Comments on How to Wear a Sari

The aanchal should not be very long while wearing the saree in falling pallu style.

The aanchal should not be very long while wearing the saree in falling pallu style.

While draping the sari, one should take all possible precautions. Make the drape as tight and well fitted as possible. Make the pleats correct by hand. And try to be perfect while draping, not after. This will reduce the necessity of safety-pins. I can actually go without safety-pins at all.

While draping the sari, one should take all possible precautions. Make the drape as tight and well fitted as possible. Make the pleats correct by hand. And try to be perfect while draping, not after. This will reduce the necessity of safety-pins. I can actually go without safety-pins at all.

Most accidents of a sari falling off occur when the string in petticoat is not strong enough. Never trust strings in ready-made petticoats. Always replace them with new ones.

Most accidents of a sari falling off occur when the string in petticoat is not strong enough. Never trust strings in ready-made petticoats. Always replace them with new ones.

If you have never worn a sari before, I would suggest asking the shopkeeper to show you how to wear one at the time of purchase, and then practice at home a few times until you start wearing it to parties. If you need to wear one and don't have time to practice, ask an experienced person to drape it for you, and use safety pins too. Pin the pallu in place so as not to come undone at the party.

If you have never worn a sari before, I would suggest asking the shopkeeper to show you how to wear one at the time of purchase, and then practice at home a few times until you start wearing it to parties. If you need to wear one and don't have time to practice, ask an experienced person to drape it for you, and use safety pins too. Pin the pallu in place so as not to come undone at the party.

Be sure to draw the string on your petticoat very tightly, this will assure that the material will not fall out. If going to an event, especially where there will be much movement (dancing), add safety pins along the edge of the waist to more safely secure the material in. Also add pins at every point that you want the material to sit, for a more tailored look.

Even if safety-pinning your sari seems like a sensible option, it would have been a no-no for traditionalist Hindus. According to author Vitold de Golish (who spent years travelling India and meeting the great Rajahs and Ranees), pins in saris are taboo because they represent the sexual union. Likewise, de Golish claims that observant Hindus of the higher castes refuse to wear embroidered saris. The makers of this embroidery would normally be of a lower caste, and there is a risk of them picking their fingers and leaving tiny blood stains in the fabrics. This would render the wearer of the sari impure, and they might even be reborn in the caste of the embroiderer.

When you wear a sari, safety pins are crucial in these areas: Where the pleats tuck into the petticoat near your bellybutton, and where the sari meets the blouse at your shoulders. Make sure the sari is secured in these areas to prevent exposure. I've worn a sari before, and exposure is a cultural taboo!

Always wear your shoes before wrapping your sari. Then if you choose to wear heels, your sari isn't too short. Also, PIN IT UP. I had the grand experience of having my sari unravel before my very eyes, and the eyes of the entire wedding party.

Safety pins are not taboo and high caste Hindus do wear very richly embroidered sarees. For the record, the caste system is nonexistent in urban India today.

My Bengali family members pin their saris all the time (even the unmarried ones) the key is to pin the sari in such a way as to be invisible. Visible pins look tacky.

If you are uncomfortable with the petticoats try wearing capri's instead. They make it easier to walk. Choose capri colors appropriately. There is a downside, however. A visit to the restroom may be taboo.

I know a woman (who grew up in India) whose sari fell off - completely - at a wedding. Eek! If you're not an expert, go nuts with the safety pins.

Even if safety-pinning your sari seems like a sensible option, it would have been a no-no for traditionalist Hindus. According to author Vitold de Golish (who spent years travelling India and meeting the great Rajahs and Ranees), pins in saris are taboo because they represent the sexual union. Likewise, de Golish claims that observant Hindus of the higher castes refuse to wear embroidered saris. The makers of this embroidery would normally be of a lower caste, and there is a risk of them picking their fingers and leaving tiny blood stains in the fabrics. This would render the wearer of the sari impure, and they might even be reborn in the caste of the embroiderer.

Safety pins are not taboo and high caste Hindus do wear very richly embroidered sarees. For the record, the caste system is nonexistent in urban India today.

Make sure your petticoat and blouse are tight, so you don't look tacky and your sari doesn't fall off!