Different Ways of Draping a Saree

Sarees

There are numerous ways and styles of draping a saree. Each region of India exhibits its unique way of draping this 6 yard wonder. The modern woman has experimented and discovered various innovative and creative styles, whereas the Indian designers have taken this eternal ethnic beauty global. 

We have already learnt about the traditional sarees of India from different regions. Here we will be learning the different traditional draping styles prevailing in India and the art of wearing these beautiful and sensuous attire.

Classic Indian Drape (Traditional Way) : This is the most common and most popular method of draping a saree also called as Nivi style. In this style of sari draping, one end of the sari is neatly tucked into the band of the petticoat on the waist. After wrapping the sari cloth around the waist once more, the sari is neatly folded into pleats, which are then tucked into the waistband of the petticoat just below the navel. Then after wrapping it around the body one more time, the other decorative end(or pallu) comes diagonally in front of the torso and draped over the left shoulder. In kaccha nivi style of draping, the pleats are passed through the legs and tucked into the waist at the back. This allows free movement while covering the legs.

Gujarati style: Apart from Gujarat, this version of draping, is also found in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. This is similar to Nivi style but the "pallu" is draped over the right shoulder rather than left shoulder. After tucking the pleates the loose end is taken from the back, draped across the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back. Sarees with eye-catching magnificent pallus are best worn in this style

Maharashtrian style: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures 8-10 yards called Nauvari saree. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. Thus it forms a kind of divided sari, allowing greater freedom of movement. They are primarily worn by Brahmin women in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradhesh. 

Tamilian version: Like the Maharashtra version, the saree in this version, too, measures eight meters. After wrapping around the waist, the pleats are positioned along the left leg. The rest of the sari is taken over the left shoulder, wrapped once again round the waist and tucked on the left side. This is also called as Madisaara style of draping

Bengali style: The saree is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder. The pallu has a bunch of keys that falls over the shoulder.

Mundu Neriyathum is the signature style of Kerala. This style compromises of a Mundu or the lower skirt piece and a Neriyathum or the drape of the saree along with a blouse. Mundu is worn like wearing a Dhothi and is securely wrapped at the hip. Now the Neriyathum is draped over the blouse and tucked at the waist of the Mundu. This mundu also called 'Settu Mundu' is the traditional attire.

Coorgi Style This sari draping style is typical to ladies from the Kodagu district of Karnataka. This sari draping differs from other styles because in this the folded pleats of the sari are formed at the back instead of the usual front side. The pallu or decorative end of the sari is carefully draped from the back to front over the right shoulder. This is secured by a pin to the sari to keep it in place.

Mumtaz style This is not a traditional style but has become iconic with the yesteryear's Bollywood heroine Mumtaz. This is a very innovative drape. It is a sari with no pleats and draped and tightened around knees and thighs. Here saree is rounded twice around to give a slim effect. It is hard to walk freely in this drap. This drape is good for saree with heavy or embroidered borders.Wearing this style makes on look slimmer too. This is sometimes even referred as Bollywood golden Era style. 

Check back soon for the step-by-step demonstration of each styles of draping sarees. In the meanwhile, have a glance at the traditional sarees of India.

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Top Saree Materials Every Woman Should Own

For people who love wearing sarees or who have to wear them at least for family functions, selecting the right saree material that suits the occasion, season or your body type is always a mystery.   

Here are some saree materials that we suggest every woman should own, which you can match according to your body type, needs or occasions.

1. Faux Georgette Sarees to Feel Light Yet Gorgeous: 

Georgette sarees are originally made from silk of highly twisted yarns. Georgette sarees come in solid colors and prints, and are usually very costly. However, modern designers and craftsmen have created "Faux Georgette" material which is a much better alternative than the traditional georgette sarees.

2. Crepe Sarees Make a Woman Look and Feel Enchanting: 

It is a sheer wool or synthetic fiber fabric with a distinctive crisp and crimped appearance. You can wear crape sarees for any occasion but in a summer wedding crepe saree gives a very modern look.

3.  Art Silk to Look Traditional Plus Fashionable: 

Art silk resembles natural silk and is a synthetic fibre that typically costs less to produce. This comes in wide varieties and designs that one can't resist buying. A perfect blend of style and tradition. Art silk sarees are a perfect choice for the modern Indian woman who wants to be traditional & fashionable.

