35 Different Saree Draping Styles: From Ancient Roots to Contemporary Trends

 

From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea, the art of saree draping is as diverse as its landscapes and rich culture. With every fold and pleat, India narrates a story of cultural richness and fashion-forwardness. 

Let’s explore the myriad of ways in which India embraces tradition while taking on contemporary trends, showcasing its unmatched versatility in saree draping. Whether it's the intricate Nivi drape of Andhra Pradesh or the regal Bengali style, prepare to be drawn to the nation’s endless variety of saree-draping styles that reflect its vibrant heritage.

 

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1. Nivi or Basic Saree Draping Style 

This classic drape, which originated in Andhra Pradesh, involves neatly pleating a  saree at the waist and allowing the pallu to gracefully fall over the shoulder. With its clean lines and effortless charm, the Nivi drape has become a symbol of refined elegance, beloved by women across India and beyond.  

 

2. Coorg Saree Draping 

The Coorg saree drape is known for its distinctive style, which involves wrapping the saree around the body twice, creating a unique silhouette that sets it apart from other regional draping styles. The pallu is elegantly draped over the shoulder, featuring the intricate patterns and vibrant colours characteristic of Coorg sarees. 

 

3. Drape With Picture-Perfect Pleats

With the art of creating flawless pleats, this is one of the most loved saree draping styles there are. The crisp edges and perfect pleats not only enhance the aesthetics of your saree but also ensure comfort and ease of movement.

 

4. Open Pallu Saree Draping Style

You can go with this effortless styling; simply drape your saree over your left shoulder and refrain from pinning or pleating the pallu.

 

5. Mekhela Chadar

The Mekhela Chadar, also known as the Assamese saree, comprises two main pieces: the Mekhela (the lower garment) and the Chadar (the upper garment). The Mekhela is draped elegantly around the waist, and the Chadar is draped gracefully over the shoulder, creating a stunning silhouette that exudes grace and poise.

 

6. Moody & Floaty Drape

Styled with loose, billowy pleats and an effortless drape, the moody and floaty style adds a touch of drama and sophistication to your look. With this easy-going drape, embrace your inner goddess with every sway and twirl.

 

7. Front Pallu Saree Draping Style

Inspired by traditional saree draping, the front pallu draping style of the saree involves draping your pallu over the front of your body. To achieve this style, drape your pallu over the front of your body. It's a perfect modern take on a bygone style, and this style is going to give you that effortlessly elegant look.

 

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8. Readymade Saree Draping 

Many women struggle with saree draping and find it to be a herculean task. For such ladies out there, a ready-made saree is an excellent choice to get them going. There is no doubt that ready-to-wear sarees are in style for enhancing hassle-free saree draping and pulling together your overall look.

 

9. Gujarati Style Saree

The Gujarati style of saree draping is done in such a way that it creates a fan-shaped pleat at the front, embellished with beautiful tassels and even decorative pins. All you need to do is elegantly drape the pallu over your shoulder, flaunting the elaborate embroidery or vibrant prints that are quintessentially Gujju.

 

10. The Vintage Styled Mumtaz Saree Draping 

Not long ago, Indian-film actress Mumtaaz dazzled in a saree-draped look in the movie Ram aur Shyam. This mesmerising style of saree draping has been her name since then. Several layers make up the front drape, exuding retro vibes...

 

11. Maharashtrian Drape

The Maharashtrian drapes are known as Nauvari and Kashta.  One of the drapes tucks at the back by picking the pleats below because the saree is quite lengthy. The Marathi saree draping is among the most loved bridal saree draping looks. 

 

12. Angrakha Drape

The Angrakha drape is very unique, and here the pallu is wrapped around the body in a criss-cross pattern, resembling the overlapping panels on Angrakha. Drape the pallu elegantly over one shoulder to achieve a sophisticated and regal look.

 

13. Mermaid Saree Draping Style 

This might be an exceptional pick for those of you who want to try something unconventional. This might be an exceptional pick for you. This style accentuates your body's curves by neatly draping the saree tightly around the hips and legs, creating a sleek and well-fitted look.

 

14. Kappulu

“ Kappulu” refers to the pleats or folds in the saree. Draping the saree in a South Indian style involves neatly pleated folds at the waist. Tuck the pleats towards the left side to give a structured and graceful appearance to the saree drape.

After draping the pallu (loose end of the saree) over the left shoulder, it gracefully cascades down the back or front, depending on the preference.

 

15. Bengali Drapes

It is characterised by wide pleats and a distinctive pallu draped diagonally across the chest. It captures the essence of Bengali culture with its graceful silhouette.

Tuck the pleats neatly to the right, allowing the pallu to cascade gracefully over the left shoulder, creating stunning visual symmetry. This style works best when you want to avoid the weight of the veil on your shoulders.

 

16. Belted Saree Draping Style

Cinch a sleek belt around the waist over the saree to create a defined silhouette and add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. The belt not only accentuates the waistline but also adds structure to the drape, allowing for ease of movement and a comfortable fit. 

One can wear it for both formal and casual occasions.

 

17. South-Indian Saree Drape

In this style, the saree is draped in a way that emphasises the length of the fabric, allowing it to flow gracefully from the waist to the feet. Arrange and tuck the pleats in at the front while draping the pallu (loose end of the saree) over the left shoulder and let it hang freely down the back.

This draping style highlights the beauty of the saree's fabric and allows for easy movement.

