Different ways of Draping a saree

There are numerous ways and styles of draping a saree. Each region of India exhibits its unique way of draping this 6 yard wonder. The modern woman has experimented and discovered various innovative and creative styles, whereas the Indian designers have taken this eternal ethnic beauty global. 

We have already learnt about the Traditional Sarees of India from different regions. Here we will be learning the different traditional draping styles prevailing in India and the art of wearing these beautiful and sensuous attire.

Classic Indian Drape (Traditional Way) : This is the most common and most popular method of draping a saree also called as Nivi style. In this style of sari draping, one end of the sari is neatly tucked into the band of the petticoat on the waist. After wrapping the sari cloth around the waist once more, the sari is neatly folded into pleats, which are then tucked into the waistband of the petticoat just below the navel. Then after wrapping it around the body one more time, the other decorative end(or pallu) comes diagonally in front of the torso and draped over the left shoulder. In kaccha nivi style of draping, the pleats are passed through the legs and tucked into the waist at the back. This allows free movement while covering the legs.

Gujarati style: Apart from Gujarat, this version of draping, is also found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. This is similar to Nivi style but the "pallu" is draped over the right shoulder rather than left shoulder. After tucking the pleates the loose end is taken from the back, draped across the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back. Sarees with eye-catching magnificent pallus are best worn in this style

Maharashtrian style: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures 8-10 yards called Nauvari saree. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. Thus it forms a kind of divided sari, allowing greater freedom of movement. They are primarily worn by Brahmin women in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradhesh. 

Tamilian version: Like the Maharashtra version, the saree in this version, too, measures eight meters. After wrapping around the waist, the pleats are positioned along the left leg. The rest of the sari is taken over the left shoulder, wrapped once again round the waist and tucked on the left side. This is also called as Madisaara style of draping

Bengali style: The saree is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder. The pallu has a bunch of keys that falls over the shoulder.

Mundu Neriyathum is the signature style of Kerala. This style compromises of a Mundu or the lower skirt piece and a Neriyathum or the drape of the saree along with a blouse. Mundu is worn like wearing a Dhothi and is securely wrapped at the hip. Now the Neriyathum is draped over the blouse and tucked at the waist of the Mundu. This mundu also called 'Settu Mundu' is the traditional attire.

Coorgi Style This sari draping style is typical to ladies from the Kodagu district of Karnataka. This sari draping differs from other styles because in this the folded pleats of the sari are formed at the back instead of the usual front side. The pallu or decorative end of the sari is carefully draped from the back to front over the right shoulder. This is secured by a pin to the sari to keep it in place.

Mumtaz style This is not a traditional style but has become iconic with the yesteryear's Bollywood heroine Mumtaz. This is a very innovative drape. It is a sari with no pleats and draped and tightened around knees and thighs. Here saree is rounded twice around to give a slim effect. It is hard to walk freely in this drap. This drape is good for saree with heavy or embroidered borders.Wearing this style makes on look slimmer too. This is sometimes even referred as Bollywood golden Era style. 

Check back soon for the step-by-step demonstration of each styles of draping sarees. In the meanwhile, have a glance at the Traditional Sarees of India