The saree is an Indian woman’s wardrobe staple. Girls are dressed in half sarees from a young age, and then at their 10^th standard graduation, they are taught how to drape a saree as they enter adulthood. SareSagaa brings to you a guide that gives you the vision to style your saree in the most graceful way ever. Saree draping is seen as a rite of passage for a young girl. And it continues for the rest of her life. While wearing a saree is a unique experience, tying one requires skill and know-how. Getting the pleats right. Wearing the pallu in the most flattering way. These are all mysteries that must be demystified.

Wrapping a saree is an art. While you are wondering how to drape a saree gracefully, it all lies in the steps. As you achieve all the pleats, folds, and wraps perfectly, you will exude an elegant look. Once you gain confidence in saree tying and draping, you will look like perfection. The art of saree draping involves skill and precision, as the way it is draped can greatly impact the overall appearance of the wearer. A well-draped saree look enhances the body’s natural curves and creates a flattering silhouette.

Things you need before draping a saree

First things first, you need to have all the necessary things before you hysterically grab your saree and start draping it like a 7-year-old. Remember, saree draping is an art.

1. Obviously the essentials – saree, blouse, and a petticoat

2. Safety pins – a lot of them. No, just around 3-4

3. Footwear, keep it accessible. You will thank us!

That’s it, now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of “How to drape a saree?”

Learn The Art Of Saree Draping In 4 Easy Steps

Read on to learn how to drape a saree step by step so that even novices can get it done. If you are a beginner, the first thing you need to do is find a cotton saree or one that is not too silky that it slips through your fingers easily.

Explore How To Drape A Saree And Become An Expert In Saree Draping:

Step 1 – Tying the inner petticoat and securing the waist

Wear your blouse and petticoat. Ensure your blouse elevates the saree, while the underskirt should be the same color as the saree. The key is to wear your petticoat to a comfortable height and ensure it is firm on your waist. Some like to tie their saree above the navel and some slightly below, you decide. But a good suggestion would be to wear it above because you can always bring it down a little more easily than the other way.

Step 2 – Learning To ‘Tuck’ Into Saree Draping 

Begin draping your saree from the fall end. 

• The saree fall should be at your feet while you hold the top of that part of the saree against your belly button. 
• Begin near your right elbow and place the saree against you till it reaches your left elbow. Now adjust the height of the saree. 
• Ensure the saree almost covers your feet. Keep in mind the height of the footwear you will wear with the saree. 
• Now tuck the saree into your underskirt starting from your right elbow. 
• Tuck it in securely and ensure that there are no unsightly bumps where the saree has bunched up. 
• Tuck the saree around your waist, around your back, and back to your belly button.

Step 3 – Draping Saree With Perfect Pleats

This detailed guide on how to wear sarees for beginners covers the basics of saree draping. 

• Take the saree around you again without tucking it in, and place the pallu over your left shoulder. Adjust the height of the pallu till you are comfortable. 
• Now, keeping the pallu in place, pull the part of the saree closest to your neck tight around your chest and around your back till you reach your belly button. 
• Pleat the saree holding it between the index finger and the thumb, and keep the pleats your index finger length for perfect pleats that give a slim look. 
• Make around 5-8 pleats depending on the saree fabric and tuck them inside your petticoat at the centre or a little towards the left. Secure the pleats with a safety pin.

Step 4 – The Perfect Saree Draping, Tying It All Together 

You have 2 choices, either you can leave the pallu just as is or pleat it. If you want a floating pallu then you are good. You can hold the end of the pallu on your right or just let it loose on the left shoulder as it is. If you want to have your pallu pleated then you can make vertical pleats (5 or so) and let the border (if any) remain visible and secure it with a pin on your left shoulder. 

Pinning the pallu and pleats on your lower drape is also essential to keep them in place, else they will unravel if you accidentally step on them. Those are the two main places where you need to use pins. You can choose to add more pins depending on the style of saree you are wearing and your level of comfort.

Explore other saree draping styles: Bengali Saree Draping |

 

Saree Draping Tips

You have learned how to tie a saree perfectly, but does the entire nation drape it this way? We know that India is a land of diverse cultures, and saree draping is no different. There are several variations to flaunt your region’s heritage. Here are some Different Saree Draping Styles Across India

Nivi Style of Saree Draping

This is the most commonly used saree draping style, originated in Andhra Pradesh. It displays a pleated saree tucked in the middle of the waistline and draped neatly over your left shoulder. This creates a beautiful flow at the back.

Bengali Style of Saree Draping

The style is appreciated for its elaborate pleats and a draped pallu travelling from the back to the right shoulder.

Gujarati Style of Saree Draping

A Gujarati drape has pleats cluttered at the waist, while the pallu is set across the right shoulder.

Maharashtrian Style of Saree Draping

Maharashtrian or Nauvari saree is a forever graceful style. It doesn’t have pleats and the pallu is sophisticatedly tucked at the back.

Seems quite easy? It might not be at least for the first time, but with practice, it will be. For, women in India have been wearing saree for years and all they had to do master saree draping is do it once and then do it again and again.