what is saree? how to wear saree? what are different ways to drape a saree?

what is saree? how to wear saree? what are different ways to drape a saree?

A saree is not just a long, uncut, unstitched rectangular piece of cloth that is worn by women in the Indian Subcontinent. It is an age long tradition and a cultural inheritance that has been carried forward for generations.

The six-yard long cloth can be draped in numerous different styles and with each style; you can get a new look, a new outfit and even a new identity. Gujaratis wear it differently, Bengalis wear it differently, and pretty much every Indian community has its own distinct way of draping a saree.

There are more than 80-recorded ways to wear a saree. The most common style is for the saree to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the midriff. However, the saree can be draped in several different styles, though some styles do require a saree of a particular length or form and the occasion you’re wearing it for.

We present to you, 5 traditional ways of draping a saree. Try them out and find out what style of draping a saree works best for you, matches your personality and occasion!

5 Traditional Ways of Draping a Saree:

1. Traditional way:

The traditional way of draping the saree is one of the most common ways of tying the sari. In this style one end (opposite end from the pallu) is tucked into the petticoat from the front and then draped once around the waist and pleats are formed and tucked in the middle facing left. The remaining saree is then hung over the left shoulder to cover the chest. You can also neatly pleat the pallu and pin it on the shoulder, so it becomes easier to manage and the saree stays in place.

2. Bengali Way:

In a Bengali way the saree is draped without pleats. It is wrapped around the waist and brought back to the right side and the pallu is tossed over the left shoulder. Then the pallu is brought from under the right arm and is once again slung over the left shoulder. One can also add a key bunch to the edge to complete this traditional look.

3. Gujarati Way:

 

The Gujarati way, also known as the seedha pallu, is also seen commonly donned by the women of many northern states like, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. The first and basic distinction in this style of draping the saree is that here the pleats of the saree face the right, contrary to the others facing left. Also what is distinct about the Gujarati way is that the pallu comes from the back to the front from the right side. After which it is spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back. This style works wonders incase your saree has an elaborate border and you want it displayed.

4. Maharashtrian Way:

 

What’s unusual about draping a saree in the Maharashtra way is that no petticoat is needed! Since this style requires a nine-yard saree, instead of a usual five-yard sari, the extra length of the sare is drawn up between the legs and worn like a dhoti, and tucked behind at the waist, while the other portion is draped as a pallu over the shoulder or even used to cover the head.

5. Tamilian Way:

Like the Maharashtra way, this version also requires a nine-yard saree as opposed to the five-yard one and is worn without a petticoat inside. Once the saree is wrapped around the waist, the pleats are positioned along the left leg and the rest of the saree is taken over the left shoulder, wrapped once again round the waist and tucked on the left side.