How to Drape a Saree: 6 Easy Styles for Beginners | Pratap Sons Jaipur
A saree is one length of fabric, usually five to six metres, and it can be worn in dozens of ways. The first time can feel tricky, but the basic steps are simple, and once you learn them you can wear a saree for any occasion. This guide starts with the classic drape and then covers five other popular styles.
Before you start
- Wear the right underskirt. A fitted petticoat in a matching or neutral colour, tied at your natural waist, gives the saree a clean line.
- Wear the blouse and the shoes first. Heels change the length you need, so drape in the footwear you will wear.
- Keep pins ready. A few safety pins make pleats and the pallu stay put all day.
- Iron the saree. A crisp saree pleats much more easily.
Style 1: The Nivi drape (classic)
This is the most common saree style in India and the easiest to start with.
- Tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat at the right side of your waist, and wrap it once around the body so that the bottom just touches the floor.
- Bring the remaining cloth to the front and make 5 to 7 even pleats, each about a hand wide.
- Tuck the pleats into the waist so that they face left.
- Take the rest of the cloth around your back and over the left shoulder, with the pallu hanging down the back.
- Pin the pallu at the shoulder and adjust its length.
Style 2: Gujarati or seedha pallu
The pallu is brought from the back to the front over the right shoulder and spread across the chest. It shows off the pallu design, which makes it ideal for a heavily worked saree such as a Bandhani or a brocade.
Style 3: Bengali style
The saree is draped without pleats at the front. The pallu is taken across the body and over the left shoulder, with the loose end often pleated and carrying keys at the end. It looks graceful on cotton, silk and tant sarees.
Style 4: Maharashtrian or Nauvari
This style is worn with a nine-yard saree and passes between the legs like a dhoti, which makes it easy to move in. It is traditional at weddings and festivals in Maharashtra.
Style 5: Lehenga-style drape
The saree is pleated at the front like a skirt and the pallu is worn like a dupatta. It makes a saree look like a lehenga and is a good choice for sangeet and receptions.
Style 6: Pre-draped saree
Pre-draped sarees are stitched into a ready shape, so they can be worn in a few minutes. They are good for first-time wearers and busy events, and they are easy to dance in.
Which fabric is easiest to drape?
|
Fabric |
Ease of draping |
Best for |
|---|---|---|
|
Cotton |
Easy, holds pleats well |
Daily wear and summer |
|
Georgette |
Medium, soft and slippery |
Parties and evening wear |
|
Silk |
Medium, holds shape |
Weddings and festivals |
|
Chiffon |
Harder, very light |
Parties and photoshoots |
Five tips for a perfect drape
- Keep the pleats of the same width so they fall evenly.
- Make sure the hem just clears the floor with your shoes on.
- Pin the pallu at the shoulder and under the arm for a secure drape.
- Practise once at home before the event day.
- Fit the blouse well. A well-fitted blouse makes any drape look better.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a saree? Most sarees are five to six metres long, and Nauvari sarees are around nine yards.
Which saree drape is best for beginners? The Nivi drape is the easiest, and a pre-draped saree is even quicker.
How do I stop my saree from slipping? Use a well-fitted petticoat, tie it firmly and use two or three safety pins at the waist and shoulder.
Designers Sarees or Traditional Sarees which one is best for you?
If you really want to know which saree would be best for you Designer Vs. Traditional. You can read our blog.
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