Sarees and their draping styles

The word Saree is derived from Sanskrit shati which means 'strip of cloth' and which was ruined to modern day Saree. In the history of Indian clothing the Saree is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which thrived during 2800–1800 BC around the western part of the Indian subcontinent. The initial known description of the Saree in the Indian subcontinent is the statue of an Indus Valley priest wearing a drape. Even today this five yard cloth has importance in not only our culture but many cultures across the world.

There are a variety of sites that cater to women to only buy one Saree but whole Saree collections online. But there are none that cater to women who want to learn how to drape sarees, there different styles or different and on going trends. Few different and popular ways of draping are:

The Traditional way: This is the most familiar way of wearing the Saree. The Saree is draped once around the waist and pleats are fashioned and tucked in the middle facing left. The remaining cloth is slung over the left shoulder to cover the lady’s torso. Often the pallu, as the top part is called could be pleated and pinned neatly to the wearer’s shoulder or could be left open for the lady to manage.

Bengali style of wearing Saree: Draped without pleats, it is wrapped around the waist and drawn back to the right side and the pallu is slung over the left shoulder. Once again pulled up from under the right arm, it is slung over the left shoulder. Often an elaborate key bunch is added to the border to complete this very feminine and graceful drape.

Gujarati way of wearing Saree: This way of draping the saree is not only accepted in Gujarat but many northern states like UP, MP Rajasthan and Bihar also adopt this style. In this way of wearing the saree, the pleats face right instead of left. The pallu also comes from the back to the front from the right side. The border of the pallu is tucked at the back securing it appropriately. This approach of draping works very well when you want to show an intricate border.

Maharashtra method of Saree Draping Styles: Using nine yards, this manner is adopted by the older and more conventional women. The Saree imitates a dhoti style somewhat, with some of the fabric tucked between the legs to split them. Worn without a petticoat underneath, this Saree is hardly ever seen nowadays apart from festive occasions. In this version of the saree the pallu drapes the shoulder or is used to cover the head

Tamilian version of Saree Draping Styles: This version too uses a Saree that is 9 yards as contrasting to the simple 6 yards version. Once again worn without a petticoat inside, this Saree uses multiple tuck and complex pleats to form a Saree that can be as easy as a pair of jeans if draped right. The pallu is folded in half and tucked into the waist allowing the lady to go about her errands.

Northern pride drape: In the north of India, the Saree is worn the conventional way, with the end of the pallu covering the bosom. In the front, they have skirt pleats and the pallu is draped around the shoulders and over the chest, to modestly cover the bust. It’s a good drape to wear when you want to look more modest, perhaps in front of the elders.

The Mumtaz style: Popularized by the attractive film star Mumtaz, this method of wearing your Saree involves draping it tightly around your lower body a number of times, to give it a narrow look and dramatically fling the remaining fabric over your shoulder. This style bares your midriff and makes for a very slow walk.

Tribal style: Draped somewhat above the ankles, this way of draping the Saree is fairly admired among the tribal people of Tamil nadu. This way of draping the Saree is easy and is designed for effortless walking and performing errands in the jungle. Often no blouse is worn in this style or a simple piece of cloth bound over the bust line serves as blouse.

Kodagu style: Worn chiefly by women from Kodagu district of Karnataka, this method is distinguished by the pleats being in the back. The pallu is flung on to the right shoulder and held in place by a pin.

Kerala Mundu style: A version of Saree with two pieces, there is the bottom piece which is worn independently and the top portion to be used as pallu