How To Put Saree

The saree, a graceful and timeless garment, has captivated hearts for centuries with its elegance and versatility. As a symbol of cultural heritage and feminine beauty, it holds a special place in the hearts of women across the globe. Mastering the art of draping a saree can be an empowering experience, allowing you to showcase your unique style and embrace your cultural roots.

To embark on this beautiful journey, you will need to gather the following essential items: a saree, a petticoat, and a blouse. The saree, the centerpiece of this ensemble, comes in a myriad of fabrics, from delicate silks to shimmering chiffons. Choose a fabric that complements your body type and the occasion. The petticoat, worn beneath the saree, provides a smooth foundation and helps create the desired fullness. Lastly, the blouse, a fitted garment, adds a touch of sophistication and completes the saree ensemble.

Now, let’s unravel the secrets of draping a saree like a true connoisseur. Begin by securing the petticoat firmly around your waist, ensuring it sits comfortably and provides adequate coverage. Next, position the end of the saree, known as the pallu, over your left shoulder, allowing it to flow gracefully behind you. Take the remaining portion of the saree and wrap it around your waist twice, creating a secure foundation. Finally, gather the pleats of the saree and tuck them into the waistband, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a polished look.

Understanding the Basic Drape

Saree draping is an art form, but with practice, you can master the technique and create a stunning look. To begin, you’ll need a saree, which is typically 5 to 6 yards long and 44 to 48 inches wide. The saree is wrapped around the body in a series of folds, creating a flowing and elegant silhouette.

The basic saree drape consists of three main parts: the pleats, the pallu, and the border. The pleats are created by folding the saree fabric accordion-style and tucking them into the waistband. The pallu is the loose end of the saree that is draped over the shoulder or head. The border is the decorative edge of the saree that adds a touch of elegance to the look.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to understanding the basic saree drape:

Step 1: Wrap the saree around your waist, starting from the left side and bringing the end around to the right side. Tuck the end into the waistband at your right hip.
Step 2: Create the pleats by folding the saree fabric accordion-style, starting from the left end of the saree. The pleats should be about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Tuck the pleats into the waistband at your right hip, securing them with pins if necessary.
Step 3: Drape the pallu over your shoulder, bringing the end around to the front. The pallu can be draped in different styles, such as over the left shoulder, over the right shoulder, or in a U-shape around the neck.
Step 4: Adjust the border of the saree to frame your face and create a flattering silhouette.

Pleating and Tucking the Pallu

The pallu is the ornamental end of the saree that is draped over the shoulder and chest. It is typically pleated and tucked to create a flattering and elegant look.

Step 1: Create the Pleats

To create the pleats, hold the edge of the pallu and fold it over about 4 inches. Press down firmly to create a crease. Repeat this process to create as many pleats as desired.

Step 2: Tuck the Pleats

Once the pleats are created, tuck them into the waist of the saree. Start by tucking the first pleat into the center of the waist. Then, tuck the next pleat just to the side of the first one. Continue tucking the pleats in this manner until all of them are secured.

Step 3: Adjust the Pleats

Once the pleats are tucked, you can adjust them to create the desired look. You can make the pleats wider or narrower by tucking them in more or less. You can also experiment with different ways of folding the pleats to create different effects.

Step 4: Secure the Pleats

To keep the pleats in place, you can use a safety pin or a pleat pin. Insert the pin through the center of the pleats and secure it to the waist of the saree. You can also use a belt or cummerbund to wrap around the waist and hold the pleats in place.

Pleating Style	Tucking Style
Box pleats	Center tuck
Knife pleats	Side tuck
Inverted pleats	Multiple tucks

Securing the Drape with Pins

Once you have draped the saree to your desired look, it’s time to secure it in place with pins. This is essential to ensure the drape stays intact and doesn’t shift or come undone throughout the day.

