Old Sarees

Because, let’s face it, we can never get tired of dresses. Simply gather those worn-out cotton sarees and give them a new look this summer for an extravagant one-piece.

6. Revamp Your Old Sarees Into Skirts

Upcycle an old saree into a stylish, unique pencil or flowing skirt and even its matching top. It is simple but intriguing idea. You can also easily pair the skirt with a tank top, shirt, or just a basic T-shirt in black, white, or any color blouse that matches.

7. Turn Your Old Chiffon Sarees Into A Kaftan

It seems like we can never have enough of kaftan. They are airy, stylish, and oh-so-comfy. An old georgette or chiffon saree can be simply customized for this style.

8. Revamp Your Old Sarees Into Great-Looking Dupattas

Anarkali suits made of raw silk or jute look amazing when paired with a stunning and exquisite pattu or zari dupatta. Additionally, instead of spending a lot of money on a dupatta, you may create one that looks expensive with an old saree for almost zero cost. Plus, these are versatile enough for any occasion.

9. Anarkali From An Old Saree Is a Superb Option

The old saree fabric can also be used to make an Anarkali suit. If, you do not have enough fabric for the bottom as usual, opt for a simple legging and a flowing dupatta. Let your anarkali top stand out by keeping everything else simple. Or else simply wear it as a dress.

10. How About Matching Dress With Your Kid

The unique way to upcycle used sarees is to get matching outfits stitched to twin with your nieces, daughters, or sons. This has become a huge trend these days. You can even stitch matching costumes or clothes for their dolls if you have any leftover saree pieces.

11. Upcycle Your Old Saree Into A Gown

One-piece gowns are really trendy at the moment. So step ahead and get a one-piece gown tailored using an old saree. Use additional matching fabric if there isn’t enough material.

13. Turn Your Old Saree Into A Jumpsuit

If you are looking for something different stylish and edgy jumpsuit is a terrific option. Get your old saree customized to a jumpsuit like the one from the pic below. Don’t forget to add a matching zari border to the waist, back, and sleeves for extra edginess.

14. Get Palazzo Pants Stitched Using Your Old Saree

You may make these stylish palazzo trousers from silk, cotton sarees, or any other resilient material. Just make sure you use an appropriate lining for the Palazzo.

15. What Do You Prefer-Shrugs, Over-Coats, Blazers, Or Jackets

You may effortlessly pair your capes, blazers, or half jackets made of traditional old sarees with contemporary attire such as jeans, leggings, shorts or even a cool saree for a unique edgy look.

16. An Old Saree Into A Top/Shirt

If you’re more of a shirt person and don’t like Salwar or kurtas, you can upcycle your old saree into a shirt or top that you can wear over trousers, jeans, or even shorts. Well, why not? when it appears this gorgeous!

17. Sharara From A Saree

One fantastic way to reuse old sarees without wasting fabric is to turn them into elegant shararas. Heavy, intricately worked sarees are perfect for this style of makeover. Using the length of the fabric for the sharara pants and the pallu for the top, start by splitting the saree into two halves. With the sharara flare, the intricate embroidery on the saree would look exquisite. Depending on your preferences, use the pallu to make a matching top that might be a fashionable kurta, blouse, or even a sophisticated crop top. And now look at you, wearing a gorgeous and distinctive ensemble ideal for the upcoming important event.

18. How About a Co-ord Set

Let your inner diva spark with this stylish yet traditional stunning brocade co-ord set that makes you look incredibly elegant.

No matter how old a saree is, nobody likes to give it away as some people like to preserve and bring back fond memories.

I hope you are convinced that style and sustainability can coexist. So let’s make a tiny effort to reuse and upcycle to cherish what we have and bring a positive impact. Let’s learn to embrace environmentally friendly approaches and preserve traditional heritage.

Hoping that you find this content useful. Please let me know through your comments. Till then, be safe and take care.

Thank you!

Sayonara!

Love Life & D&B!