 

18. Cape Style Saree Draping

Women love to keep up with evolving fashion trends, and one such trend is cape-style saree draping, which adds a modern twist to the classic attire. Drape the saree traditionally, neatly arranging pleats at the front and draping the pallu over the shoulder. A cape or jacket is worn over the saree, creating a chic look.

19. Palazzo Saree Draping

This style of saree drapes over palazzo pants, giving it a modern and chic twist. Arrange the pleats neatly in front, and drape the pallu over one shoulder as usual.

 

20. Double Saree Draping Style

The double-saree draping style involved draping two sarees together to create a layered and voluminous look. This draping style offers a modern and fashion-forward interpretation of the traditional saree, making it perfect for special occasions and festive celebrations.

 

21. Pinkosu

The Pinkosu saree draping involves wrapping the saree around the body in a distinctive manner, with pleats arranged at the back and the pallu (loose end of the saree) draped over the front shoulder. It is also commonly referred to as the “Kodagu style” or “Coorg style”. 

 

22. Butterfly Saree Draping Style

It is yet another modern twist on our traditional and timeless classic saree. The style resembles that of a butterfly's delicate and, at the same time, beautiful wings. Drape the loose end of the saree over both shoulders, resembling the wings of a butterfly, and secure it by pinning or tucking it in place.

 

23. Parsi Drape

If you’re looking for an elegant way to pull together your saree look, Parsi style draping might be one of the drapes you should consider. This elegant drape features neatly pleated folds at the front, with the pallu elegantly draped over one shoulder and tucked into the waistband on the opposite side, creating a sophisticated and timeless look. 

 

24. Dhoti-Style Saree Draping

The dhoti-style saree is a beautiful meld of the saree and the dhoti style of draping. Gather the pleats at one corner and tuck them at the waist, creating a pretty and fluid silhouette. Wap the pallu around the waist, allowing it to carefully cascade gracefully over one shoulder.

 

25. Lehenga Style Saree Draping

Begin by tucking one end of the saree at the waist, creating pleats. Then, wrap the remaining fabric around like a skirt, adjusting the length to create a lehenga-like flare. Secure the pallu gracefully over the shoulder, or drape it across the arm for a regal finish. 

 

26. Assamese Drape

Begin by tucking one end of the saree at the waist, creating pleats. Then, wrap the remaining fabric around like a skirt, adjusting the length to create a lehenga-like flare. Secure the pallu gracefully over the shoulder, or drape it across the arm for a regal finish. 

 

27. Pant Style Saree Draping

Give your traditional sarees a modern flick by wearing them in a pant-style saree draping. Drape your saree over the pants, keeping your pleats on point at the front. For a contemporary twist, either fasten the pallu over one shoulder or drape it across the arm.

 

28. Kunbi Saree Draping

The Kunbi saree draping style is a rustic way of wearing a saree. Tuck one end of the saree into the waist, with pleats at the front. With pleats on one shoulder, wrap the rest of the saree around the body. Drape the pallu over your shoulder and secure it with a pin. It reflects the simplicity of rural Maharashtra.

 

29. The Indo-Western Saree Draping Style

Drape the saree over one shoulder and pleat it at the front to create a sleek silhouette. Next, take the loose end of the saree and bring it around the waist to resemble a stylish drape, reminiscent of a western dress. Secure the pallu at the back, or allow it to fall freely.

 

30. Around-the-Neck Saree Draping Style

Spruce up your saree game with an around-the-neck saree draping style. Drape the saree over a shoulder and hold it with a pin. Then, take the loose end of your saree and drape it diagonally across the front of your body. Adjust the pleats to your liking and let the pallu hang freely, or you could secure it at the back.           

      

31. Dupatta Saree Draping Style

This unique draping style adds an element of versatility and elegance to your saree ensemble, which is exquisite for both traditional and contemporary occasions.

 

32. The Dual Pallu Saree Draping

This style will add a touch of sophistication to your saree. Pleat one end of the saree and tuck it at the waist. Take the other end of the saree and pleat it to form a second pallu. Drape the second pallu across the opposite shoulder and allow it to fall gracefully over the arm. Secure both the pleats with pins.

 

33. Gochi Kattu Saree Drape

Traditional saree draping passed down through generations of women in rural regions like Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Allahabad, is a popular and easy way to wear a saree. The drape is similar to that of Nauvari. Women can work in the fields comfortably wearing this cotton-made attire.

 

34. The Madisaru Saree Draping

The Brahmin women of Tamil Nadu wear and are greatly popular - the Kosavam saree, also known as the Madisaru drape. There are two ways to style the Madisaru drape, known as the Iyer and the Iyengar Katu. The saree is draped with a nine-yard-long saree.

 

35. Dhangad Saree Draping  Style

Women in Goa commonly wear it and often refer to it as the shepherd's drape. When worn without a petticoat, knot it at the waist, pleat it in the same manner as a traditional saree, and drape the pallu over the left shoulder. Wearing this drape in a dhoti style aims to enhance women's comfort while they move and work.

Wrap up Your Style Journey with MSU

The women of India have always enjoyed wearing sarees in different ways, and they are always on the lookout for new ways to style them. Whether embracing traditional techniques or experimenting with modern twists, the saree remains a timeless symbol of grace and beauty. The style is totally up to you.

 

We have regal sarees that will make you look and feel your most beautiful. Elevate your ethnic fashion game by checking out Mysore Sarees Udyog's premium sarees and textiles. Let your saree tell a story of grace and glamour. Begin your style evolution today.