How To Wear/Drape A Saree

How To Wear/Drape A Saree

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world with different languages, cuisine, music, and style of draping a traditional saree differently. Though fashion trends in India change frequently one thing that remains constant is the classic and evergreen traditional Indian sarees. For ages, sarees have always been the best piece of clothing among Indian women. From Marathi sarees to Gujarati, Bengali to Kerala, women love wearing these traditional ethnic outfits on almost every occasion to reflect their beauty and elegance. There is no wonder that sarees can make any woman look glorified and is one of the most stylish Indian outfits ever introduced.

India is home to different saree varieties and styles but when it comes to draping a saree perfectly and differently, it is always a matter of dilemma for women. As there are several ways you can wear or drape a traditional saree, it leads women in a state of confusion to pick up the right saree style to wear on different occasions. Although draping a saree is a well-known fact by all Indian women but the different innovative styles to drape is not everyone’s cup of tea. A perfectly draped saree brings a fascinated look which all women look for.

Here we have brought some of our top picks for wearing sarees differently so that you can twist your traditional Indian look with a modern touch.

1. How to wear a Bengali Saree?

Bangali sarees are well-known for their royal and religious looks reflecting their Bangali culture. Women in the Bengali culture love wearing these sarees on every traditional or casual occasion. Jamdani and tussar silk sarees are one of the most famous and recognizable saree draping styles. Unlike usual Indian saree draping styles, Bengali sarees are draped with box pleats in front while the pallu comes on both shoulders. First, it comes from the back on the left shoulder and then on the right one. It helps Bengali ladies tying/carrying a bunch of keys on the end of the pallu. A bright big round Bindi is the main embellishment of these sarees. Here is how you can wear a Bengali saree:

  • First, start wrapping the saree end around your waist from the right side and take one full round back to the left side.
  • Then, hold the open edge and tuck the saree across from the right side of the waist to the left side and then reverse it from left to right.
  • Then repeat the step twice and make pallu pleats.
  • Put the pleats on your left shoulder to give it a deep U shape in the front.
  • Now hold the corner of the pallu and tie a trinket to it
  • Put the pallu edge on your right shoulder by taking the front under the right arm and you are all set. This is the way you can drape a perfect Bengali saree.

You can give a compliment to your Bengali style saree by wearing Gold jewelry, a matching nose ring, and a heavy golden clutch. Keep the makeup light and go for authentic hairstyles. Do not forget the Bengali fashion statement to add ie. Bindi.

How to wear a Bengali Saree

2. How to wear a Gujarati Saree?

Bandhani, and  Patola are some of the most popular Gujarati sarees among women. Also known as Siddha pallu sarees, ladies of all age groups like to dress up in authentic Gujarati sarees and allure their traditional look by draping them in their unique styles. Available in bright colors and Gota-Patti embroidery, the interesting thing about these sarees is that the saree pallu comes in the front which gives us a voluminous and more traditional and graceful look. Here are the basic steps to wear sarees in Gujarati styles:

  • The basic step of wearing these sarees starts from tucking it in the petticoat from right to left till you get the edge to the front.
  • The next step is to make pleats and tuck them perfectly facing the right side.
  • Now the pallu and make pleats
  • Now bring it to the front around from the back over your right shoulder and pin it up. Release the pleats in the front for a heavy look.
  • You can pin up the hanging pleats to place them neatly. You can use a chiffon or georgette saree to wear it in Gujarati style.

You must go for heavy golden jewelry to match with the heavy Gujarati sarees. Make a Juda and decorate it with typical gajra style. Wear heavy jhumkas, bangles, and high-heels.

How to wear a Gujarati Saree

3. How to wear a Maharashtrian Saree?

Apart from cultural activities, Maharashtra is also famous for one more reason, Nauvari sarees. Thinking about the nauvari saree, we are reminded of the popular folk dance of Maharashtra, Lavni which perfectly depicts this saree draping style. The word Nauvari stands for “nine yards”. This Maharashtrian saree style is quite popular among Indian women for its unusual draping pattern. It is worn like a dhoti with one end from behind to front between the legs by tucking it around the waist. The upper part is draped like a normal saree. You can choose from a wide range of colors with varied embroidery.

  • The traditional draping style of the saree is known as Kashta. You should choose a cotton saree for this in any color with wide borders.
  • Make the pleats of the pallu and pin them.
  • Take the nine yards saree and wrap one end of the saree around your waist at the back. Then bring the end from front to right side and tie a knot. Now place the pallu pleats at the left shoulder from the front side and pin at the blouse.
  • Now take the left portion by bringing it between your legs.
  • Take the other side and tuck it in the front. Keep pleats apart and secure them with a safety pin.

Nath is the traditional fashion statement of these sarees, so do not ignore it. You can choose from a variety of styles and designs available in Nath. Wear choker with beads and pearls. For a traditional look, wear Kolhapuri Chappal.

How to wear a Maharashtrian Saree

4. How to wear a south Indian saree?

Kanjeevaram, Mysore silk, and Kerala kasavu are the most popular south Indian sarees known for their vibrant colors and the big border with heavy embellishments. South India is often synonymous with silk sarees. The most important part of south Indian culture, south Indian sarees are becoming a favorite of every Indian woman across the world for their elegance, style, and grace. As they are made from pure silk, they are lightweight, easier to carry, and give a traditional look to be worn at any function or occasion. These sarees can be paired up with a heavy blouse for a glamorous look. Here is how you can wear a saree in the south-Indian style.

  • Take the edge of the saree and wrap it around your waist. Tie a firm knot at the center of your waist.
  • Now take the shorter side of the saree and make firm pleats. Tuck one edge of the pleats at the back by bringing it between the legs. The rest of the width will be placed over the left side and the last pleat you need to tuck at the front.
  • Now arrange the saree again from the front and take them at the back between the legs. Now tuck the border edge at the back and bring the rest of the saree to the front.
  • Place pallu over your left shoulder across the front from the right and tuck at the waist. Make sure that the borders on the right and left side of the saree should be of the same length.

To complete your look, do not forget to wear Maang Tikka. It flaunts the entire look of your saree. Also, you must go for heavy earrings such as Jhumkas and chandbalis. They go very well with these south Indian sarees. Go easy with makeup and adore your neck with an elegant necklace. For a modern look, you can wear a Kamar bandh also.

How to wear a south Indian saree

5. How to wear Manipuri silk sarees?

The phanek and Innaphi are the two traditional manipuri sarees in Manipur culture. Phanek is just like a sarong or a wrapped-around skirt mainly of two types – the meitei phanek and the tribal phanek. While Innaphi is a wrap for the upper body. Phanek is available in cotton, silk, and other fabrics with horizontal stripes and floral borders while Innaphi has subtle floral designs worn like a dupatta. Phaneks are comfortable to wear and you can choose different types of designer Manipuri phaneks to flaunt your ethnic look with elegance and style.

How to wear a Manipuri silk sarees

These are some of the most popular traditional sarees from the different parts of India and easier ways to wear or drape them. Visit Stylecaret to choose from the best traditional ethnic sarees at an affordable range and glorify your traditional look.

Also Read: 10 Types of Sarees to Rock the Traditional Occasions

Also Read: Ethnic Wear For Your First Lohri

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