How to Keep Your Sari From Unwrapping
As an unstitched garment, an elegant Indian sari runs the risk of it unwrapping while you move. Saris are the traditional garment worn by women in India. While more and more Indian women have adopted Western clothes and have relegated the sari to special occasion wear, many Indian women still wear the sari every day and don't let it slow them down. The easiest way to keep your sari from unwrapping while walking around, going to work and generally living an active life --- without forgoing a traditional sari altogether and opting for a prestitched sari --- is to pin your sari at each step of the process.
Instructions
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1
Put on the petticoat (long skirt) and choli (under blouse) --- the essential undergarments for wearing the sari.
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2
Tuck the plain end of the sari fabric over into the waistband of the petticoat at the right hip. Pin the edge of the fabric to the inside of the petticoat's waistband with a safety pin, letting it show as little as possible from the outside. Wrap the sari once all the way around your waist, to the left, while tucking the top of the fabric into the waistband.
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3
Create six to eight box pleats by folding the fabric and using your handspan as a guide. Tuck the top of those pleated folds into your waistband. On the inside of the petticoat, carefully pin together the pleated folds and the petticoat. Use more than one safety pin if your pins are small or to keep the safety pins from creating an unsightly bulge.
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4
Wrap the sari fabric once again all the way around your waist. Pin in place from the inside. Drape the fabric, bringing it from your right hip upward and over your left shoulder. The excess fabric should fall over your left shoulder and down toward your back.
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5
Create a few box pleats at your shoulder. Using one or more safety pins, pin the box pleats together and to the choli on the inside, making sure that the pins show as little as possible or not at all.
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6
Pin a small amount of the fabric that falls at your back to the back-left section of the sari fabric secured to your petticoat. Do not pull the draped fabric up or down and bunch it ---simply use the bit of fabric closest to the petticoat area.
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Tips & Warnings
Saris are made from cotton, georgette, chiffon or silk fabric and measure approximately 1 yard high and 6 to 8 yards wide.
Drape the sari by yourself or have someone else do it for you.
Sari petticoats often close with a drawstring while sari cholis often close with hook and eye closures.
References
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
