In our opinion, a saree is one of the most versatile and comfortable (if draped right) pieces of ethnic wear. No matter what your aesthetic—traditional, modern or Indo-western, a saree can make you look gorgeous and is fit for all kinds of occasions. And the best part is that there's a whole world of different saree draping styles waiting to be explored to make sure you never repeat the same fit twice, even if it is the exact same saree! So if you're looking for fun ways to experiment with the six yards, here are the top ways to drape a saree.
From Traditional To Modern: 9 Saree-Draping Styles To Try This Festive Season
Marathi
Usually a nine-yards saree, the Maharashtrian saree is often called the Nauvari. This style of draping requires one to tuck the saree in the waistband at the back, giving it the look similar to a lungi, and then the pallu draped over the left shoulder. If you're looking to go fully traditional, this is a great style to adapt. But make sure you have a nine-yards saree, this type of draping can be very difficult to do with the regular six yards.
Gujarati
A great choice for weddings and festive occasions, the Gujarati saree is draped over the left shoulder with the difference being that the pallu falls to the front. It is then pinned in such a way that it covers the chest and the motifs and prints on the pallu are clearly visible.
Bengali
The Bengali drape is one of the most elegant draping styles there is. Famous in West Bengal and Bangladesh, the key difference with the aatpoure saree is that it is wrapped around the waist and then tucked at the back, the pallu is then draped over the shoulder and brought back to fall to the front. This is a great way to wear the lal paar saree.
Pro-Tip: Check out our list of the best Bengali sarees to complete your look.
Coorgi
The Coorgi draping style or the Coorgi Kailpe is one of my pesonal favourites. With two variation, this one can be super traditional or have a fun modern twist. Basically, you wrap the saree normally and then when it comes to the pallu, you wrap it in a straight cut across your chest (as shown in the picture above) and then is brought to the front over the right shoulder and pinned there, giving your saree almost a dress-like look. In the traditional variation, the pallu covers your head.
Parsi
The Parsi draping style is probably the closest to the nivi, which is the draping style we usually see, and is great for a sophisticated look. The unique feature of this draping style is the way the pallu is draped over the left shoulder with big loose pleats falling on the chest, completely covering it. This style is super comfortable and great for evening parties with those stylish blouses.
Nivi
This is the most common type of draping style and is seen on women all across the country and sometimes the world. This styles consists of the pallu falling over the left shoulder and the fall can be customised according what you feel is comfortable. It can be left open, or be broad pleats, or thin pleats, or a half open fall. This one is easy to achieve and is definitely our go-to.
Belted
Coming to the more modern saree draping styles, the belted one has become popular in the recent years. This one usually requires you to first drape your saree in the nivi style, with thin pleats across your chest and over the left shoulder, and then a belt is added around the waist to add a modern and cinched twist.
Pro-Tip: A fan of the Sabya belt? Check out affordable but just as gorgeous alternatives here.
Lehenga Style
This draping style has definitely become popular at weddings in the recent years. The lehenga-style draping has the pleats at the waist done in such a way that it gives the illusion of it being a skirt. The pallu is then taken over the right shoulder to the front, much like the Gujarati draping style. This one can be a bit tedious to handle, so we suggest using a lot of pins.
Dhoti
With a lot of stitched sarees now coming in the style, the dhoti style is a fun and modern draping style. In this style, the saree is tucked in the waistband to give the look of a dhoti and then taken over the shoulder in nivi style with thin pleats across the chest. You can also add a belt to this look.
