My first-time saree draping story and the epic fail with tips on how to wear a sari quickly and perfectly?

My Saree Story

I have been a tomboyish girl all through my life. So, draping a saree and carrying it even for a few hours was a nightmare. Even though I had my big sister to help, I still literally had ROFL moments when I draped the saree for the first time myself.

So, here’s what happened.

The woman in me decided to wear a beautiful blue plain georgette saree with a minimal golden border to a dear friend’s wedding. So I was ready with the prep of my high heels, bangles (I love them), blouse, petticoat, accessories, and makeup (of course).

I was excited to drape the saree for the first time. I was like, how hard can this be, and those flashes of Bollywood movies where actresses act to get fumbled in their saree and get stuck in their pleats came together. The confident me wondered how someone can get stuck in their own saree…how filmy!

And then it started.

Holding one end of a saree, I literally could not decide which side to put inside the petticoat. Yes, I knew the pallu (if that’s what you are wondering). But should I start draping from the right side or left side was a challenge. (My sister and friends burst into a laugh). Finally, after laughing for a decade, my sister helped me tuck the correct side in. Then I sent her away because everything next seemed to be a cakewalk.

So I started draping, one round, another half round; then took the pallu over (as taught by my sister) and was ready to pleat. But, when I called my sister to have a look, she (and my friends) again burst into a laugh riot. I don’t know how but I was caught in my saree in a hilarious way (just like movies – except there was no hero here for that extra dramatic scene).

I gave up then and let my sister drape it for me. Except, I did the pleats myself, which took 20 minutes. It was like a kid holding pencil for the first time – wrapping each pleat around my index finger and making sure the other pleat does not fall out – man, it looks easy but was it, though? I was like hats off to all ladies who wore it so perfectly, without the hassle and quickly. Anyways pleating was a big thing for me; being a first-time saree wearer and I did feel a winner at that moment.

Finally, I was all ready, and when I looked in the mirror after the saree was draped, it was magical. I fell in love with myself (and sarees) and decided to wear sarees more often.

The draping has improved a little since then, but the excitement and happiness are still the same, a little more than before.

So, all you beautiful girls out there struggling to wear a saree, it’s ok. We all have our funny stories about our first-time draping experience. But the charm of a saree is unbeatable.

Here are a few steps for girls like me who struggle to wear a saree perfectly. Don’t worry, you’ll get there!

And, don’t forget to share your story in the comments.

-Love, Ri

How to wear a saree – Step by Step

Most Indian women prefer to adorn a saree when attending parties or house functions. But, of course, you have a range of saree designs to take your pick from, too – especially if you’re shopping for sarees online. From Kanjeevarams to Nauvaris to Bandhani sarees to Banarasis, you’ve got a host of sarees and colors to make your selection. 

Rather than visiting a saree shop to buy sarees, you may want to browse the online collection of sarees, given the current difficult times. All types of sarees are available in online stores, ranging from Chikankaris to Bomkais to Kasavus to Mugas to Phulkaris. 

Importantly, when you shop for a saree online, make sure to buy from reputed stores with clear information on their website to be on the safer side.

You can drape sarees in varied ways. Only make sure you stick to the suitable saree draping styles for the look you want. 

Now, if you’re a fan of ethnic wear and want to learn how to wear a saree, here are some saree wearing tips to put your best traditional step forward.

#Step 1:

Before you start draping your designer saree, you must gather all you’ll need. Among things you require to wrap a saree are a blouse, a petticoat, heels, accessories, and safety pins.

#Step 2

When you’re planning to wear a saree for wedding functions or any party, start by wearing your blouse and petticoat. The color of your petticoat should match your saree or else it will show in a weird way. Indeed, you can mix and match the fabrics and colors of your saree and blouse to suit your fashion tastes.

#Step 3

After you wear your petticoat, you have to tie it tightly because you’ll be tucking your saree in the skirt. Adjust the skirt to make sure you’re comfortable. Follow by wearing heels. Check the fall of the saree. Now, start from the other end and proceed by twisting the saree around your waist. The next step is to begin tucking your saree into the petticoat. Make sure you maintain the length of your saree to avoid it getting stuck in your footwear.

#Step 4

The next step after tucking in your saree in the petticoat is to make pleats with the extra fabric. Use your thumb and forefinger when making pleats one at a time. Subsequently, you have to collect the pleats and tuck them neatly into the petticoat towards the right side of your navel.

#Step 5

When you’re sporting a saree for girls, your pleats have to be even and straight. To drape a saree neatly with pleats, use a pin to keep them in place.

#Step 6

The following step is to twist the rest of the saree for women around your waist from left to right. Once your saree comes to the front, lift it over your shoulder to have your pallu. Adjust the pallu size such that it touches the back of your knee. Take a safety pin to secure the pallu on your shoulder, so it does not fall.

#Step 7

As far as your pallu goes, you can make pleats in the same way you pleated your saree. Many people like to leave the pallu open, too. Go on and wear your makeup and accessories after draping the saree. As the final step, ensure to set your hair nicely to look like a diva.

OVERALL

Wearing a saree may not seem so simple when doing it the first time around. So follow these tips for how to wear a saree for beginners every time you’re draping a saree. And after a few times, you’ll be able to wear a saree perfectly.