The draping of a South Indian silk saree (be it Kanjeevaram, Kasavu, or Mysore silk) is elegance personified. But beautiful silk material tends to be too stiff and bulky to drape well without proper pleating and pinning. The skill of draping the saree lies in two aspects: making sharp pleats at the bottom of the saree and folding the pallu nicely. And here is how you do it!

How To Wear A South Indian Saree: Step-By-Step

Here is a quick step-by-step guide for draping a South Indian saree. Have a look.

Step 1. Basic Tuck and Height Setting:

Ensure that you put on your shoes so that you get the appropriate height. Tuck the straight edge of the saree into your petticoat or undergarments, creating a 360-degree circle at your waist, such that the bottom edge of the saree touches the floor.

Step 2. Pleat and Set the Pallu:

Bring together the loose hanging part (pallu) and pleat it (creating 5 to 7 pleats that should be equally sharp and 4 to 5 inches wide). Ensure that the beautiful zari border is well highlighted at the top. Pin it together and drape it across your left shoulder.

Step 3. Drape the Front Lap and Hip Hug:

Take the uppermost part of the saree from the inside and drape it around your right hip before pulling it across the body. You can fasten this tight fitting by using a tiny pin on your left hip.

Step 4. Make Neat Saree Pleats:

Collect any stray fabric left in the middle and create pleats between 6 and 8 in number. Arrange them in a straight line and push them into your petticoat to the left side of your navel.

Step 5. Final Adjustments and Waist Belt:

Ensure that the pallu is attached to the blouse with a safety pin on the shoulder. To complete your look, ensure that you pair it with the traditional Oddiyanam (gold waist belt).

Pro Hacks For Flawless Draping

  • Preliminary pre-pleating and then pressing the pleats with an iron at low temperature should be done for a Kanjeevaram silk saree before wearing.

  • Use temporary clips for holding your pleats in position as you make them, since this leaves your hands free to arrange the borders.

  • Replace conventional cotton petticoats with saree shapewear that has a drawstring in order to get rid of extra waist bulk.

    • Common Mistakes To Avoid While Draping A Saree

    • Makes the saree fall short or drape poorly once the heels are put on. Quick Fix: Wear your heels/flat footwear before tying the first waist tuck.

  • Makes the pallu slip repeatedly, dragging down the diagonal fold. Quick Fix: Tack the pallu behind your shoulder line to the blouse.

  • Leads to uneven spreading of the front pleats. Quick Fix: Arrange all the inner pleats correctly and then tack them.

    • Conclusion

    The secret behind wearing a South Indian saree gracefully lies in the design of the saree, the tightness of the tucks made and pinning the same firmly. One can use the techniques and tricks mentioned above to confidently wear their Kanjeevaram or temple border saree at weddings and festivals.

    Image credits: Freepik/Pinterest

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