How to Drape an Indian Sari

Drape yourself in a beautiful sari.

A sari is a garment made of a length of cotton or silk that is elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from India. Due to its simplicity and beauty, the sari has become popular outside of India. A sari can be worn by a woman of any age, and a properly draped sari looks elegant and graceful on any lady. The most common style of sari draping is the Nivi style. It comes from the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Things You'll Need

• Waist to floor length petticoat that ties at the waist
• Tight fitting blouse that ends just below the bust
• Sari
• 2 safety pins

Instructions

1. Hold the sari out in front of you. Identify the plain edge, or the least patterned end of the fabric. Tuck the plain edge of the sari into the petticoat all the way around, from right to left. Make sure that the bottom end of the sari touches the floor.

2. Gather the remaining fabric that is not tucked into your waistband. Hold the cloth in your left hand with your thumb and index finger.

3. Fold pleats in the fabric with your right hand. Wind the pleats through the index finger and thumb of your left hand. The pleats should be about 5 inches deep, beginning from the tucked-in end of the sari. Make 7 to 10 pleats.

4. Tuck the pleats into the petticoat slightly to the left of the navel. Make sure the pleats fall to the left. You can fix the sari to the petticoats with a safety pin to keep them in place.

5. Drape the remaining fabric around once more, from left to right.

6. Bring the sari across your back and under the right arm, up over your left shoulder.

7. Pull up the sari with your right hand. Gently pleat the shoulder four to five times and pin to the shoulder seam of the blouse to hold the sari in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear the shoes that you plan on wearing out when you drape your sari. That way you will have the proper length.

References

• Draping a Sari
• Sari Safari