Saree, an epitome of elegance and grace, is a timeless masterpiece that has captivated hearts across the globe. This traditional garment, originating from the Indian subcontinent, is renowned for its versatility and ability to enhance the beauty of women from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned saree enthusiast or a curious novice, mastering the art of draping this exquisite fabric can be an empowering and fulfilling experience. Embark on this sartorial journey with us as we reveal the secrets to effortlessly adorning a saree and showcasing your unique style.
The first step in embracing the beauty of a saree lies in selecting the perfect one for your body type and occasion. Sarees are available in a myriad of fabrics, ranging from ethereal silks to opulent brocades, each offering its own distinct charm. The length of the saree, typically between 5 to 9 meters, allows for a variety of draping styles. Whether you prefer the classic Nivi drape, the graceful Gujarati drape, or the sophisticated Bengali drape, there’s a style to suit every taste. Begin by familiarizing yourself with different draping techniques and practice on a spare piece of fabric before attempting to drape your chosen saree.
Once you’ve selected and mastered the draping technique, it’s time to accessorize your saree to perfection. Jewelry plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall look, with traditional Indian ornaments like jhumkas, necklaces, and bangles adding a touch of opulence. The key here is to strike a balance between statement pieces and subtle accents, ensuring that your accessories complement the saree’s design and your personal style. Footwear is another important consideration, with heels or wedges offering a touch of height and elegance. Finally, don’t forget to finish your look with a dash of fragrance, choosing a scent that enhances your natural allure and leaves a lasting impression.
Securing the Pallu
The pallu is perhaps the most important part of the saree. It is the flowing piece of fabric that hangs down from the shoulder and is draped over the head or waist. The way you secure your pallu will determine the overall look of your saree.
There are many different ways to secure a pallu. Here are a few of the most popular:
**1. The Simple Drape**
This is the most basic and common way to secure a pallu. Simply drape the pallu over your shoulder so that it hangs down in front of you. You can then tuck the end of the pallu into your waistband or leave it flowing loose.
**2. The Pleated Pallu**
This is a more ornate way to secure a pallu. To create a pleated pallu, first fold the pallu in half lengthwise. Then, starting at one end, make small pleats along the folded edge. Once you have finished pleating, secure the pleats with a safety pin or bobby pin.
**3. The Bunched Pallu**
This is a stylish way to secure a pallu that is especially popular for weddings and other special occasions. To create a bunched pallu, first gather up the pallu in your hand. Then, twist the gathered pallu around itself to create a bun. Secure the bun with a safety pin or bobby pin.
**4. The Crossover Pallu**
This is a unique way to secure a pallu that creates a flattering V-neckline. To create a crossover pallu, first cross the pallu over your chest so that one end is on your left shoulder and the other end is on your right shoulder. Then, bring the left end of the pallu over your right shoulder and the right end of the pallu over your left shoulder. Secure the pallu with a safety pin or bobby pin.
**5. The Double Pallu**
This is a dramatic way to secure a pallu that is sure to make a statement. To create a double pallu, first drape one pallu over your shoulder so that it hangs down in front of you. Then, take another pallu and drape it over your shoulder in the opposite direction so that it hangs down in front of you on the other side. Secure both pallus with safety pins or bobby pins.
**6. The Nivi Drape**
This is a traditional South Indian way to secure a pallu. To create a nivi drape, first fold the pallu in half lengthwise. Then, starting at one end, make small pleats along the folded edge. Once you have finished pleating, secure the pleats with a safety pin or bobby pin. Then, bring the pleated pallu over your shoulder and tuck the end of the pallu into your waistband. The pleated pallu should form a fan-like shape on your back.
