A waist chain (also called a kamarbandh or belly chain) is one of the easiest ways to make a festive outfit look special. It defines your waist, catches the light when you move and looks beautiful in photos. Here is how to wear one with confidence.
What is a waist chain?
A waist chain is a piece of jewellery worn around the waist or over the hips. Traditional kamarbandhs are heavy and broad. Modern waist chains are lighter, with fine links and charms, so you can wear them for hours at a wedding, puja or party.
How to wear a waist chain with a saree
- Drape your saree first, then place the chain over the saree at your natural waist, just above the navel.
- Let it sit over the pleats so it holds them neatly in place.
- Pick a gold-tone chain for silk and Banarasi sarees, and a silver or oxidised chain for cotton and handloom sarees.
Golden Sunflower Charm Waist Chain
How to wear a waist chain with a lehenga
- Wear it on the bare waist between the blouse and the skirt for a glamorous look, or over the skirt waistband for a softer look.
- Charm and coin styles, like our Aira Vintage Coin Waist Chain, look lovely for sangeet, garba and mehendi.
Aira Vintage Coin Waist Chain
How to wear a waist chain with dresses and crop tops
- Over a plain maxi or slip dress, a fine chain worn slightly low on the hips adds a boho touch.
- With a crop top and high-waist jeans or skirt, let the chain sit just above the waistband. Perfect for beach holidays and parties.
Which waist chain style should you choose?
- Fine single chain: subtle and modern. Good for dresses and first-time wearers.
- Charm chain: sunflower, halo or geometric charms add movement. Try the Golden Sunflower Charm Waist Chain.
- Statement chain: layered or textured links make a bold festive statement, like the Textured Halo Charm Waist Chain.
Textured Halo Charm Waist Chain
Getting the fit right
Most modern waist chains have an adjustable extender chain. Try it on over the outfit you will wear, because a saree adds a little width at the waist. The chain should sit flat without pinching or sliding down.
Make the look complete
Pair your waist chain with an arm cuff (bajuband) and an anklet for a full festive set.
Daisy Duo Upper Arm Cuff
Browse all styles in our waist chain collection.