How to wear a saree

[Chrissy64_uk]

Step 1
Start with the Inner Edge(least patterned plain end) of the Saree, with the Fall (lined border) falling along the inside of the bottom edge. Tuck the Inner Edge into the waistband of the Petticoat slightly to the right side, with the rest of the saree wrapping round to the left. The amount you tuck in depends on how tall or short you are or how long you want to wear the saree.
Step 2
Measure the length of the Pallu (the fanciest patterned end of the saree that falls on the outside so that the design can be seen). This will be on the other end of the Saree from the end you have just tucked in. Take this measured Pallu Length (approx. 1 metre) and take it behind you from your left and forward again from your right.
Step 3
Take the Pallu that you have just brought forward from your right, and fling it over your left shoulder for the time being, so it is out of the way. This is done to see how much of the Saree should be pleated into the waistband. The Saree now left in front of you is pleated to tuck into the waistband.
Step 4
Pleat the remaining Saree into five to six inch wide pleats.

Step 5
Hold all the pleats together, making sure the bottom end is level with the rest of the Saree all round.
Step 6
Tuck this bundle of pleats in one movement into the waistband of the petticoat, thus securing it.
Step 7
The Pallu of the Saree can now be arranged to suit your own style. The style normally and most commonly used is flinging the Pallu over the left shoulder or pleating it and pinning it to the left shoulder, so that the Pallu can swing open at the back. Two of the most popular methods of draping the Pallu are shown below.

Gujarati Style
This is a traditional draping style from the state of Gujarat . It is easier to manage and suited for draping Heavily Worked / Bridal / Silk Sarees. After tucking the pleats into your Petticoat (Step 6) remove the Pallu section from your left shoulder (over which it had been flung earlier to keep out of the way in Step 3). Bring part of the Pallu forward from your back by draping it over your right shoulder. The Pallu can now be arranged into an upside-down fan-shape from your right shoulder. The remainder is left to hang behind in a J-shaped arc from the back of your left hip where it is still tucked into the waistband, to the back of your right shoulder.

[Iona Black]

I've been wearing Sarees since I moved to my new place in February. I have a great shop locally that I get them from very cheaply...

If you get a sari that has already been made properly, there's a cotton hem on the bottom which shows how far you have to go with the pleats before dealing with the pallu... I find it easier to do the pleats individually while I'm still getting used to wearing them.

If anyone wants any sarees... let me know... Much cheapness, and there's some lovely ones out there, although admittedly I've had most of the really flash ones... lol

[Diana Richards]

I was having lunch with Mary from Manchester Concord today, and she was telling me about the sari she is having made to measure at a little shop on curry mile in Rusholme.
I guess you can see it in all it's splendour on 12th August, which is Manchester Concord's sari evening.

[Reggie]

As new saree wearer I am very curious about how one would have a made to measure saree as all of them I have seen are simply one length of material with a pattern at the end that falls over the shoulder or the pallau as it is known.

You do not have to be measured for it as they are simply a length of material without shape. To the best of my knowledge it is the choli or in english the short blouse that is worn underneath that you,need to be measured for as the underskirt is usually one size fits all.

Having just obtained mine from one of the largest selections I have ever seen, and been shown how to wear it by an expert. I wonder what Mary is going to come up with, unless it is a cheats version with the pleats sewn in and fitted with a waistband that has a fastener.

[Petra Susan]

Hello,

She was modelling it the other week, and it's like you said Reggie a bit of a cheat version with a button fastening waistband. It did look very nice though.

Janine

[Iona Black]

I have one of those, but it was my first sari and I had no clue how to put one on properly. I can happily say that I now can just about do it in my sleep and I have an ever-growing sari collection. There's a few tricks to wearing a sari, most of which come with practice, and I am so grateful to my wee ladies who have been teaching and encouraging me to wear them.

Next step is to learn to speak Hindi...