| Saree Style | Pallu Securing Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Simple drape | The pallu is draped over the shoulder and left to hang loose. |
| Stylish | Pleated pallu | The pallu is folded in half and pleated before being draped over the shoulder. |
| Modern | Bunched pallu | The pallu is gathered up and twisted into a bun before being secured with a pin. |
Styling the Drape
7. Pleating and Pinning:
Pleating adds dimension and elegance to your saree. Here’s how to pleat and pin it:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pick up a 4-6-inch portion of the saree from the open end (pallu). |
| 2 | Fold the picked-up portion into a sharp pleat, bringing the edges together. |
| 3 | Pinch the pleat at the base and fold it upwards again. |
| 4 | Repeat steps 1-3 until you reach the desired number of pleats (typically 15-20). |
| 5 | Align the pleats neatly and pin them together close to the waistline using safety pins. |
| 6 | Continue pleating and pinning until you reach the end of the saree. |
| 7 | If desired, add a decorative brooch or embellishment to the pinned area to enhance the look. |
Troubleshooting Common Drape Problems
When draping a saree, various problems can arise, such as uneven gathers, slipping fabric, or unflattering pleats. Here are some solutions to address these common issues:
Problem 1: Uneven Gathers
Cause: Inconsistent tension while tucking the pleats into the petticoat.
Solution: Ensure the pleats are tucked tightly and evenly, maintaining the same width throughout the saree.
Problem 2: Slipping Fabric
Cause: Lack of friction between the fabric and the petticoat.
Solution: Use a petticoat with a slightly textured surface or wear a petticoat belt to provide additional grip.
Problem 3: Unflattering Pleats
Cause: Incorrect pleating technique or using excessively large pleats.
Solution: Practice the pleating method carefully, using smaller pleats to create a more refined and flattering drape.
Problem 4: Bulky Waist
Cause: Excess fabric accumulation at the waist.
Solution: Spread the pleats evenly across the width of the saree, ensuring they are not concentrated in one area.
Problem 5: Loose Pallu
Cause: Not securing the pallu properly with a safety pin or brooch.
Solution: Pin the pallu to the inner drape of the saree or use a small brooch to keep it securely in place.
Problem 6: Overlapping Pleats
Cause: Not folding the pleats neatly or using a petticoat that is too small.
Solution: Fold the pleats sharply and use a petticoat that is large enough to accommodate the fullness of the saree.
Problem 7: Disproportionate Length
Cause: Misjudging the length of the saree while draping.
Solution: Measure and mark the desired length before draping to avoid excess or insufficient fabric.
Problem 8: Tangles and Knots
Cause: Careless handling or storage of the saree.
Solution: Iron the saree properly before using it and store it carefully to prevent creases and tangles.
Problem 9: Difficulty in Maintaining Drape
Cause: Heavy or slippery fabric.
Solution: Choose a lighter, less slippery fabric that will stay in place more easily.
Problem 10: Unstable Fringe
Cause: Loose or damaged fringe.
Solution: Secure the fringe with stitches or a clear adhesive to prevent it from unraveling or falling off.
How To Use Saree
A saree is a versatile garment that can be worn in a variety of ways. It is a long, unstitched piece of fabric that is typically wrapped around the body and draped over the head. Sarees can be made from a variety of materials, including silk, cotton, and chiffon. They can also be decorated with a variety of embellishments, such as embroidery, sequins, and beads.
There are many different ways to wear a saree. The most common way is to wrap it around the waist and then drape it over the shoulder. The pallu, or the end of the saree, can be left hanging over the shoulder or it can be tucked into the waist. Sarees can also be worn with a petticoat or a blouse underneath.
Sarees are a popular choice for both formal and informal occasions. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For example, a silk saree with heavy embroidery would be appropriate for a wedding, while a cotton saree with simple embellishments would be perfect for a casual party.
People Also Ask About How To Use Saree
How long is a saree?
Sarees can range in length from 4 to 9 meters. The most common length is 6 meters.
How wide is a saree?
Sarees are typically 1.1 meters wide.
How do I choose the right saree for my body type?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a saree for your body type. First, consider your height. If you are tall, you can wear any length saree. If you are petite, you may want to choose a shorter saree or wear it with a petticoat. Second, consider your body shape. If you have a pear-shaped figure, you may want to choose a saree that is wider at the bottom than at the top. If you have an apple-shaped figure, you may want to choose a saree that is wider at the top than at the bottom.
How do I drape a saree?
There are many different ways to drape a saree. The most common way is to wrap it around the waist and then drape it over the shoulder. The pallu, or the end of the saree, can be left hanging over the shoulder or it can be tucked into the waist. Sarees can also be worn with a petticoat or a blouse underneath.