Materials You’ll Need:

Item	Description
Safety pins	Fine, rust-resistant safety pins in your preferred size
Straight pins	Optional, for invisible pinning

Here’s a step-by-step guide to pinning your saree:

Pin the pallu: Secure the end of the pallu (the loose end that falls over the shoulder) with a pin at the shoulder seam of the blouse. This will keep it from slipping.
Pin the pleats: Pin each of the pleats at the waist to the underskirt or petticoat. This will prevent them from unraveling and maintain their shape.
Pin the pleats to the waist: Once the pleats are in place, pin them to the waistband of the blouse. This will provide extra support and keep them securely draped.
Pin the saree along the edges: Pin the saree along the edges of the underskirt or petticoat, focusing on areas where it tends to loosen up or shift. This will help keep the saree in place.
Secure the drape: This is the final and most important step in pinning. Use pins to secure the saree to the blouse in various areas, such as:
- Pin through the center of the pallu and into the blouse under the collarbone
- Pin the ends of the pallu to the blouse at the waist
- Pin the saree along the shoulder seams of the blouse
- Pin the saree to the blouse along the side seams, ensuring the drape is even and balanced
- Pin the saree to the blouse along the back zipper or hooks, if any

Adjusting the Fit

1. Securing the Saree Waistline

Hold the unpleated end of the saree, known as the pallu, around your waist. Ensure it’s slightly above your navel and parallel to the floor.

2. Measuring the Saree Length

Take the remaining saree fabric and bring it around your back, holding it at the opposite side of your waist. Ensure the pallu drapes elegantly over your shoulder.

3. Creating the Pleats

Gather the fabric at the waist into pleats, ensuring they’re even and neat. Adjust the width and number of pleats to achieve the desired fit.

4. Pinning the Pleats

Secure the pleats with safety pins to prevent them from unraveling. Pin them vertically along the waistline, ensuring they’re hidden under the pallu.

5. Adjusting the Pallu

Straighten the pallu and pin it to the shoulder of your blouse to secure it. Adjust its length and drape to enhance the saree’s overall appearance.

6. Perfecting the Fit

Make minor adjustments to the saree’s fit by tweaking the pleats, repinning them as necessary. Ensure the waistline is snug but not too tight, and that the pallu falls gracefully over your shoulder.

Tip	Execution
Check for even pleats	Ensure the pleats are consistent in size and spacing.
Secure with sturdy pins	Use sharp safety pins to prevent the pleats from coming undone.
Adjust the pallu’s length	Experiment with different lengths to find the one that best complements your height and body shape.
Move around comfortably	Make sure the saree allows for easy movement and doesn’t restrict your gait.

Accessorizing the Saree

Complete the traditional Indian outfit with these accessories:

Blouse

The blouse is a crucial part of the saree ensemble. It provides support and a frame for the fabric. Its style and design can complement the saree and enhance the overall look.

Petticoat

A petticoat is an underskirt that adds volume and structure to the saree. It creates a smooth base for the fabric to drape over and ensures a flattering silhouette.

Jewelry

Jewelry pieces such as necklaces, earrings, bangles, and bracelets add an element of elegance and sophistication. Choose jewelry that matches the style and color of the saree for a cohesive look.

Saree Pin

A saree pin is a small but functional accessory used to secure the pallu (loose end) of the saree to the shoulder. It can be decorative or functional and adds a touch of style.

Clutch Bag

A small clutch bag is an essential accessory for carrying necessities such as a phone, keys, and makeup. It should be compact enough to fit under the saree folds but spacious enough to hold essentials.

Shoes

Opt for comfortable heels or flats that complement the saree. Heels can elongate the silhouette, while flats provide comfort for extended wear.

Hairstyle and Makeup

Complement the saree with a stylish hairstyle and appropriate makeup. A traditional bun or braid with intricate hair accessories can add an authentic touch. Keep the makeup natural and understated to accentuate the beauty of the saree.

How to Put on a Saree

The saree, a traditional Indian garment, is a versatile piece that can be draped in various styles. Putting on a saree is an art form that requires practice, but with the right technique, anyone can master this elegant attire. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put on a saree:

Step 1: Choose the right saree. Sarees come in various materials, such as silk, cotton, and chiffon. Select a saree that suits the occasion and your body type.
Step 2: Measure the pallu. The pallu is the decorative end of the saree. Separate it from the body and measure it from shoulder to ankle. This will help you determine the length needed for the drape.
Step 3: Tie the lower end of the saree. Position the saree at your waist, with the unsewn end hanging down. Bring the end over your right shoulder, forming a loop at the waist.
Step 4: Tuck in the pleats. Start pleating the saree from the left side of the waist. Each pleat should be about 1-2 inches wide. Secure the pleats with safety pins at the waist.
Step 5: Drape the pallu. Take the pallu from the right shoulder and bring it over your left shoulder. Adjust the length so that it reaches the ankle.
Step 6: Pin the pallu. Use safety pins to secure the pallu in place, ensuring it drapes gracefully.
Step 7: Adjust the drape. If necessary, adjust the pleats and pallu to create a desired fit and drape.