Different Styles of Wearing a Saree

 


 

Knowing how to wrap and wear a saree is an art that is mastered over time.

 

 

The way a saree is draped and how it is worn tells a lot about the woman who is wearing it. A simple saree can make a woman look and feel beautiful inside and out. There are different ways of wearing the saree for various occasions, but if not wrapped correctly, it can look sloppy, rather than elegant.

 

 


1.     Nivi Style

 

o    Nivi is the most widely-known style of saree draping used amongst the Indian culture. In this particular style, the saree is wrapped around the torso three times and tucked into the petticoat. Having the saree wrapped around so many times creates pleats at the bottom of the saree, which add to the design. The remaining decorated material from the saree, also known as the pallu, gets draped across the left shoulder.

 

 


North Indian Style

 

o    Another common style of wearing a saree is the North Indian Style. This style is quite similar to the Nivi style, but with a few differences. One difference is the pallu is draped across the right shoulder instead of the left. Another noticeable difference is the pallu is draped from back to front, rather than front to back. How the saree is draped around the torso and where it is tucked into the petticoat are exactly the same.

 

 


Mundum Neryathum Style

 

o    The style of this saree is worn in two pieces. The top piece, also known as the neriyathu, makes up the top piece of the outfit. The neriyathu can be worn two different ways. Traditionally, the neriyathu would be tucked into the blouse, but in more-modern times the neriyathu has been draped across the left shoulder instead. The bottom part of the outfit is known as the mundu and is wrapped around the waist and tucked into the petticoat.

 

 


Maharashtrian Style

 

o    The Maharashtrian style is mostly worn by the Brahmin women. With this style, the center of the saree is placed in the back of the waist and the ends are tied securely in the front. The saree is then wrapped around the legs and then draped over the shoulder. The Maharashtrian style saree is worn without a petticoat since it is draped between the legs.

 

 


Bengali Style

 

o    Bengali-style sarees are mostly worn in East India. The sarees worn in these regions are hand-loomed. Hand-loomed sarees are made of a lightweight material, which is easier to drape and has fewer pleats than other styles. The look of the Bengali style saree is said to be graceful and elegant. A Bengali-style saree looks best when made with a Bengali drape.