Four ways to wear a saree
Saree Draping Guide
Step-by-step Nivi, Gujarati, Rajasthani and Bengali saree drapes.
Editorial guide awaiting merchant review. General guidance only: always follow the care label on your piece.
Practise with a lighter saree first. Heavier zari sarees sit better with a safety pin at the shoulder and one holding the pleats.
Nivi
The most widely worn drape today, with front pleats and the pallu over the left shoulder.
- 1Tuck the plain end into the petticoat at the right of the navel and wrap the saree once around the waist.
- 2Make five to seven even pleats about a hand's width wide and tuck them in at the navel, facing left.
- 3Take the remaining length around the back and bring it under the right arm.
- 4Lift the pallu over the left shoulder, adjust its length to the knee or below, and pin it at the shoulder.
Gujarati (seedha pallu)
Pleats in front like the Nivi drape, with the pallu brought forward over the right shoulder to display its design.
- 1Wrap and pleat as for the Nivi drape, tucking the pleats at the navel.
- 2Take the remaining length around the back to the right side.
- 3Bring the pallu from behind over the right shoulder so it falls across the front.
- 4Spread the pallu across the chest and tuck or pin its corner at the left waist.
Rajasthani
A seedha pallu style favoured in Rajasthan, with the decorated pallu worn in front and often drawn over the head for ceremonies.
- 1Wrap once and tuck the pleats at the front, slightly to the left.
- 2Take the length around the back and bring the pallu over the right shoulder to the front.
- 3Fan the pallu across the front and tuck its corner at the left waist.
- 4For ceremonies, draw the free edge gently over the head and pin it lightly in place.
Bengali (athpourey)
A traditional Bengal drape with broad box pleats instead of front pleats, and the pallu worn over both shoulders.
- 1Tuck the plain end at the right waist and wrap once around the body.
- 2Make wide box pleats along the front and tuck them in at the waist.
- 3Bring the pallu over the left shoulder from the back.
- 4Draw the pallu end under the right arm and lay it over the left shoulder again, letting it fall at the back.
