Different Ways to Drape a Saree: Step-by-Step Guide

Sarees are a quintessential part of Indian culture and fashion, and there are countless ways to drape this beautiful garment. Each drape has its own unique style and charm, and it can be overwhelming to choose just one. So, why not try out different ways to drape a saree and elevate your fashion game? In this blog, we'll take you through some popular saree draping styles and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve each look. 

Nivi Style

The Nivi style is a classic and popular saree draping style that originates from Andhra Pradesh. It involves pleating a saree at the waist and draping it over the shoulder, creating a neat and elegant look. The Nivi style of draping would suit best with a pure Kanjivaram silk saree. 

1. Start by tucking the saree into your underskirt at the waist, making sure the border is at the floor level.
2. Take the loose end of the saree and drape it over your left shoulder, leaving enough length for the pallu.
3. Now, take the remaining fabric and create pleats of about 5-6 inches, tucking them into the waistband at the center.
4. Drape the remaining fabric around your waist, ensuring that the pleats remain in place.
5. Finally, take the pallu and drape it over your left shoulder, letting it fall gracefully down your back.

Bengali Style

The Bengali style of saree draping is characterized by a voluminous pallu and a distinctive drape around the waist. This style is perfect for showcasing intricate saree designs and borders. The style is most often paired with common Bengali sarees such as pure Banarasi georgette sarees, Taant sarees, Baluchari sarees and many more. 

1. Start by tucking the saree into your underskirt at the waist, making sure the border is at the floor level.
2. Take the remaining fabric and create pleats of about 4-5 inches, tucking them into the waistband at the center.
3. Now, take the remaining fabric and wrap it around your waist, ensuring that it covers the pleats.
4. Tuck the remaining fabric into the waistband at the back, creating a neat and seamless look.
5. Take the pallu and drape it over your left shoulder, bringing it forward to create a fan-like shape. Secure it in place with a safety pin.

Gujarati Style

The Gujarati style of saree draping is known for its unique drape at the back and its intricate pleating. This style is perfect for showcasing lightweight and flowy sarees.

1. Start by tucking the saree into your underskirt at the waist, making sure the border is at the floor level.
2. Take the remaining fabric and create pleats of about 4-5 inches, tucking them into the waistband at the center.
3. Take the remaining fabric and wrap it around your waist, ensuring that it covers the pleats.
4. Now, take the remaining fabric and bring it around to your left side, creating a fan-like shape.
5. Pin the fan-like shape in place at your left shoulder.
6. Take the pallu and drape it over your head, bringing it forward and letting it fall over your right shoulder.

Maharashtrian Style

The Maharashtrian style of saree draping is characterized by a unique drape at the back, which is similar to the Gujarati style. However, the front pallu is shorter and tucked into the waistband, creating a neat and fuss-free look. The style goes really well with Ikat silk sarees. 

1. To begin draping the saree, tuck it into the underskirt at the waist, ensuring that the border touches the floor. 
2. Next, take the remaining fabric and make pleats that are around 4-5 inches wide, tucking them into the center of the waistband. 
3. Finally, take the rest of the fabric and wrap it around your waist, making sure that it covers the pleats and creates a sleek and tidy appearance.

By following the steps provided in this blog, you can now confidently wear a saree in different styles of your choice. The drapes mentioned above can be done with any sarees, be it cotton or silk sarees. Experimenting with various looks and playing around with different fabrics can show off your individual style and make you stand out from the crowd. Whether your outfit choice is modern or traditional, sarees provide endless opportunities to showcase your creativity. 

The beauty of a saree is that it can be styled uniquely every single time – allowing you to express yourself through its rich heritage and culture. So, go ahead and dazzle the world with the grace of those gorgeous drapes!