4.  Chiffon Sarees are Lightweight, Balanced Plain-woven, Sheer & a Comfortable Fabric:

Thus it is recommend for evening wear and a "Chiffon Jacquard Saree" with abstract prints all over can add glitter to your party wear.

5.  Lycra For Winter: 

Lycra silk sarees are made from 90% to 95% of silk and 5% to 10% of elastic synthetic fiber called spandex. It adds a kind of a comfortable stretch element in your sarees. Drape these sarees on any occasion and take your glamour quotient a notch higher.

6. Cotton Sarees For All Season:

It is the original traditional form of Indian saree that can be worn stylishly during any season. You can find here a wide range of cotton sarees for yourself which can be worn any time of the year.

7. Net Sarees For Evening:

They are gorgeous to wear for any function, especially weddings and other social occasions. Here is the best collection of net sarees you must own.

8. Chiffon Jacquard Saree:

This is beautiful Dual Color Black chiffon jacquard Saree which can make you look gorgeous with the self motifs added on the body of your attire to make it an interesting piece.

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4 Traditional Sarees That Every Woman Must Own

Highlights

• Created by the craftsmen of this small town called Kanchi in Tamil Nadu, this is one of the most popular south silks.
• As the name suggests, these sarees are manufactured by the weavers in the colourful city of Benaras/ Varanasi.

In spite of the number of shopping trips we make to the mall and the numerous hours we sirens on shopping online for buying the best western or casual wear, saree shopping is one thing that matters most women feel weak in their knees. You might have the wheels in your wardrobe, but a woman's trousseau remains incomplete without these four traditional sarees.

Kanjeevaram Silk

Created by the craftsmen of this small town called Kanchi in Tamil Nadu, this is one of the most popular south silks. Made of the finest quality of silk, with the best zari work, these sarees come in a variety of bold colours and designs.

The motifs used in Kanjeevaram saree also known as Kanchipuram, for the place it comes from, are heavily based on the Pallava temples, palaces and paintings. Their price starts from Rs. 2000 and goes up to Rs. 85000.

Benarasi Silk Sarees

As the name suggests, these sarees are manufactured by the weavers in the colourful city of Benaras/ Varanasi. An ideal Banarasi saree comprises of somewhere around 5600 thread wires, all of them 45-inch wide. A bride's trousseau is incomplete without this saree, that comes in various colours and sometimes in dual tones as well with exquisite saree work.

Paithani

Originated from Paithan then in Aurangabad district, this is a unique golf and silk saree. Characterised by borders of an oblique square design, and the pallu adorned mostly with peacocks or sculptures from Ajanta and Ellora caves, these sarees are either plain or spotted. They're either single-coloured and dual toned patterns usually achieved by using one colour for weaving lengthwise and another for weaving widthwise. This is must in every Maharashtrian woman's wardrobe, however the beauty of the saree makes a covered attire for most women around the country.

Settu Saree

A traditional weave from South India, this is a simple white cotton saree with gold border, and is usually worn on the occasion of Onam. However, a while and gold saree in your wardrobe simply adds elegance to it.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/buzz/4-traditional-sarees-that-every-woman-must-own/articleshow/50864263.cms

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Beautiful Sarees for Bengali Women

#1 Floral Printed Sarees – Soothing shades to beat the heat

Most women love floral prints. However, if you are not sure about your woman’s choice, you can have a look at her wardrobe. Even if she does not own a floral saree, you can add one to her collection on this women’s day. These sarees have truly beautiful colour combinations with interesting prints that would make your lady stand out of the crowd.

#2 Silk Sarees - A hint of gold in these sarees makes all the difference

These solid coloured sarees are timeless and can be worn on formal events. The presence of golden shade in these sarees is what makes them so graceful and elegant. This women’s day, look your best in these timeless sarees.

#3 Tant Sarees - Don the Bengali look

Tant saree means nothing but a traditional Bengali style saree. These sarees are super comfortable and boast of prints that appeal to the eyes. They are super light and can be worn all day without any kind of discomfort. The colours and prints of these sarees is so versatile that they can be worn almost anywhere.

#4 Cotton Silk Sarees – Elegant yet affordable

If you have a lot of weddings lined up this year, buying a rich looking silk saree for every occasion may burn a hole in your pocket. These cotton silk sarees are a perfect substitute to the pure silk sarees. These sarees look equally graceful but are available at the fraction of costs.

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