A sari clad junior was stopped to consider, "Why do you wear a sari?
These are some of the answers she came up with:
1. "I don't feel as comfortable in western clothes."
She said, "I've tried. I really have. I got a closet full of western clothes that well meaning people give to me. They must think I have none- "Poor thing". But the clothes are often immodest and so, while observing in public places the clothing worn by women today, in often very tight clothing with much of their body exposed, I feel I'd rather be stared at for wearing a sari!"
2. Saris are pretty and feminine.
She also noted that many western women in public places wear mostly somber and solid colors of black and grey. And very often they dress a lot like men. Saris, on the other hand, are usually more colorful and feminine. Even more cheerful looking.
3. Clothes are a part of our identity.
"If I want to dress modestly according to western standards, I still feel out of place because I don't care for looking like a Bohemian or a Christian, so the biggest reason for wearing a sari is when, after many, many years of following the path of devotional service, you totally identify yourself as a servant of Guru and Krishna... And wearing a sari pleases them."
4. Saris are worn in the spiritual world. AND they cover their heads!
"My latest inspiration is from Sri Vrndavan Mahimamrta, in which author Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura describes a maidservant of Srimati Radhika:
"A cluster of jewels hangs from the end of her enchanting braid. She repeatedly covers her breasts and her head with her cloth..." Sataka 10.91
A similar example, although that of a cowherd, is the example of Gopa Kumara from Brhad Bhagavatamrta. In Vaikuntha, the residents there asked him to dress more like them. But Gopa stick to his cowherd dress due to his great attachment for his worshipable deity, Madana Gopal. He only identified with Him.
Of course, living in America, there still are other challenges that may tempt us to don the western dress, but mostly for convenience. Take for example, airports. Especially during a busy season, you just might miss your flight after getting stopped in an airport and frisked three different times behind a screen before being allowed to board a plane! True story. Or you might create a panic when you tell a store clerk you need to leave your shopping cart full of unattended packages for a few minutes because you forgot your wallet. Or let's say you want to go on sankirtana with other devotees rather than always alone. Many devotees prefer being undercover wearing western clothing, so you may not be a welcome sight when you accompany them.
Yes, sari wearing can sometimes make one feel like the last of the Mohicans.
But overall, sari wearing is a personal statement for loving Krishna, and you're helping to bring the world's greatest fashion statement to the west!
Rambhoru mataji (ACBSP) reasons can be found here which include:A sari pleases Srila Prabhupada. He also specified his women followers to use the sari-wrap worn by Brahmins for temple service.
Srila Prabhupada mentions in the Caitanya Caritamrta that devotees can wear the attire of the materialists for preaching Krsna consciousness, especially while distributing books. However, Srila Prabhupada himself, although preaching, seldom used non-devotional dress