3 Unique 'How to drape a saree with pleats' Tutorials - The Bengali, Navi and Gujarati Edition
Many women don’t know how to drape a saree with pleats, however, lucky for you, it’s not that difficult to learn! Read on to know how you can rock this garment with ease and look lovely at every function!
When you don’t know how to drape a saree with pleats, the whole process can look incredibly complicated. However, it’s just a matter of understanding the basic steps involved. These steps tend to differ from region to region, so you need to first have some clarity regarding the style you want to wear.
In this article, we will discuss how to drape a saree with pleats in the Bengali style, Navi style, and Gujarati style! These elegant drapes are some of the most popular ones amongst Indian brides and learning how to drape them can help you sail through the wedding season with a myriad of great looks.
First, get these elements right!
Before you learn how to drape a saree with pleats, you must get the foundation right. After all, a saree is only as good as the fit of your Choli and petticoat. Whether you want off shoulder blouse designs or three fourth sleeve saree blouse, you cannot escape from one crucial task: making sure the fit is perfect. Your petticoat should also fit around your waist snugly because this garment provides support for your saree. If it is tied loosely, the entire ensemble can fall apart – literally!
1. The Bengali style drape
If you’re wondering how to drape a saree with pleats in the Bengali style, don’t worry because this is actually one of the simpler styles. Bengali sarees use a box pleat.
The following steps can help you drape this garment perfectly:
A. Start by tucking the edge of your saree at the right side of your waist. Run the cloth around your waist once and tuck in the edges to secure the garment.
B. Tuck a fold of the saree into the left side of your waist, and then create a second tuck by folding the cloth in on itself (in the opposite direction) on the right side of the waist. Keep alternating the tucks by going back and forth until pleats form. In totality, you should have two large tucks in the right and left side (apart from the initial tuck you made while securing the saree).
C. Pick up the remaining fabric and create small folds. This is your Pallu. Throw it over your left shoulder.
D. Ensure that your saree’s fall is straight and perpendicular to your body. The hemline should touch your feet.
2. The Nivi Style Drape
Many people find the Nivi style slightly confusing as the Pallu is draped before the pleats are. If you’re one of them, don’t worry because we’re about to tell you how to drape a saree with pleats in this style! Follow these steps:
A. Tuck an end of your saree at the right side of your waist and run the cloth around your body until you’ve wrapped it around yourself once. You can tuck in the edges at this point.
B. Now, switch over to your Pallu and start pleating it. Your pleats should not be larger than a finger’s width. Once you create the pleats, you can throw the Pallu over your shoulder.
C. At this point, you need to adjust the overall length of the Pallu. Drag it down if it is too short, or pull it up if it’s too long. Pin it to your Choli to prevent it from moving while you pleat the rest of the saree. D. Pull up the cloth from the left side of your hip until it hugs the other side of the waist. Then, tuck it into the petticoat.
E. Pleat the remaining fabric into loops until it all fits into your fist. Do not pleat the saree too tightly. Slightly looseness gives the fabric a great flow.
Just remember to pin the pleats into your petticoat if you are planning to dance a lot! Pins can be really helpful if you don’t know how to drape a saree with pleats all that well.
3. The Gujarati Style
The Gujarati style saree can be quite distinct and is a hot favourite amongst younger women who want to switch up their looks. Here’s how to drape a saree with pleats in the Gujarati style:
A. Start by tucking in the shorter side of the saree into your petticoat and wrapping it around your waist once to form a skirt.
B. Hold the garment in a way that creates a shorter length from your waist to the floor, and a longer panel of cloth that’s meant to be wrapped around you.
C. Starting from your navel, you can make at least 6-7 pleats with the saree. Ensure that they all face the right side when you are done.
D. Create the Pallu’s pleats and drape it so that it goes from the back to the front.
When you buy a new saree, always ask the shop attendant how to drape a saree with pleats in case it is intended to be worn a certain way.
When you’re decked up in a gorgeous saree, enhance your look with glittering jewels. Check out these bridal jewellery vendors who can help you look your best!
