Indian sarees come in many varieties, with diverse draping styles. Draping or wearing a saree has been a childhood fantasy for many. Playing with the pallu in front of the mirror is a treasured memory. Explore different draping saree styles and ideas, from Bollywood’s Mumtaz to the popular Bengali drape. Let’s dive into the top 5 saree draping styles to get the perfect look.
1. Mumtaz Saree Draping Style
Do you remember the iconic orange saree Mumtaz wore in the Bollywood song? Now, with the tune of ‘Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche’ in the background, let’s have a chat about the way millennial brides like to drape their sarees. The draping style is admired for its stylish and glamorous look. If you’re a Bollywood fan, you’ve probably wished to try it at least once in your lifetime. So, what’s the wait? Let’s explore this beautiful style now!
Step 1: Gently tuck the inner edge of your saree to the right of your navel. Then, tuck the remaining saree into your petticoat on the left side this time.
Step 2: Ensure the pallu is sufficiently long; you can roughly measure it using your arm. Now, take the saree from the left behind your back, bringing it to the front from the right.
Step 3: Throw the pallu over your shoulder to create more space for draping.
Step 4: Once you’ve completed the previous steps, neatly pleat the remaining saree into 5 or 6-inch pleats, as accurately as possible.
Step 5: In one smooth motion, tuck all the pleats into your petticoat, securing them firmly with a pin or a strong waistband.
Step 6: Finally, take the pallu from the left to the right, wrapping it over your left shoulder.
2. Dhoti Saree Draping Style
Whether it’s a mehendi, sangeet, haldi, or the big wedding day, girls and bridesmaids are trying something fun – the dhoti saree style. It looks like a Patiala or dhoti, and it’s cool and trendy. Dhotis used to be worn by men, but now they’ve got a modern twist and are a hit with sarees. If you’re new to draping a saree in this style, here’s a simple guide.
Step 1: Fold the saree around your waist, leaving about 1.5 meters of fabric free on the left side. Take the longer end and drape it from the left side to the front.
Step 2: Pin the saree where the right side overlaps the left. Take the pallu (the decorative end) and pull it width-wise over your left shoulder and pin it. Pull the inner edge border, pin it at the back of your waist, and gather pleats across. Take the front pleats across the bodice and wrap them around your hips, bringing them to the front center.
Step 3: Spread the pleats at your hip and gather them again, pinning them at the center of your leg. Now, take the approximately 1.5 meters of fabric that you left loose and make pleats width-wise so that the border faces the front. Pull the pleats from between your legs and bring them to the front from the back. Tuck them at the center back.
Step 4: Pull the loop cowl in front and make pleats on the lengthwise side neatly. Then, tuck the pleats at the center of your waist and adjust the cowl and pleats as needed.”
This simplified version explains the dhoti saree style in a more straightforward way.
3. Palazzo Saree Draping Style
If you’re a fashion-forward woman, you’ll love the new and stylish palazzo saree. It’s a creative twist that can make your saree look like a sharara or palazzo, adding even more charm to this already mesmerizing nine-yard wonder. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Take a long dupatta or saree to create the sharara or palazzo saree style. You’ll need a flared petticoat, skirt, or palazzo. Tuck one end of the saree or long dupatta at a corner, bring the other end from the back to the front.
Step 2: Make pleats in the fabric, not too wide or too thin, and drape it over your left shoulder, similar to how you drape a usual saree pallu.
Step 3: Let the pallu hang, and you can add a belt to complete the look. The belt keeps the saree in place, and there’s no need to tuck in the back of the pallu. This gives you the palazzo or flared saree look.
4. Scarf Saree Draping Style
Styling a saree like a scarf can give you a unique ethnic look. This scarf style can be perfect for your casual and office events, offering a stunning, sophisticated, or classic appearance. If you’re up for some experimentation, follow these simple steps to give your regular saree a trendy twist. This style sets you apart and adds a Western touch to your ethnic wear, making it ideal for the winter season.
Step 1: Start by wearing your saree as you normally do. Then, take the loose end of the saree, which is essentially the pallu, and drape it around your neck.
Step 2: Hold and wrap the pallu like a stole or scarf around your neck to add a fashionable touch. You can leave the pallu slightly longer for the perfect look.
Step 3: Adjust the pallu in different ways – spread it, keep it neat, or arrange it in pleats; it’s your choice. As it falls on your neck and comes to the front, it will resemble a stole or scarf tied around your neck.
Step 4: You can secure it with pins, use a belt if the pallu is very long, or add a jacket to keep the pallu in place.
5. Bengali Saree Draping Style
Wearing a Bengali saree may seem a bit challenging, but the famous red and white saree from West Bengal is considered highly auspicious, especially during Durga Puja and other Bengali festivals. These sarees with white and red borders are often called ‘laal-par sarees’ in the region. They come in various designs and patterns, including florals, plaids, leaves, and abstracts, showcasing the Bengali saree draping style. Here’s a simple guide to help you embrace this Bengali beauty.
Step 1: Start by tucking the saree slightly above your navel, and then wrap it firmly around your waist in a full circle. Finish by tucking it back in from the right, returning to the starting point.
Step 2: Now, bring the remaining saree fabric towards your left side, but this time, you don’t need to complete the full circle. Just fold it once and tuck it near your lower back, to the left.
Step 3: Use both hands to hold the box pleats in place, and then smooth out the front of your saree, making sure it’s flat.
Step 4: Take the remaining saree to your right side, aim to cross the folds on your front, and guide the fabric to the back through the right. Finish by tucking it in near your waist.
Feel free to experiment with these timeless draping styles. There’s no wrong or right way to do it. Just ensure your drapes are secure and well-done, so you can celebrate without any worries. Comfort is always the top priority in fashion.
