Saree Drapping Styles | Sarees Palace

Different Types of Saree Draping Styles In India :

The Sari from the Indian Culture is probably one of the oldest pieces of clothing still worn today. It is a very long piece of cloth which measures about 1m by 5.5m. ( One size fits all!). All women loved to be noticed. Whether it is a party or a wedding, a social gathering is an occasion to get complimented on your dress. Indian women, however, have a secret trick. They know that the easiest and surest way to get all eyes on you is to drape 5 yards of that exquisite creation known as the Indian Saree or Sari. It's something you can never go wrong with as it flatters most figures.

What is wonderful about the Sari is that it is not a costume reserved only for traditional festivals or ceremonies. Irrespective of caste, religion or customs, the sari is still worn by Indian ladies going about their daily chores.

SareesPalace presents some traditional and new ways of wearing a saree to give you some great new ideas on Different Types of Saree Draping Styles. Try them out and find a style that works for you. The style you choose also depends on your saree’s texture and drape, the style of blouse you’re wearing and the occasion you’re wearing it for.

• Traditional Style Drape:  This is the most common way of wearing the saree. The saree is draped once around the waist and pleats are formed and tucked in the middle facing left. The remaining cloth is slung over the left shoulder to cover the lady's torso. Often the pallu, as the top part is called could be pleated and pinned neatly to the wearer's shoulder or could be left open for the lady to manage.
• Bengali Style Drape:  Draped without pleats, it is wrapped around the waist and drawn back to the right side and the pallu is slung over the left shoulder. Once again pulled up from under the right arm, it is slung over the left shoulder. Often an ornate key bunch is added to the edge to complete this very feminine and elegant drape.
• Gujarati Style Drape:  This way of draping the saree is not only adopted in Gujarat but many northern states like UP, MP Rajasthan and Bihar also adopt this style. In this way of wearing the saree, the pleats face right instead of left. The pallu also comes from the back to the front from the right side. The edge of the pallu is tucked at the back securing it properly. This style of draping works very well when you want to display an elaborate border.
• Maharashtra Draping Style:  Using nine yards, this style is adopted by the older and more conservative women. The saree apes a dhoti style somewhat, with some of the fabric tucked between the legs to divide them. Worn without a petticoat underneath, this saree is rarely seen nowadays except on festive occasions. In this version of the saree, the pallu drapes the shoulder or is used to cover the head.
• Tamilian Saree Draping Styles:  This version too uses a saree that is 9 yards as opposed to the simple 6 yards version. Once again worn without a petticoat inside, this saree uses multiple tuck and complicated pleats to form a saree that can be as comfortable as a pair of jeans if draped right. The pallu is folded in half and tucked into the waist allowing the lady to go about her chores.
• Northern Style drape:  In the north of India, the saree is worn the traditional way, with the end of the pallu covering the bosom. In the front, they have skirt pleats and the pallu is draped around the shoulders and over the chest, to demurely cover the bust. It’s a good drape to wear when you want to look more demure, perhaps in front of the elders.
• Mumtaz Style Drape:  Popularized by the charming film actress Mumtaz, this way of wearing your saree involves draping it tightly around your lower body several times, to give it a narrow look and dramatically fling the remaining fabric over your shoulder. This style bares your midriff and makes for a very slow walk.
• Tribal Style Drape:  Draped slightly above the ankles, this way of draping the saree is quite popular among the tribal people of Tamil Nadu. This method of draping the saree is simple and is designed for easy walking and performing chores in the jungle. Often no blouse is worn in this style or a simple piece of cloth bound over the bust line serves as a blouse.
• Kodagu style Darpe:  Worn mainly by women from Kodagu district of Karnataka, this style is distinguished by the pleats being in the back. The pallu is flung on to the right shoulder and held in place by a pin.
• Kerala Mundu style Drape: A version of saree with two pieces, there is the bottom piece which is worn separately and the top portion to be used as pallu.
• Indo western style drape: This drape is regularly seen in party circle now.Many women use it to hide their belly.
• Nivi Style Drape: This is a popular style of draping a Sari. The Sari is pleated in front facing the left, and the Pallu is thrown over the left shoulder.