If you're an Indian living abroad, you know the specific joy of finding a garba or Diwali event in your city — and the equally specific frustration of not knowing what to wear. The ethnic wear you brought from home two visits ago either doesn't fit the same way anymore or feels dated. The Indian stores in your city stock a limited range, often at inflated prices. And ordering online from India feels risky when you're not sure about sizing, quality, or delivery timelines.
This guide is for you. Let's talk through how NRIs can dress beautifully for Indian festivals abroad — and why Haus of Handmade has become the go-to brand for Indian women in the US, UK, UAE, and beyond.
The Real Challenges of Finding Quality Ethnic Wear Abroad
Limited Selection
Indian grocery stores and ethnic clothing shops abroad typically stock a narrow range of ethnic wear — often heavily embellished party pieces or very casual kurtas. The middle ground — beautifully crafted everyday ethnic wear, thoughtfully designed kurtas, quality co-ord sets in festive prints — is almost impossible to find outside India.
Quality Concerns
Much of what is available in ethnic clothing stores abroad is mass-produced, using synthetic fabrics and machine embellishments. If you grew up wearing handmade or quality ethnic wear in India, the difference is immediately apparent. The fabrics don't breathe the same way, the colours aren't as rich, and the garments don't age as gracefully.
Sizing Issues
Standard Indian ethnic wear sizing doesn't always translate well to the bodies of women who've lived abroad for years. This is where made-to-order brands have a significant advantage — they can accommodate your actual measurements rather than forcing you into a standard size that may not fit correctly.
Why NRIs Prefer Handmade Indian Brands
NRI women shopping for ethnic wear increasingly prefer handmade Indian brands for several reasons. First, the quality and craftsmanship is genuinely superior to most alternatives available locally. Second, wearing handmade ethnic wear feels like a meaningful connection to India — not just buying a costume for a festival event, but wearing something that carries real cultural weight. Third, handmade brands like Haus of Handmade offer the storytelling and provenance that NRI women want to share with their families and communities abroad.
When you wear a Haus of Handmade block print kurta to a Navratri event in New Jersey or London, you can talk about where the print comes from, who made it, and what tradition it belongs to. That's a different kind of festive dressing.
How to Shop Online from India — Practically
Plan Ahead
International shipping takes time. Order at least 3–4 weeks before the festival to ensure your pieces arrive in time. Haus of Handmade ships internationally — check our website for current delivery timelines to your country.
Be Precise with Measurements
When shopping online, use a measuring tape and follow the size guide carefully. For HoH's made-to-order pieces, you can provide your exact measurements to ensure a proper fit — something that standard sizing can never guarantee.
Consider Occasion and Climate
Think about where you're wearing the outfit and what the weather will be like. A garba event in Dubai in October is very different from one in Toronto. Choose fabrics accordingly — lighter fabrics for warm climates, slightly heavier weaves or layerable pieces for cooler ones.
Browse Haus of Handmade's festive collection and find pieces that work for wherever you're celebrating.
Occasion Dressing for NRI Festival Events
US and Canada — Community Garba and Diwali Melas
NRI festive events in North America tend to be large community affairs in banquet halls or outdoor venues. The dress code is usually festive ethnic, with a wide range from very traditional lehengas to contemporary fusion. A handmade kurta co-ord set or a flowing block print dress from HoH works beautifully — festive enough for the occasion, distinctive enough to stand out.
UK — Navratri and Diwali Events
The British-Indian community has a strong festive culture, and events tend to be well-dressed affairs. Jewel-toned handmade kurtas with rich fabrics and artisan prints are a great choice — they photograph beautifully in the indoor lighting typical of UK event venues.
UAE — Festive Gatherings and House Parties
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have a large Indian community with a strong festive social calendar. Climate considerations matter here — choose breathable fabrics for outdoor events and richer textures for air-conditioned indoor venues. HoH's variety of fabric options makes it easy to find the right piece for the UAE's unique climate context.
HOH — The NRI's Link to Handmade India
At Haus of Handmade, we've always known that many of our most passionate customers are Indian women living abroad. HoH is not just a clothing brand for them — it's a connection to Indian craft, to artisan tradition, and to the idea that the clothes you wear for Indian festivals should feel genuinely Indian. We ship internationally and work hard to make the online shopping experience as easy as possible for NRI customers.
Explore our complete collection and order in time for your next festive occasion, wherever in the world you're celebrating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Haus of Handmade ship internationally?
Yes, Haus of Handmade ships to international destinations including the US, UK, UAE, Canada, and Australia. Check the website for current shipping timelines and rates for your specific country. We recommend ordering 3–4 weeks before your event to allow sufficient delivery time.
What should NRIs wear to Navratri garba events abroad?
Handmade kurtas in festive block prints, co-ord sets in jewel tones, or flowing ethnic dresses are all excellent choices. They're comfortable for dancing, look genuinely festive, and are far easier to travel with than a structured lehenga. Choose fabrics appropriate for the climate of your country.
How do I get the right size when ordering ethnic wear online from India?
Use a measuring tape to take accurate bust, waist, hip, and length measurements and compare them carefully against the brand's size guide. For made-to-order brands like Haus of Handmade, you can often provide exact measurements to ensure a proper fit rather than relying on standard sizing.
Why do NRIs prefer Indian handmade brands over local ethnic wear stores?
Handmade Indian brands offer superior craftsmanship, authentic fabrics, and genuine artisan provenance that local ethnic wear stores abroad cannot match. For NRIs who want their festive clothing to feel like a real connection to Indian craft tradition — not a costume — handmade brands are the clear choice.
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