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Saree Drape Guide

A saree is not just a garment — it is a living tradition. Each region of India has its own unique way of draping this six yards of elegance. Explore different styles and find the one that suits your occasion.

Nivi Style (Modern)

Origin: Andhra Pradesh

Easy

The most popular and elegant style. Pleats are tucked at the center front, pallu goes over the left shoulder.

Steps:

  1. Tuck the plain end of the saree at the waist, slightly to the right of center.
  2. Wrap once around the waist, keeping the saree parallel to the floor.
  3. Make 5-7 pleats of about 5 inches width each.
  4. Tuck the pleats at the center of the waist, slightly to the left.
  5. Take the remaining fabric (pallu) over the left shoulder.
  6. Adjust the pallu length to fall just below the knee.
  7. Pin the pallu at the left shoulder for security.

Bengali Style

Origin: West Bengal

Medium

Characterized by two box pleats on the pallu. No petticoat show. The pallu falls on the right shoulder.

Steps:

  1. Tuck the saree at the waist and wrap once around.
  2. Make broad pleats and tuck them at the waist.
  3. Create two box pleats on the pallu section.
  4. Bring the pallu to the right shoulder.
  5. Drape the pallu across the chest from right to left.
  6. Secure with pins at the shoulder.

Gujarati Style

Origin: Gujarat

Hard

The pallu falls in the front, showing off the border design. Often worn during garba and festive occasions.

Steps:

  1. Tuck the saree at the waist, wrapping from right to left.
  2. Make pleats and tuck at the back (instead of front).
  3. Bring the pallu from the back over the right shoulder to the front.
  4. Spread the pallu across the front of the body.
  5. Secure the pallu edge at the left shoulder.
  6. The pallu hangs in the front showing the border.

Maharashtrian Style (Lugade)

Origin: Maharashtra

Medium

Traditional 9-yard saree drape. Worn without a petticoat. The fabric pass between the legs like a dhoti.

Steps:

  1. Start with the saree centered at the back, pass between the legs.
  2. Tuck at the front waist.
  3. Wrap the remaining fabric around the waist once.
  4. Make small pleats and tuck at the waist front.
  5. Take the pallu over the right shoulder.
  6. Adjust the length to knee level.

Karnataka Style (Kasi)

Origin: Karnataka

Medium

Similar to Nivi but the pleats face to the right. The pallu is draped over the right shoulder.

Steps:

  1. Tuck the plain end at the right side of waist.
  2. Wrap once around the waist.
  3. Make 5 pleats facing to the right.
  4. Tuck the pleats at the waist slightly to the right.
  5. Bring the pallu over the right shoulder.
  6. Spread the pallu beautifully across the back.

Coorgi Style (Kodagu)

Origin: Coorg, Karnataka

Hard

Unique style where the saree is tucked at the back and pinned at both shoulders. Popular among Kodava women.

Steps:

  1. Tuck one end at the back waist.
  2. Wrap the saree around, bringing both ends to the front.
  3. Tie a knot at the shoulder level.
  4. Pleat one end and tuck at the front waist.
  5. Take the other end over the opposite shoulder.
  6. Secure with a brooch at the shoulder.

Pro Tips for Perfect Draping