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Indian clothing stores on Markham Road: a guide to sarees, lehengas and suits, and where to buy them
Looking for Indian or Pakistani clothing in Markham? Newtown Square North, at Markham Road and 14th Avenue (opposite Costco), has 13 South Asian clothing and bridal stores in one plaza, with free parking. Before you go, here is a quick guide to the main styles, how to choose for the occasion, and what to ask in store.
A quick guide to South Asian outfits
Saree
A long length of unstitched fabric, usually around five and a half metres, draped around the waist and over the shoulder. It is worn with a fitted blouse and a petticoat. Many sarees come with a matching piece of fabric that a tailor stitches into the blouse to your measurements. Silk sarees such as Kanchipuram and Banarasi are wedding favourites, while georgette and chiffon are lighter for parties.
Lehenga
A long, flared skirt worn with a fitted blouse (choli) and a dupatta, a long scarf draped over the shoulder or head. Lehengas are a classic choice for weddings, sangeet nights and festivals. Bridal lehengas are often red or maroon with heavy embroidery such as zardozi, which uses metallic thread.
Salwar kameez (salwar suit)
A long tunic (kameez) worn with trousers and a dupatta. The trousers vary: loose salwar, close-fitting churidar, or wide palazzo pants. Suits range from everyday cotton to heavily embroidered party wear.
Anarkali
A floor-length kameez that flares from the waist like a gown, usually worn with churidar.
Sharara and gharara
Wide, flowing trousers popular in Pakistani and Lucknowi fashion, worn with a short kameez and a dupatta. A sharara flares from the waist; a gharara fits to the knee and then flares out, often with a decorative band at the knee.
Afghan dress
Traditional Afghan dresses for women are known for bright colours, mirror work and detailed embroidery. The traditional men's outfit, perahan tunban, pairs a long shirt with loose trousers.
Menswear
A kurta (a long shirt) with pyjama trousers is the classic choice for festivals and pujas. The sherwani, a long structured coat, is worn by grooms and for formal weddings, and a Nehru jacket over a kurta gives a smart, simpler look. In Pakistani fashion, the shalwar kameez is often paired with a waistcoat.
How to choose an outfit for the occasion
- Wedding guest. Lehengas, anarkalis, sarees and embroidered suits all work. Many families think of bright red as the bride's colour, so guests often choose other shades.
- Bride. Red, maroon and deep pink are traditional for the main ceremony at many North Indian and Pakistani weddings, while mehndi outfits are often yellow or green and reception looks lighter. Allow plenty of time, and ask the store about lead times for custom or ordered pieces.
- Diwali, Eid and other festivals. A new, festive outfit is part of the celebration: a silk saree, a lehenga or a bright embroidered suit, and a kurta or sherwani for men.
- Pujas and religious events. Many people choose a modest, comfortable outfit with a dupatta, such as a cotton or silk suit.
- Canadian winters. Plan for layers. A shawl, a jacket over a kurta, or a heavier fabric such as velvet keeps a winter wedding outfit warm.
What to ask in store
- Fit: Is the blouse or kameez stitched to measure, and is alteration included?
- Timing: How long do stitching and custom orders take, and when should you come back for a fitting?
- Fabric and work: What is the fabric, and is the embroidery done by hand or by machine?
- Care: Does the outfit need dry cleaning?
- Returns: What is the exchange or return policy? Policies vary between stores, so ask before you pay.
Jewellery to match
Popular festive jewellery includes Kundan (stones set in gold foil), Polki-style pieces, jhumkas (bell-shaped earrings), the maang tikka (a forehead ornament) and bangles. For outfits you will wear again and again, artificial jewellery is a practical choice. Z Jewellery, 50 Karachi Drive (Unit 54), carries artificial jewellery featuring Cubic Zirconia, Kundan, Polki and American Diamond designs, and Zegen Boutique sells jewellery alongside its clothing.
The clothing and bridal stores at Newtown Square North
Sarees and salwar suits
- Rangoli Silks, 7595 Markham Road, Unit 6: sarees and salwar suits celebrating the clothing traditions of India and Sri Lanka.
- Silk Couture, 7595 Markham Road, Unit 1: clothing store.
Pakistani clothing and bridal wear
- Zegen Boutique, 50 Karachi Drive, Units 51 and 55: Pakistani clothing, including formal, casual, wedding and bridal wear, alongside jewellery.
- Karizma Collection, 150 New Delhi Drive, Unit 42: Pakistani clothing and bridal wear.
Bridal stores
- Bridal Karizma, 150 New Delhi Drive, Unit 41: bridal clothing.
- Dulhan, 30 Karachi Drive, Unit 71: bridal shop.
Afghan clothing
- Mehek Fashions, 50 Karachi Drive, Unit 58: Afghan clothing for women, men and children.
More boutiques
- Poshak Mahal, 150 New Delhi Drive, Units 38 and 44–45. Reflections Couture is located inside Poshak Mahal.
- Rangreza, 150 New Delhi Drive, Unit 36.
- Kohinoor Fashion, 150 New Delhi Drive, Units 46–47.
- Darzi, 150 New Delhi Drive, Unit 48.
- New Fashion Boutique, 30 Karachi Drive, Units 68 and 75–76.
Tips for shopping at the plaza
- Plan by building. Most boutiques are at 150 New Delhi Drive and at 30 and 50 Karachi Drive, a short walk apart. Rangoli Silks and Silk Couture face Markham Road at 7595.
- Bring a reference. A photo of the look you want, or a swatch of your accessories, helps staff find matching colours.
- Wear the right shoes. Lengths for lehengas, sarees and salwars depend on your heels.
- Leave time for alterations. Most formal outfits need a fitting. There are three alteration and tailoring shops in the same plaza.
- Call ahead. Hours vary by store. Each store page shows the hours and phone number we have on file.
How do I get to Newtown Square North?
- Where: Markham Road at 14th Avenue in Markham, opposite Costco. Coming from Steeles Avenue, head north on Markham Road and turn onto Kirkham Drive for the plaza parking.
- Parking: ample free parking in the plaza.
- Transit: TTC 102D Markham Road, YRT 14 (14th Avenue) and YRT 2 (Milliken).
- Addresses: 10, 30 and 50 Karachi Drive; 150 and 160 New Delhi Drive; and 7595 Markham Road.
See Location & directions for a map.
FAQ
Are there Indian clothing stores on Markham Road in Markham?
Yes. Newtown Square North, at Markham Road and 14th Avenue (opposite Costco), has 13 South Asian clothing and bridal stores, including Rangoli Silks for sarees and salwar suits and several Pakistani and bridal boutiques.
What is the difference between a lehenga and a saree?
A saree is a single long length of fabric draped around the body and worn with a blouse and petticoat. A lehenga is a stitched outfit: a long flared skirt with a fitted blouse and a separate dupatta.
What is the difference between a sharara and a gharara?
Both are wide, flowing trousers. A sharara flares out from the waist, while a gharara fits closely to the knee and then flares out, often with a decorative band at the knee.
Where can I buy a saree in Markham?
Rangoli Silks at 7595 Markham Road, Unit 6, in Newtown Square North sells sarees and salwar suits celebrating the clothing traditions of India and Sri Lanka.
Where can I find Pakistani bridal wear in Markham?
Zegen Boutique (50 Karachi Drive) and Karizma Collection (150 New Delhi Drive) carry Pakistani clothing and bridal wear, and Bridal Karizma and Dulhan are bridal stores in the same plaza.
Is there parking at the plaza?
Yes. Newtown Square North has ample free parking.