Our Story

In July 2019, The Saree Library LK was founded as a solution to the age-old problem of women feeling like they have "nothing to wear." At the time, clothing rentals in Sri Lanka were limited to bridal-wear, groomsmen or gentlemen who needed a suit or tux for hire, conveniently excluding the average female customer. Not only was purchasing second-hand considered a "taboo", but the concept of renting was seen as a reflection of one's class and social status. The Saree Library sought to change this stigma by raising awareness about renting as a sustainable and conscious approach to women's clothing solutions.

Starting with just 23 sarees from the founder's personal collection, The Saree Library has grown steadily over time. The idea for The business came about when founder Afrah realized that most women, like herself, did not want to be seen in the same saree more than once. ("outfit repeating" now being a concept she embraces and encourages wholeheartedly). In fact,  looking put together at a wedding or formal event was expensive, especially considering the cost of purchasing a new saree and hiring professional services for hair, makeup, and draping. 

With this in mind, The Saree Library was born - a wardrobe solution that was gentle on your pocket and the environment!  It was the perfect business venture and the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. 

What began with just 23 sarees, The Saree Library has grown from stride to stride with more pre-loved sarees in its growing inventory - donated by like-minded women who wish to be part of this close-knit community. This led to The Saree Library's "Suppliership Initiative" in 2019, which encourages women to share their own, unused sarees buried in closets as a way to breathe life into them once more generating shared profits from each saree rental.

In 2021, The Saree Library also launched a "Pre-loved Bridals Library" to help prospective brides find once-loved wedding attire for both rent and sale at bargain prices. 

Today, The Saree Library allows women and girls to access a virtual closet of over 100 Sarees, discover new designs and try new, yet pre-loved Sarees that do not take up space in their own wardrobes. Saree rental fees cater to all budgets so it's a win-win for everyone. All Sarees reach the customers professionally steam pressed and freshly laundered adhering to hygiene and safety guidelines. 

A Saree is probably one of the most inclusive garments on the Planet - a perfect, one size fits all for women irrespective of their body types or social backgrounds. The goal is to develop a community of like-minded, environmentally-conscious and fashionable women who wish to reduce their consumption and participate in the sharing economy, in helping reduce the waste associated with occasion-wear.