How to Wear a Sari

Spelled either "sari" or "saree," this wrapped and draped dress is donned daily by women from India to Africa, in its various incarnations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nose Rings
• Petticoats
• Sandals
• Sari
• Earrings
• Jewelry

1. Put on the petticoat and tighten the drawstring.

2. Don your traditional cropped shirt.

3. Beginning at the navel, tuck the inner top edge of the sari into the left side of the petticoat and wrap the sari once completely around the body, ending once more at the left side. Make certain the hem touches the ground.

4. Holding the tucked waist tightly, begin pleating material 5 inches deep with your fingers, keeping folds even and straight.

5. Gather about 1 yard into approximately 7 to 10 pleats. Hold them together so that they fall evenly.

6. Wrap material fully around your waist one more time going from left to right. Bring the remainder up under your right arm and drape over the left shoulder so edge falls to about knee level.

7. Tuck pleats into waistband slightly to the left of your navel.

8. Use a small pin to prevent the end portion, called the pallav, from slipping from the shoulder.

9. Place a small pin wherever you need a little more security.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with the endless designs and materials available. Also keep in mind that jewelry is especially complementary to the sari.
• Practice. It gets increasingly easy with experience.
• Read up! The history of the sari is fascinating, and reading about the cultures that wear them adds to the pleasure, too.

[Asma]

on 10/24/2009 Instead of unsightly safety pins, use matching brooches to fasten your sari, which will add to your glamour. I do it all the time.

[charfair]

on 10/5/2009 A few pictures would have been nice.

[aramul123]

on 1/3/2009 check out this:
http://www.helium.com/items/1201236-how-to-wear-a-sari

[aramul123]

on 1/3/2009 check out this:
http://www.helium.com/items/1201236-how-to-wear-a-sari

[shoppingsurat]

on 5/2/2008 One thing we should remember, wearing of saree differes from place to place in India. I have seen many women in rural village who covers herself in winter season with their anchal! never forget this fct also. I have seen many wome filtering water and avoid from bacteria with saree to avoid cholera. Just have a look at marthi style os wearing saree. Just see rajasthani style of warpping her face to save her face too see from another man.. Oh dear its India. Unity in diversity!
Anju
(http://www.shoppingsurat.com)