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As someone who has grown up wearing saris, I can attest that it is not an easy garment to wear. However, once you master the art of draping a sari, it can be a beautiful and elegant way to dress up for any occasion. A sari is a traditional Indian garment that consists of a long piece of fabric that is draped around the body in a specific way.
The process of wearing a sari may seem daunting, but with a little bit of practice, anyone can learn how to do it. The key is to start with the basics and work your way up to more intricate styles. There are many different ways to drape a sari, depending on the occasion, the type of sari, and personal preference.
In this article, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to wear a sari for beginners. I will also share some tips and tricks that I have learned over the years to make the process easier and more comfortable. Whether you are attending a wedding, a formal event, or simply want to try something new, learning how to wear a sari is a valuable skill that will come in handy for years to come.
Selecting the Right Sari
Choosing the right sari is crucial to ensure that you look your best on any occasion. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect sari:
Fabric and Texture
The fabric and texture of the sari can make a big difference in how it looks on you. When selecting a sari, consider the occasion and the weather. For formal occasions, choose silk or chiffon saris. Cotton and linen saris are perfect for casual occasions. If you are attending a wedding, you can choose a heavy silk sari with intricate embroidery or embellishments. For hot and humid weather, choose lightweight fabrics such as cotton, chiffon, and georgette.
Color and Design
The color and design of the sari can also make a big difference in your overall look. Choose a color that complements your skin tone and enhances your natural beauty. If you have a fair complexion, choose bright colors such as pink, orange, and red.
If you have a dusky complexion, choose colors such as maroon, navy blue, and green. When it comes to the design, choose one that suits your personality and the occasion. You can choose from a range of designs such as floral, geometric, and abstract.
By considering the fabric, texture, color, and design of the sari, you can select the perfect sari for any occasion. Remember to choose a sari that makes you feel comfortable and confident, and you will look your best!
Preparing to Wear a Sari
Before wearing a sari, it is important to prepare yourself with the right attire. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Blouse
The blouse is an important part of your sari outfit. It should fit well and complement the sari. You can choose from a variety of styles, including sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved blouses. Make sure to select a blouse that matches the color and design of your sari. For example, if your sari has a lot of intricate embroidery, choose a plain blouse to balance the overall look.
When selecting a blouse, consider the occasion and your personal style. If you are attending a formal event, you may want to choose a blouse with more embellishments or a unique design. On the other hand, if you prefer a more minimalistic look, a plain blouse may be the way to go.
Selecting the Right Petticoat
The petticoat is another important part of your sari outfit. It provides a base for the sari and helps it drape properly. When selecting a petticoat, choose one that matches the color of your sari. It should also fit well and be comfortable to wear.
Consider the length of the petticoat. It should be long enough to reach your ankles, but not so long that it shows under the sari. The waistband should be secure and fit comfortably around your waist. Some petticoats come with drawstrings, which can be adjusted to fit your waist size.
It is also important to consider the fabric of the petticoat. Choose a fabric that is lightweight and breathable, such as cotton or silk. This will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Wrapping the Sari
Now that you have draped the sari over your petticoat, it’s time to wrap it around your waist. This is the most crucial step in wearing a sari, and it requires some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to wrap it with ease.
Tying the Knot
The first step in wrapping the sari is to make a knot at the end of the sari. Take the end of the sari and tuck it into the waistband of your petticoat at the center of your back. Bring the sari around your waist to the front, and tie a knot with the two ends of the sari. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
Pleating the Sari
Next, it’s time to pleat the sari. Take the remaining fabric of the sari and start making pleats of about five to six inches wide, tucking them into the waistband of your petticoat. Make sure the pleats are even and facing towards the left side. Keep making pleats until you reach the end of the sari.
Once you have made all the pleats, tuck the end of the sari into the waistband of your petticoat at the center of your back. Make sure the sari is draped evenly and there are no creases or bumps. Adjust the pleats to make sure they are even and straight.
Now that you have wrapped the sari around your waist and pleated it, you can drape the remaining fabric over your shoulder. Take the end of the sari and drape it over your left shoulder, making sure it falls evenly down your back.
Wrapping a sari can take some practice, but with patience and persistence, you’ll be able to drape it with ease. Remember to tie the knot tightly and make even pleats for a smooth and elegant look.
Drapping the Sari
When it comes to draping a sari, there are many different styles to choose from. Each style has its own unique look and requires slightly different steps to achieve. Here are a few popular styles of draping:
Styles of Draping
The Nivi Style: This is the most common style of draping a sari. It involves tucking one end of the sari into the waistband of the petticoat, wrapping the sari around the waist, and draping the other end of the sari over the left shoulder. The pleats are then tucked into the waistband at the front.
The Bengali Style: This style is popular in West Bengal and involves draping the sari in a way that the pleats are at the back instead of the front. The pallu is draped over the left shoulder and tucked in at the back.
The Gujarati Style: This style is popular in Gujarat and involves draping the sari in a way that the pallu is draped over the right shoulder instead of the left. The pleats are tucked into the waistband at the back.
Tips for Draping
Although draping a sari can seem daunting at first, with a little practice, it can become second nature. Here are a few tips to help make the process easier:
- Choose a sari that is appropriate for the occasion and your body type.
- Wear a well-fitted petticoat and blouse to ensure the sari drapes nicely.
- Make sure the sari is ironed and free of wrinkles before draping.
- Start by tucking the non-pallu end of the sari into the waistband of the petticoat.
- Make sure the sari is draped evenly around the waist before tucking the pleats.
- Pin the pleats in place to keep them secure.
- Practice draping the sari a few times before wearing it to an event.
Accessorizing the Sari
Accessorizing a sari is an important part of completing the look. It can enhance the beauty of the sari and make you stand out in the crowd. Here are some tips on how to accessorize a sari:
Jewelry and Footwear
When it comes to jewelry, the options are endless. You can wear a maang tikka, nose ring, armlets, bracelets, bangles, heavy choker or torque necklaces, jhumkas, toe rings, and other eye-catching jewelry. However, it is important to not overdo it. Choose one or two pieces of jewelry that complement your sari and enhance your look.
As for footwear, you can wear sandals, heels, or flats depending on your comfort level. If you are wearing a sari with a heavy border, then it is best to wear heels to give the sari a proper fall. If you are wearing a sari with a light border, then flats or sandals will work just fine.
Makeup and Hair
The makeup and hair should complement the sari and the jewelry. If you are wearing heavy jewelry, then it is best to keep the makeup and hair simple. A simple bun or braid with a few flowers can add a touch of elegance to the look. If you are wearing light jewelry, then you can experiment with different hairstyles like loose curls or a messy bun.
When it comes to makeup, a natural look is always a safe bet. You can use a light foundation, kajal, eyeliner, and a nude lipstick to complete the look. If you want to add some color, then you can use a bold lipstick or eyeshadow that matches the color of your sari.
Overall, accessorizing a sari is all about balance. Choose the right jewelry, footwear, makeup, and hairstyle that complement your sari and make you feel confident and beautiful.
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