How to Drape a Saree? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Draping a saree can seem challenging, especially for beginners. With proper instruction, anyone can learn this classic skill.
This step-by-step guide walks you through each stage of the saree draping process, from preparing the fabric to securing the perfect pleats. Handy tips and tricks are shared to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Learn how to maintain and store your sarees to keep them looking stunning for years to come.
Key Takeaways:
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Drape a Saree
Wearing a saree beautifully combines tradition and fashion, letting women in India show their culture and elegance with a flexible outfit.
This step-by-step guide makes it easier for beginners to put on a saree, helping you achieve the right look for any event, whether it’s a wedding or a festival.
By following this guide, you’ll learn different ways to wear various sarees like Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Mysore silk, Kani silk, and others, each offering its special appeal. For more on the fascinating history and cultural significance of the saree, National Geographic provides an insightful perspective in their article “ The story of the sari in India and beyond.”
1. Preparing the Saree
Before you start draping, make sure to select the appropriate fabric for your saree and check that it is free of wrinkles to improve its appearance and how it falls.
When choosing a saree fabric from the wide range available online, Kanjivaram and Banarasi silk are notable for their rich texture and detailed patterns, ideal for celebrations.
Mysore silk is light and drapes well, making it fashionable for daily use. Linen sarees are airy and comfy, perfect for hot weather. For those interested in a comprehensive overview, this analysis by Quora covers the full spectrum of summer-appropriate saree fabrics.
No matter what fabric you pick, make sure the saree is in good condition, has no damages, and is properly ironed. A well-ironed saree highlights the fabric’s beauty and helps it hang smoothly, improving how you look.
2. Tying the Petticoat
The first physical step in draping a saree is tying the petticoat, which serves as the foundation and helps provide comfort and structure to the drape.
Choosing the right petticoat color is important because it can either match the saree or make it look better.
Choosing a neutral color is often a wise choice, letting the saree’s complex designs and colors stand out. Opting for a contrasting color can create a striking visual statement.
Once the perfect petticoat is chosen, it is essential to secure it around the waist properly-this means wrapping it firmly enough to support the saree without causing discomfort. A properly tied petticoat holds the saree in place and allows you to move comfortably, making it more enjoyable to wear.
3. Making the Pleats
Folding pleats is an essential part of wearing a saree because it improves the appearance and creates a neat and stylish shape.
Folding fabric neatly can make it hang better, turning it from simple cloth into an attractive garment.
To begin, measure the width of the saree and decide on the number of pleats desired, usually ranging from 6 to 10, depending on personal style and fabric length. When measuring, each pleat should typically be around 4 to 5 inches wide.
Make sure each pleat is the same size. Uneven pleats can make the design look messy. By investing time in forming these neat pleats, one can achieve a polished and sophisticated look that stands out, as discussed in this helpful guide on Quora.
4. Tucking the Saree
Tucking the saree into the petticoat is essential for securing the drape and ensuring that it stays in place throughout the day, allowing for a stylish and hassle-free experience.
- To achieve a well-secured tuck, beginners should position the tuck at waist height, generally around the navel, ensuring that it aligns properly with their body for comfort and symmetry.
- The angle at which the fabric is tucked is important; a slight upward angle can help create a nice draping style, giving the saree a flowing look.
- To keep the saree from slipping, use safety pins at different points along the fabric and make sure the petticoat fits tightly.
- This will give you confidence while moving and keep your appearance consistent during different activities.
5. Draping the Pallu
Draping the pallu is where you can express your unique sense of style and elegance, as it is the most distinctive part of the saree that often reflects cultural heritage.
Whether one opts for the classic drape that showcases traditional artistry, or a modern twist that suits contemporary tastes, the choices are endless.
For instance, the classic pallu draping might involve gracefully gathering fabric over the shoulder, presenting an air of timeless beauty, whereas the side draping technique can create a chic, effortlessly stylish look.
Fabrics like Kanjivaram, known for their rich texture and bright colors, can make the drape appear more polished. In contrast, lighter materials like Georgette offer a more casual and fun look, giving each style its own unique charm.
6. Pinning the Saree
Safety pins are essential for fastening the saree, ensuring it stays in place while providing comfort and ease.
For those new to it, using safety pins correctly can change the whole drape, giving it both style and stability.
It’s suggested to pin the pallu to the shoulder with a hidden pin. This keeps it in place while allowing a smooth drape.
Securing the pleats with a couple of well-placed pins can prevent any accidental slips, allowing one to move with confidence.
When choosing safety pins, opt for the smaller, decorative ones to blend seamlessly with the fabric, ensuring that the beauty of the saree isn’t compromised.
Tips and Tricks for Draping a Saree
Wearing a saree can be tricky for beginners, but with helpful guidance and techniques, you can learn this lovely art and wear your saree confidently and elegantly.
