How to drape a saree
In ethnic wear, sarees have been dominating for hundreds of years now. However, the way of draping a saree perfectly is an art. It might seem easy, but in reality, there is always a touch of fineness involved when it comes to draping a saree. It has been a long-standing custom to wear a saree that has been handed down from generation to generation and is worn in different ways and styles depending on the states of India - each telling a tale of the heritage that is totally rich from which it came.
A lot of women love wearing a saree as traditional Indian wear, but when it comes to draping it as a nine-yard-long cloth, they get intimidated. This might seem tricky at the beginning, but draping a saree can be done with ease.
The draping art of a saree is pretty exclusive and has been mastered by our ancestors for years and has passed on that tradition from one generation to another one in the most loving manner.
So if a person is new to the idea of draping a saree and is concerned, they need to break the process into simple steps and make it easy for themselves by reading the process here, with us.
A saree is worn over a petticoat, also known as an underskirt, and a blouse. Nivi style is the most popular type of draped saree, the body is what forms the pleats and the base, and then the ‘palla’, also called ‘aanchal’ is embellishing or finishing touch lying down from the shoulder.
Different varieties of draping styles for a saree:
A lot of experiments have been performed on contemporary saree draping styles. Some are described below:
1. Traditional Indian Nivi Style of draping
Nivi style is a classic and traditional style of draping a saree it has been originated in Andhra Pradesh and now it is universally accepted and also admired. In order to style this draping saree, you need a well-fitting blouse, a saree that is fashionable, and a petticoat to go with it.
2. Bengali Saree Style
To drape a typical Bengali saree, you wear the pallu wrapped around your body two times with two wide pleats styled in front of you. It may look like a tough process to drape a saree, but in fact, it is pretty easy to master.
3. Gujarati style of saree
Gujarati style of draping a saree is quite similar to the nivi style of draping, except for the pallu’s position which comes at the front and is kept pleated in an array for covering the bosom area in a complete manner. This style of saree has been popularized by the ads that run on a daily basis where the actresses often flaunt this Gujarati style of saree draping.
4. Kerala Saree Style
The classic style of Kerala draping of saree comes in two parts, the Periyathum, and the Mundu. When a saree is draped in this style classic way, it gives out a kind of sophisticated and elegant look.
5. Maharashtrian style of saree
The great factor of this Maharashtrian style of draping the saree is the comfort in movement that it provides. In place of a petticoat, you can manage to wear this saree style easily over your favorite pair of bermudas or shorts.
6. Lehenga saree style
If a person is confused between a saree or a lehenga, she can simply choose to wear this style of a saree which goes best for someone with a curvaceous body type.
7. Butterfly Saree Style
This style of saree draping is quite common amongst Bollywood stars, they usually wear it to award functions and red-carpet events in many flaunting styles.
8. Mumtaz Saree Style
This type of style of saree was once draped by the actress Mumtaz in the 80s, thus based on her name, the trend of this saree has again made a comeback in contemporary times with a bang. It is kind of a retro look that can be flaunted for functions or cocktail parties.
9. Rajrani Saree Style
The name of this saree itself gives out a royal elegance to it. This type of saree style is worn in the Gujarati way with a touch of variation as its pallu is styled.
Step-by-step process of draping a saree:
1. Start the process of draping a saree by wearing a blouse and a petticoat. Tuck the saree in the waistband of the petticoat, with the saree’s right side facing inwards.
2. Cover your waist with the saree and bring it to your back, and then drape the leftover (pallu) over your left shoulder.
3. With the remaining fabric of a saree, make 5-7 pleats, hold them together, and tuck them into the waistband of your petticoat at the front.
4. Take the remaining draped portion of the cloth of a saree and bring it from behind over your head and let it fall over your right shoulder.
5. Then the length of the saree should be adjusted as necessary so that the edge that comes at the bottom of the saree is found to be grazing on the ground.
6. You may use safety pins in securing the pleats and the draped part of the saree in place, if desired or necessary.
7. You may complete the look by adding additional accessories like bangles, earrings, necklaces, etc.
8. Remember, the way of draping a saree is found in many different ways that depend upon the occasion and region you are in.
