I recently went to India. And, as expected, did a lot of shopping for myself and my partner. Since I had some time in hand, I decided to skip the usual shopping stops a nd curate our wardrobes with a mix of homegrown brands and local markets.
The reason? I love pieces designed for real life, built to last and capable of breaking the monotony of mass-produced fast fashion.
What did that get me in return? A lot of compliments in Toronto- from shop owners, at coffee shops and even on the streets.
Well, Torontonians never fail to compliment you when they genuinely like something!
So, I decided not to gatekeep and share the things I shopped for in India.
If you're planning a trip to India anytime soon and want to build a wardrobe that makes a subtle, authentic statement, here's my insider shopping guide.
1. SAADAA- for everyday authentic cotton I actually want to wear
I discovered SAADAA three years ago, when they had a much more limited range of cotton pants. I was a little hesitant to buy from them then.
Fast-forward to 2026, and they have a much wider range. My only regret? I should have bought more.
I already have their T-shirts and pants in almost every colour. They still have shirts and linen pieces on my list to try.
For me, SAADAA is about super-comfortable everyday clothing that is stylish without making you put in extra effort. The cotton T-shirts and pants I bought are 100% cotton, and that was the whole point of buying them.
Shop here if: you want comfortable cotton basics that can actually become part of your everyday wardrobe.
Brownie points: I love that their clothing tag says "Made in Jaipur." Being a Jaipurite, it definitely makes me feel proud. Even better, the tags are made from seed paper. You can cut them up and plant them. I've already planted three, and two of them have bloomed.
2. The Souled Store and Bewakoof - because casual doesn't have to mean boring!
80% of my life is spent in casuals. But casual, for me, doesn't mean boring baggy jeans and T-shirts.
Both are homegrown Indian brands with a strong focus on casual, everyday fashion. The Souled Store is particularly known for pop-culture merchandise and original designs, while Bewakoof describes itself as a homegrown Indian fashion brand with in-house design and manufacturing.
I have been shopping from both for almost four years now, and my current collection includes dresses, shirts, T-shirts, jeans, joggers, sweaters for autumn, jackets and shorts.
The only regret? My luggage limit didn't allow me to buy the coolest sneakers from The Souled Store!
Shop from these brands if: you want clothes that don't look predictable and add a little personality in your wardrobe.
3. Campus- Because I want comfort, not a big logo
I'm not even sure how many years it has been, but I've been going to Campus for my walking shoes and sneakers for a long time. And almost every year, I end up getting at least one pair.
Blame it on my ever-growing shoe collection!
I love the range they offer across different price points. More importantly, these are shoes I actually wear every day. Not something I buy for a concert and wear once a year.
Campus positions itself as an Indian sports and athleisure footwear brand, and focus on comfortable, durable and stylish footwear at accessible prices.
Shop here if: you want everyday sneakers and walking shoes without feeling like you have to pay international-brand prices for comfort.
4. Westside- I don't think I will ever not visit this store!
Do I want something? No.
Will I go to Westside? Yes.
And I'm almost certain I'll end up buying either clothes or one of their handbags. On days when I'm adulting hard, their home collection is where all my money goes.
Westside range covers apparel, footwear, beauty, accessories and home. The brand describes its collections as trend-led and accessible.
It is budget-friendly and trendy. There is something for different age groups and occasions. I never enter a Westside store with a specific shopping list. But I almost always leave with things I didn't know I needed.
Shop here if: you want a little bit of everything and don't want your entire shopping trip to turn into a luxury purchase.
5. Zouk- the Handbag that beats any high-end brand
In two weeks, at least five people asked me, "Where is that from?"
That says enough.
Zouk's bags combine contemporary shapes with Indian-inspired fabrics such as Ikat, Jute and Khadi. The brand says its products are made using vegan leather and handcrafted Indian fabrics, with materials sourced from different parts of India.
I bought my bags from Zouk because I wanted exactly that combination: something practical, but not something everyone else is carrying. The prints make them stand out. And apparently, other people notice them too.
6. GIVA: it redefined my love for silver jewellery
If you are close to me, you would know about my love for silver over gold jewellery.
When I first came across GIVA almost four years ago, I gifted myself two pairs of earrings. Since then, my collection has grown to five pairs of earrings, two pairs of oxidised earrings, five rings, four necklaces and two bracelets from the brand.
GIVA is an Indian jewellery brand known for its silver, gold and lab-grown diamond collections. Its silver jewellery includes 925 sterling silver, and the brand provides its BIS registration details on its website. I love the brand for its designs, accessible pricing and the fact that the pieces are easy to wear every day.
Shop here if: you like jewellery you can actually wear on an ordinary Tuesday or to work.
7. Block Print Supremacy- something I would pick over brand logos
Now that we're done talking about brands, let's not forget the real hero of any Indian shopping recommendation: the local markets.
This is where I got my block-printed bedsheets that completely uplifted the vibe of my bedroom. I also picked up quilts, jackets, tablecloths and other textiles that make me feel a little more at home on foreign land.
My only suggestion to anyone visiting Jaipur's local markets is this: have plenty of time in hand and don't shop in a hurry. Look at the prints. Touch the fabric. Compare a few shops. Negotiate. And you'll have a much better chance of finding something you genuinely love at a good price.
Final Tip for Shopping In India
Now that I shared my favourites, here are few quick tips to help you plan the shopping better:
- Order Online Ahead of Time: Most D2C brands (like SAADAA, Zouk, GIVA, and The Souled Store) deliver within 3–5 business days across major Indian cities. But sometimes, they take 7–10 days. Have items delivered to your hotel or host address early in your trip.
- Don't compromise on the Fabric: Stick to pure cottons, linens, and silk blends. They are easy to carry and wear comfortably anywhere in the world.
- Leave Luggage Space: Pack light when you're coming to India. India has plenty of places to shop, and if you're anything like me, you'll probably end up taking a lot more home than you planned.