The sari is a traditional Indian garment (six meters of cloth that wraps a woman in a particular way) that has always fascinated people all over the world.
People all over the world wonder how Indian women can wear a sari and walk and work in one. Six yards (5-5.5 meters) of fabric, which is not sewn, but wrapped around a woman, to make her look elegant and graceful is no small thing. Except most of the Indian women are used to wearing saris and it becomes second nature for them to wear one.
types of saree
All the regions of India have particular designs, weaves, colors and fabrics from which the sarees are made. Many are indigenous to those areas. Sarees can be made from fabrics as varied as:
• Silks – light or heavy
• Cloths
• Georgette
• Organza
• Cotton
• Browse
• Mulmul
• Crepe
• Synthetics and polyester blends
Traditional saree designs.
Traditionally, sarees often have a pallu (also called a pallav) at one end, which is usually quite embellished and can be in a contrasting color. The saree can also have a border and some design, which can be elaborate and complicated, or simple or even plain.
However, sometimes the saree has a complete design without demarcation of pallu and borders. These saree can also be printed or woven. A drop is sewn on the back of the saree edge by hand, so that the saree is protected and also falls better.
What else do you need apart from the saree?
The North Indian style saree requires two accessories: one is the petticoat and the other is the saree blouse. Petticoats are usually available in a myriad of colors and should ideally match the color of the saree. They can be made of cotton, silk, satin, or synthetic fabrics.
A fitted petticoat is made up of panels to give a slim silhouette. It’s usually tied with a matching fabric lace, so it doesn’t have to be exactly tight, just adjust the lace as tight as you like. The petticoat should be tied below the navel, higher or lower, depending on your comfort level.
While the petticoat is traditional, some designers have experimented with churidars (similar to stretch pants) instead of petticoats.
The saree blouse is usually a little larger than the bra. Sometimes a sari blouse can be as long as the petticoat. It can be simple or ornate, in many designs, and usually needs to be individually tailored to fit perfectly. However, mixed lycra free size saree blouses of different lengths can occasionally be worn instead. You can have a blouse, which hides or a blouse, which can be like a very elegant bra.
Put on petticoat and blouse
You don’t need anyone’s help to tie a saree, although if you are doing it for the first time, you may find it a bit intimidating. If someone knows how to wear a saree, you can take the help of that person.
Put on the petticoat and tie it to a length that you feel comfortable with. Remember that the bottom should not show under the saree; it should be a little shorter. If you are going to wear heels with the saree, put them on before covering the saree, so that you can adjust the length of the petticoat.
Wearing a well-fitting bra, put on your top and fasten it properly, whether the bras are in the front or back. Now you are ready to cover the saree.
Covering a sari, North Indian style
1. Lay the saree right side up and take the edge down.
2. Put it over the petticoat, with the end towards the right leg. Tuck the top part inside the petticoat somewhere near or just before your right pelvic bone. It should be almost touching the ground and covering your heels if you are wearing them.
3. Grab it around your left side and tuck it inside. If you want a little freedom of movement or if your hips are wide, you can put a small pleat in the middle of the back, before tucking it in, very neatly and gently. Take the rest of the saree under the right arm and diagonally over the left shoulder.
4. Leave the end of the pallu as long as you want. It can be mid-back, hip-length, or even longer. This depends on your personal preference and also on the pallu.
5. The remaining material, hanging around your waist, should be neatly folded into folds of the same size and tucked in around the waist. Usually, since the hand is used to make the pleats, each pleat is the size of the hand from the thumb to the little finger, when fully opened.
6. The pleats should be about five inches each and open to the left. The remaining material, if any, should be added to the pallu, or you can even make a half fold with it. Then you adjust the pallu.
7. The other way to do it is to make the pleats first and then take the rest of the material around the hips from the left, then back, then right and across the left shoulder. (Any way is fine, again a matter of personal preference.)
8. In this case, what if there are too few pleats and the pallu is too long, you will have to make the pleats again. If the pallu is too short and you want it longer, just gently pull on the remaining saree.
9. Some people like to leave the saree loose over their left shoulder. Others may prefer to wear it around the right shoulder and leave it as a cover. Sometimes the saree can be neatly folded into the pallu and then pinned to the blouse. Or you can use a saree clip.
10. Occasionally the pallu may be taken around the right side of the waist and held in the left hand. Working women or housewives can even tuck the end into their petticoat so they won’t be bothered by the open pallu. Avoid pinning chiffon or delicate sarees as they can tear; instead, use sarees clips.