A saree is an essential part of an Indian woman’s wardrobe. But, we often forget that saree draping style is as important as the fabrics, colours and embellishment. The way a saree is draped determines the outfit’s overall look.
You can make a simple printed saree look modern or traditional, depending on how it is worn. From classic regional drapes passed down through generations to modern experimental styles seen on fashion runways, saree draping is an art in itself. The right saree drape enhances your body proportions and highlights your natural curves. To know everything about saree draping styles, read along with this blog.
Learn About Popular Draping Styles for Printed Sarees
Nivi Draping Style
Nivi draping is a common drape style that most of us grew up seeing, mothers getting ready, pleats pressed just right, pallu falling effortlessly over the shoulder. The style finds its roots in Andhra Pradesh, but it gained popularity for balancing beauty with ease.
In this, you have to create even front pleats and tuck them neatly at the waist. While the pallu flows over the left shoulder.
Printed sarees look especially flattering in this drape because the vertical pleats lengthen the body. While the waist looks defined, the overall silhouette appears taller and slimmer.
To learn all about the Nivi saree draping, click here.
Gujarati Style Draping
Gujarati draping carries the energy of festivals, mirror work, and graceful movement. Traditionally worn in Gujarat, this style stands out because the pallu comes from the back and is displayed proudly in the front. The saree is pleated at the waist, tucked securely, and the pallu is spread wide over the right shoulder.
This drape highlights patterns beautifully for printed sarees. The elevated waist tuck and diagonal pallu line draw the eye upward. This helps the torso look longer and the waist visibly slimmer.
Bengali Style Draping
Bengali draping feels poetic—unhurried, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition. Famous in West Bengal, this style skips tight pleats and instead wraps the saree in soft layers. The pallu is brought around twice and often accessorised with keys or brooches. Printed sarees gain a relaxed elegance here, especially during Durga Puja. The flowing structure avoids bulk around the waist and creates gentle vertical movement. This softens curves and gives the body a naturally elongated, slim appearance without trying too hard.
Pant Style Draping
Pant-style saree draping is for women who are in touch with their traditional roots but live in the now. This contemporary style has no regional roots but has made its place in urban fashion. The saree is draped over trousers or fitted pants, with pleats arranged neatly and the pallu styled like a dupatta.
This looks perfect with a silk or cotton printed saree, as it does not overwhelm the structure. The fitted base creates sharp lines, defines the waist, and reduces fabric volume around the hips. This instantly gives the illusion of a slimmer, taller frame with a confident look.
Lehenga Style Draping
This is yet another beautiful technique of draping a saree. In this, the draping looks like a lehenga and is popular in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The saree is pleated all around the waist like a lehenga skirt instead of front pleats. While the pallu is draped gracefully over the shoulder. This style looks amazing with printed sarees, and there is no gathering of fabric at the waist. The high-waist fit cinches the midsection and balances the lower body. This helps make the waist look smaller and the saree slim.
Double Pallu Draping
Double pallu draping feels dramatic, layered, and rich in culture. This draping style is very popular in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. In this draping technique, the style uses two pallus – one goes over the shoulder, while the other is styled across the torso or head. Printed sarees look striking when layered this way, as the patterns add depth without heaviness.
The overlapping pallus creates strong vertical and diagonal lines, which visually narrow the body and give the wearer a graceful, elongated appearance.
Cape Style Draping
Cape-style draping has become very popular with Gen Z girls. Thanks to its amazing layering that works like a cape. You have to simply replace the traditional blouse or pallu with a cape. It looks beautiful with printed sarees, which shine here because the cape allows the fabric underneath to flow uninterrupted.
In fact, this style has become very popular at weddings and cocktail events. The outer layer creates a simple structure and hides areas while still allowing movement.
Dhoti Style Draping
This draping style blends heritage with bold fashion and is inspired by the traditional dhoti. This saree is very famous in Maharashtra and South India. The saree is pleated between the legs to create a pants-like form. The pallu is styled over the shoulder or across the body. Printed sarees feel lighter and more dynamic in this drape. The raised waist and tapered structure highlight the legs and waist. This reduces volume around the hips and creates a slim look.
Slim Belt Saree Drape
The slim belt saree drape proves that small details make big differences. This contemporary styling technique involves draping the saree traditionally and adding a slim belt to the silhouette. With this, we mean that you can go for the popular Nivi drape and finish it with a belt at the waist. The belt prevents fabric bunching and keeps pleats in place for printed sarees. This style has become extremely popular with Bollywood celebrities. Since the structured hold shapes the torso, smoothens the midsection. This creates a clean look that instantly makes the body appear more defined and slim.
Final Thoughts
On a final note, the way you drape a saree decides the overall look your body will have. Drapes like nivi, Gujarati, and pant style help to get a clean structure, thus toning down the curviness of the body. We hope this blog answered your saree online shopping queries and helped paint a better picture of classy saree draping styles.
