Traditional Sarees

A saree is a South Asian female garment that consists of drape varying from two to nine yards in length and two to four feet in breadth that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff.

The sari is usually worn over a petticoat called lehenga with a fitted upper garment commonly called a blouse or a choli or ravika. The blouse has short sleeves and is usually cropped at the midriff. The sari is associated with grace and is widely regarded as a symbol of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Nepalese and Sri Lankan culture.

Styles of Draping Sarees/Sari

In India there are around 80 ways to wear Saree, these ways are diversified according to the states. Each state have their own way to wear Sarees. Lets take a look over it :

Nivi Style Saree - This style of saree is originally worn in Andhra Pradesh, besides the modern nivi, there is also the kaccha nivi, where the pleats are passed through the legs and tucked into the waist at the back. This allows free movement while covering the legs. Like below :

Lets learn how to drap Nivi Saree :

Gujarati/Rajasthani Sarees - In Gujarati/Rajasthani Sarees after tucking in the pleats similar to the nivi style, the loose end is taken from the back, draped across the right shoulder, and pulled across to be secured in the back. Like below :

Lets learn how to drap Nivi Saree :

Maharashtrian/Konkani/Kashta Sarees - This drape is very similar to that of the male Maharashtrian dhoti. The center of the sari (held lengthwise) is placed at the center back, the ends are brought forward and tied securely, then the two ends are wrapped around the legs. When worn as a sari, an extra-long cloth of nine yards is used and the ends are then passed up over the shoulders and the upper body. They are primarily worn by Brahmin women of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa. Like below :

Lets learn how to drap Maharashtrian Saree :

Madisar Sari - this drape is typical of Iyengar/Iyer Brahmin ladies from Tamil Nadu. Traditional Madisar is weared using 9 yards saree. See below :

Lets learn how to drap Madisar Saree :

Kodagu Style Saree - This saree drape is confined to ladies hailing from the Kodagu district of Karnataka. In this style, the pleats are created in the rear, instead of the front. The loose end of the sari is draped back-to-front over the right shoulder, and is pinned to the rest of the sari. See below :

Lets learn how to drap Kodagu Saree :

Gobbe Saree - This style of saree is worn by women in the Malnad or Sahyadri and central region of Karnataka. It is worn with 18 molas saree with three four rounds at the waist and a knot after crisscrossing over shoulders.

Gond Style Saree - Gond sari styles found in many parts of Central India. The cloth is first draped over the left shoulder, then arranged to cover the body.

Malayali Style Saree - The two-piece sari, or Mundum Neryathum, worn in Kerala. Usually made of unbleached cotton and decorated with gold or coloured stripes and/or borders. Also the Set-saree, a sort of mundum neryathum. See below :

Lets learn how to drap Malayali Saree :

Tribal Styles Saree - This style of saree is often secured by tying them firmly across the chest, covering the breasts.