The saree is a timeless and beautiful Indian garment that embodies elegance, fineness, and eternal beauty. It can instantly amp up your look and make you look all regal in just a few minutes. However, every woman has this question of “how to wear a saree ?” situation once in their life. Don’t worry we’ve got your back.
Wearing a saree can be a difficult and demanding job for beginners, but with proper guidance and a little bit of practice, it can become an effortless and enjoyable affair. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of wearing a saree easily, guaranteeing that you look gorgeous and feel confident in this traditional garment.
Step 1
Picking the Right Saree for the perfect drape
Begin with choosing a saree that fits your ceremony/occasion and personal preference. Consider your comfort, the right fabric, colour, and design that complement your body type and skin tone. It’s essential to have a nicely ironed and neatly folded saree before you start draping it.
Fabrics such as cotton, chiffon, georgette, and other lightweight fabrics are the most comfortable and ideal materials for daily wear sarees.
For an Indian wedding, pick a saree fabric which delivers a rich look and also includes the characteristics of an ideal saree fabric. Usually, silk is considered to be the best fabric for an Indian wedding saree. Although costly, silk sarees will certainly make you look as lovely, gorgeous, stunning and appealing as a queen.
Step 2
Wearing a matching Petticoat
Put on a matching petticoat, which is a long skirt that functions as the base for draping and tying the saree. Wear it securely at your waist, ensuring a comfy fit. The petticoat should be a little shorter than the preferred length of your saree.
How to find the perfect matching petticoat?
Whenever selecting a perfect petticoat, consider the following factors:
- Comfort: It’s crucial that you make sure that you are comfy in the petticoat you select – this means, it shouldn’t be too packed or too loose.
- Length: Basically, the ideal length is ankle length, which would be half an inch shorter than your saree.
Fabric: For day-to-day wear, cotton fabrics are the most comfortable option for saree petticoats. For ceremonial sarees, a silk or satin saree petticoat is favored, particularly if your saree is sheer. If you’re going for a slim-fit petticoat then a satin petticoat would be the most reasonable preference of fabric. Pure fabrics are costly, but are a suitable option, specifically if your petticoat is going to show through your saree. Other fabric choices are brocade, Jamawar and raw silk.
Step 3
Securing the Inner End
Take one end of the saree (referred to as the inner end) and tuck it into the right side of the petticoat around your navel. Wrap it around your body in a clockwise manner, assuring that the bottom border of the saree is closest to the floor.
Step 4
Making The Pleats
Hold the remaining saree length and start creating pleats of about 5-6 inches broad, neatly folding them towards the right side. Make about 5-6 pleats and guarantee that they are consistent in size. Once pleats are made, tuck the pleats into the petticoat, and make sure they are a little to the left of your navel.
How to get consistent saree pleats?
All saree pleats should be created to the inside end of the pallu. Make pleats by curving the fabric between the thumb and pinky finger.
Adjust the pleats and even them out with your fingers to ensure that they all pile correctly under the pallu’s top layer. Use a safety pin where all the pleats pile together to hold them secure.
Step 5
Step 5: Draping the Saree Pallu
The pallu is the loose remaining end of the saree. Bring it from the back to the front over your left shoulder, letting it fall gracefully as per your preferred length. Pin the pallu to your left shoulder to hold it in place.
Step 6
Step 6: Setting the Pallu
Take the remaining part of the pallu and pleat it nicely. Allow the pleats to cascade down your left shoulder, a little above the floor. Pin the pleats to your left shoulder, ensuring they are arranged properly.
Step 7
Giving The Finishing Touches
Adjust the pleats of the descending part of the saree to ensure they are equal and neatly organised. Take some safety pins and ensure any loose ends or pleats stay in place throughout the day.
Step 8
Step 8: Styling And Selecting The Right Accessories
Complete your whole look by selecting matching accessories like jhumka earrings, a necklace, and a nose pin. Pick a hairstyle that complements the saree. Wear heels or flats according to your comfort and the occasion.
Wearing a saree is a craft that can be mastered with a little practice and patience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can effortlessly drape a saree and complete a gorgeous look. Remember, the fundamental thing is to be patient and take your time while welcoming the magnificence of this classic attire. So go ahead, confidently step into the world of sarees and appreciate the grace and elegance they bring to any event.