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COMPARISON

Myntra vs Ajio: Which Is Better for Ethnic Wear in 2026? (Tested by a Boutique Owner)

For ethnic wear in 2026, Myntra wins on sheer breadth of selection and brand variety — but Ajio consistently edges ahead on fabric quality and curated picks. As someone who sources ethnic wear daily for a boutique, I find Ajio's private labels (AVAASA, Indie picks) genuinely impressive for the price, while Myntra gives you faster delivery and a more recognisable brand roster. If you're shopping for a one-time occasion outfit under Rs 3000, go Myntra. If you're building a wardrobe and care about fabric, Ajio is worth the extra scroll. Both platforms run aggressive sales, so never buy at full price on either.

FactorMyntraAjio
Ethnic brand count1500+ brands900+ brands
Price range (kurtas)Rs 399 – Rs 25,000Rs 499 – Rs 18,000
Private label qualityAverage (HERE&NOW, Roadster)Strong (AVAASA, Indie)
Return window30 days30 days
Delivery speed1–3 days metro cities2–5 days
Sale discountsUp to 80% off EORSUp to 75% off Big Bold Sale
Fabric info on listingBasicDetailed with care instructions
Saree selectionExcellentVery good
Lehenga selectionExcellentGood
App experiencePolished, social featuresClean, straightforward

Brand Selection: Myntra's Wider Net vs Ajio's Curated Picks

Myntra carries over 1500 ethnic wear brands in 2026, from mass-market labels like Libas and Vero Moda to premium names like Biba, W, and Global Desi. You'll also find a handful of designer names here. Ajio's roster is smaller but arguably better curated — it carries Liva-certified brands, has a dedicated 'Indie' section for handcrafted labels, and its AVAASA private label genuinely punches above its Rs 699–Rs 1499 price point in terms of fabric and construction. For discovering new indie brands, Ajio is the better platform. For finding a specific mainstream brand quickly, Myntra wins.

Fabric Quality and Honest Listings

This is where Ajio genuinely differentiates itself. Product listings on Ajio include fabric composition, GSM weight for heavier fabrics, and wash care instructions. Myntra listings are improving but still inconsistent — you'll often find 'polyester' listed with no further detail. For ethnic wear where fabric is everything (nobody wants a scratchy chiffon dupatta), Ajio's transparency is a real advantage. Ajio also carries more Liva-certified viscose products, which drape beautifully and breathe well — important for Indian summers.

Pricing and Sales Strategy

Both platforms work on heavy discount cycles. Myntra's End of Reason Sale (EORS) in June and December routinely goes up to 80% off and is the single best time to buy ethnic wear online. Ajio's Big Bold Sale typically maxes at 75% but often has better prices on premium brands. Day-to-day pricing is comparable — a Biba straight kurta runs Rs 1299–Rs 2499 on both platforms. One Myntra advantage: it frequently offers extra bank card discounts (10–20% off with HDFC, ICICI) that stack with sale prices.

Who Should Buy

  • Choose Myntra if you want the widest selection and fastest delivery for a specific occasion outfit
  • Choose Ajio if fabric quality and care instructions matter more than brand variety
  • Choose Ajio if you're interested in indie or handcrafted ethnic labels
  • Choose Myntra if you hold an HDFC or ICICI bank card and want to maximise discount stacking

Skip If

  • Skip both for heavy bridal lehengas above Rs 15,000 — visit a physical store or designer directly
  • Skip Myntra if you need detailed fabric info before buying — listings can be vague
  • Skip Ajio if you need same-day or next-day delivery — Myntra's logistics are faster

Returns, Exchanges, and Customer Service

Both platforms offer 30-day returns for most ethnic wear. Myntra's return pickup is generally faster (1–2 days) and refunds process in 3–5 working days. Ajio's returns are similarly smooth but pickup can take 3–4 days in smaller cities. One important caveat: both platforms exclude certain sale items from returns — always check the return policy badge on the product listing, especially during major sales.

OUR VERDICT

Myntra wins for variety, speed, and occasion shopping on a budget. Ajio wins for fabric quality, curated indie brands, and shoppers who read the label before they buy. In practice, I use both — Myntra for volume shopping during EORS, Ajio for finding that well-made everyday kurta that actually holds its shape after ten washes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for buying sarees online, Myntra or Ajio?

Myntra has a slightly larger saree catalogue in 2026, but Ajio offers better fabric details and care instructions per listing. For premium or handloom sarees, Ajio's Indie section is worth checking. For quantity and variety at sale prices, Myntra's EORS is hard to beat.

Does Ajio or Myntra have better quality ethnic wear?

Ajio generally edges ahead on quality consistency, especially its AVAASA private label and Liva-certified products. Myntra's quality varies more widely because it carries a larger number of sellers, so you need to read reviews carefully.

Is Ajio cheaper than Myntra for kurtas?

Day-to-day prices are very similar on both. Myntra can be cheaper during its EORS when bank card discounts stack. Ajio's Big Bold Sale offers comparable discounts on premium ethnic brands.

Which app has better returns for ethnic wear?

Both offer 30-day returns. Myntra's pickup tends to be faster in metro cities. Always check the return eligibility badge on the product page during sale events, as some discounted items may not be returnable.

Can I trust size charts on Myntra and Ajio?

Size charts are reliable on both platforms, but ethnic wear sizing can still vary by brand. Check customer photos and size-specific reviews — both apps show these. When in doubt, size up for kurtas and salwar suits.

Does Ajio sell handloom or handcrafted ethnic wear?

Yes, Ajio's 'Indie' section is specifically curated for handcrafted, handloom, and artisanal Indian brands. It's one of Ajio's strongest differentiators over Myntra for shoppers who care about craftsmanship.

Which platform is better for plus-size ethnic wear?

Myntra has expanded its plus-size (3XL–5XL) ethnic range more aggressively in 2026. Brands like Libas, Aurelia, and W list extended sizes on Myntra. Ajio's plus-size ethnic selection is growing but still smaller.