How to Wear a Saree – Step-by-Step Guide

🧕 How to Wear a Saree – Step-by-Step Guide

Gracefully drape tradition with confidence

Whether you're new to wearing sarees or exploring different styles and fabrics, this guide will help you wear your saree effortlessly — just like the beautiful women of India have done for generations.

🧵 What You'll Need:

  • A saree (usually 5.5 to 6.5 meters)

  • A matching blouse

  • A petticoat (in-skirt with a drawstring)

  • Safety pins for neat draping

  • Heels (optional, but recommended before draping)

👣 Basic Nivi Style (Most Common)

Works best for: Cotton, silk, chiffon, georgette, crepe, linen sarees
Popular for: Weddings, office, everyday wear

Step-by-Step:

  1. Tuck & Wrap
    Start by tucking one end of the saree into your petticoat at the right side of your waist. Wrap it once around your waist, going left to right, and bring it back to the front.

  2. Create Pleats
    Take the loose portion and create 6–9 even pleats (about 5 inches wide). Hold all pleats together, facing left, and tuck them neatly in the center of your waist.

  3. Drape the Pallu
    Take the remaining portion and bring it over your left shoulder. The end (pallu) should fall just below your knees or to your desired length.

  4. Pin for Perfection
    Pin the pleats at the waist and the pallu on the shoulder for secure and graceful movement.

✨ Draping Styles by Saree Type:

1. Silk Sarees (Kanjeevaram, Banarasi)

  • Pro Tip: Use more pleats to balance the heavy fabric. Pin the pallu to let the motifs show beautifully.

2. Cotton & Linen Sarees

  • Pro Tip: Iron well and pin the pleats firmly. These fabrics are stiff and create a structured look.

3. Georgette/Chiffon/Crepe Sarees

  • Pro Tip: These flowy sarees look stunning with fewer, looser pleats. Let the pallu hang elegantly with minimal pinning.

4. Partywear/Pre-Stitched Sarees

  • Pro Tip: Just hook, drape, and you're done! Pre-stitched sarees are a blessing for beginners.

💃 Modern Draping Variations

  • Belted Saree: Add a waist belt for a chic Indo-western twist.

  • Pant Style Saree: Drape over trousers or leggings for fashion-forward comfort.

  • Bengali, Gujarati, or Maharashtrian Styles: Great for festivals, showcasing culture through regional drapes.

🎥 Need Visual Help?

We’re working on a YouTube tutorial series and IG Reels to make draping even easier!
Follow us on Instagram & YouTube for real-time guides.

🧵 Need Styling Advice?

Contact our saree experts for a quick consult before you wear!
📧 Help.dharmadesigners@gmail.com
📞 +91-9825512246