1. Use Safety Pins
Safety pins are not just a staple in sewing; they are essential tools for securing your saree in place during draping, providing both comfort and security.
When using safety pins, it’s important to choose the right size to avoid damaging the fabric. For example, putting a pin at the waist after pleating can stop any movement during the day and keep the draping neat.
Similarly, positioning a safety pin discreetly where the pallu meets the bearing can add extra support without compromising style. Securing the end of the pallu with a pin can prevent it from dragging on the ground, ensuring you move freely without worrying about wear and tear.
Using tiny pins protects the fabric, keeping the saree looking beautiful.
2. Use a Saree Belt
A saree belt can be a fashionable part of your outfit, providing added support and helping to shape your figure while wearing it.
This accessory adds style and helps the saree fit better, keeping it in place all day.
By preventing the saree from slipping, it allows for more freedom of movement without the constant worry of readjustment.
For those looking to pair a saree belt effectively, various styles and materials can be chosen to complement different types of sarees. For instance:
- A sleek metallic belt can add a contemporary flair to a georgette saree.
- While a braided jute belt can beautifully match the rustic charm of a cotton saree.
- Belts with decorative or stitched designs can add elegance to a bridal saree.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
One of the best ways to become proficient at draping a saree is through practice, allowing you to experiment with different styles and techniques until you find what works best for you.
Draping is a skill that makes a person look better and feel more confident. As you try different styles, remember to be patient with yourself.
Mistakes are part of learning, so see them as steps towards grasping this great tradition. Each attempt, regardless of the outcome, brings you closer to achieving the flawless drape you envision.
So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different styles; take on the challenge, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll notice a big improvement in your draping skills.
How to Maintain and Store Your Sarees?
Looking after and storing your sarees well is important to keep them looking nice and to make them last longer.
This way, each saree will stay bright and ready for special events.
1. Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is often recommended for delicate sarees, especially those made from luxurious fabrics like silk, to prevent damage and maintain their exquisite appearance.
This specific cleaning technique gets rid of dirt and stains while keeping colors bright, which is important for treasured items that might have emotional significance.
Sarees made from detailed weaves or decorated with ornaments gain from this method because it reduces the chances of fraying or fading, helping the garment last longer.
When looking for a trustworthy dry cleaner, choose one with experience in cleaning sarees. They should know different fabric types, understand special cleaning methods, and have good reviews from happy customers.
Looking at reviews and arranging a consultation can help you make the best decision for your valued sarees.
2. Storing in a Saree Bag
To keep your sarees in pristine condition, storing them in a specially designed saree bag is highly recommended, as it protects the fabric from dust and damage.
These breathable fabric saree bags allow air to flow, stopping mold and bad smells, which is particularly important for delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon.
Correct folding methods are important for keeping the saree’s drape looking good and avoiding unwanted wrinkles. For instance, rolling the saree gently can help maintain its original texture.
It’s important to think about different storage methods based on the fabric type; hang cotton sarees, but fold and store finer weaves flat to keep them in good condition.
By investing time and effort into the proper maintenance of sarees, they can remain beautiful and ready for special occasions.
3. Avoiding Direct Sunlight
When keeping sarees, don’t leave them under direct sunlight. Long periods of sunlight can cause colors to fade and fibers to become weak, especially in fabrics like silk and Georgette.
Choose a cool, dark place to store these detailed clothes to keep them safe from things that might damage them. It is important to keep the humidity level low to stop mold and moisture damage.
To keep sarees safe from pests like moths, consider using natural repellents, such as cedar blocks, while ensuring the storage space is clean and free of food remnants.
Before donning any stored saree, take a moment to inspect for any signs of wear or damage, such as discoloration or fraying edges. This easy method can help keep the saree looking nice for upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Saree and why is it important to know how to drape one?
A Saree is a traditional Indian garment that consists of a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body, typically worn by women. It is important to know how to drape a saree because it is a significant part of the Indian culture and is worn for special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
What are the essential items needed to drape a saree?
The essential items needed to drape a saree are the saree itself, a blouse, a petticoat (underskirt), safety pins, and bangles or jewelry to accessorize.
How do I choose the right saree for me?
When choosing a saree, it is important to consider your body type and personal style. A heavier, embroidered saree is better for taller women, while a lighter, printed saree is more suitable for shorter women. You should also choose a saree in a color that complements your skin tone.
What is the first step in draping a saree?
The first step in draping a saree is to tuck one end of the saree into the petticoat at your waist and make one complete turn around your body, ending at the front.
How do I pleat the saree?
To pleat the saree, take the loose end of the saree and tuck it into the front of the petticoat. Then, make pleats by folding the saree back and forth in equal widths, tucking each pleat into the waistband of the petticoat.
What is the final step in draping a saree?
The final step in draping a saree is to drape the remaining fabric over the shoulder and secure it with a pin at the shoulder. You can also add bangles or jewelry to complete the look.