Saree Draping Styles

Explore different ways to Drape a Saree to look Stylish and Beautiful.

Change is the only constant, and it couldn’t be truer than in the case of fashion trends. However, one trend that has held its ground through centuries is the classic saree. A garment that is a true reflection of a woman’s elegance and timelessness, India is a treasure trove of different saree varieties. And that’s not all, each region has a unique saree draping style as well. Each state boasts of multiple ways the saree can be draped keeping in sync with the needs of the women there.

One of the most recognizable saree draping style is the Bengali style. Unlike the modern day saree, it has a box pleat at the front. The pallu comes from back to the front on both sides. Traditionally a bunch of keys was attached to the pallu thrown over the right shoulder. This signified the most important woman in the household as it is a great matter of pride to be given the reigns of the entire house.

Modern day saree drape is derived from the Nivi drape of Andhra Pradesh. This style was mostly worn by the aristocracy. Though not very work friendly, this style accentuates a woman’s curves in the best way and looks extremely regal. Most modern day saree styles are derivatives of the Nivi style.

Worn by the older women of the kappulu caste today, this drape is undoubtedly very elegant. Interestingly, this saree is wrapped from the left to right unlike other forms of saree which are tied from right to left. The kappulu style aptly flatters a woman’s curves and the longer the saree, the better it looks. It has two stand out features — one is the narrow pleats at the back which flatter the form and second is the two cascades of cloth formed by twisting the end piece twice around the body. The pallu is thrown over the right shoulder and can hang loose or be pulled to cover both the shoulders or wrapped around the neck as per convenience.

One of the most elegant ways to wear a saree, the mekhela chador is worn by the petite beauties of Assam. It comes in two main pieces — the bottom is worn like a sarong with pleats in the front whereas one end of the upper garment is tucked to the left side of the waist in a triangle and the other end is thrown over the shoulder like a shawl.

The Nauvari or the original nine-yard saree speaks volumes about the strong, independent women of Maharashtra. This saree draping style is distinguished by its unusual draping pattern which necessitates it being worn around the legs like a dhoti while the upper part is worn like a normal saree. One of the best examples of the nauvari saree is demonstrated by lavani folk dancers. It permits easy movement of the legs accentuating every move of the wearer elegantly.

This drape is primarily worn by the Golla (shepherd) and the Gudati Kapulu (agriculturist) communities of Narasannapalle, a village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Though the drape begins like a normal nivi drape, once the pleats are made, they are twisted around the body and tucked at the waist from the other end instead of the front. The pleats are rolled outwards and secured by wrapping them over with the innermost layer. The lower borders are picked then at the two extremes and brought to the waist at the back from either side to be tucked in. This requires a material like silk which can hold the shape for long hours.