8 Banarasi Saree Wearing Styles in Different Ways

During the Mughal era, artisans from Banaras embarked on a journey of hand-weaving Banarasi sarees that went on to become an irresistibly charming traditional Indian garment since the 14th century. Their hard work, creativity and expert craftsmanship soon led to the astonishing popularity of the Banarasi saree among women. The popularity and love of women followed Banarasi sarees since ancient times till today. 

With that being said, Banarasi saree can enhance your look only if it is styled and worn right. To beautify this already breathtaking clothing piece, one needs to understand the art of styling the saree thoughtfully and opting for the best way to wear the Banarasi saree after a thorough consideration of current trends and personal vision for your look. 

So here we are with our insightful blog on how to wear Banarasi saree with different types of Banarasi saree draping styles to help you choose the apt one for your fashion sense and liking. 

Explore the stunning Banarasi saree collection at Tulsi Silks to find the best match for you to create a stunner saree look. 

Characteristics of Banarasi Sarees

• Banarasi sarees are known for their use of rich and fine silk fabrics, often with a heavy feel and luxurious drapes.
• The weaving technique used in Banarasi sarees involves intricate patterns created with gold or silver zari threads, giving them a royal and elegant look.
• Banarasi sarees feature Mughal-inspired motifs such as floral, foliate and paisley patterns and kalga and bel buti designs. 
• Most Banarasi sarees are handwoven, highlighting the skill and dedication of the weavers who create these intricate pieces of art.

How to Wear Banarasi Saree Perfectly? - Banarasi Saree Draping

Here is a step-by-step guide for the easiest Banarasi saree draping for a flawless look:

1. Preparation: Start by wearing a well-fitted blouse and a matching petticoat. Ensure that the petticoat's length is appropriate to achieve the desired saree length.

2. Tuck the Saree: Begin by tucking the non-embroidered end of the saree into the right side of the petticoat and wrap it around your waist, making sure the border aligns neatly with the floor. 

3. Pleat the Saree: Take the remaining fabric and create pleats of even width, around 5-6 inches wide, starting from the tucked end towards the left side.

4. Adjust Pleats: Once the pleats are formed, adjust them to ensure they are even and neatly aligned. The pleats should face towards the left side.

5. Drape Around: Take the pleated portion and drape it around your waist towards the right side, ensuring the border remains visible and falls gracefully.

6. Pallu Placement: Now, take the pallu (decorative end) and bring it over your left shoulder from behind. Adjust the length of the pallu according to your preference, allowing it to fall elegantly.

7. Pinning: Secure the pleats and pallu with safety pins to keep them in place throughout the day. Use pins that blend with the saree colour to maintain a seamless look.

8. Final Adjustments: Check the overall drape to ensure it looks neat and elegant. Adjust the pleats, pallu, and border as needed for a perfect finish.

Also Read: Banarasi Silk Sarees Online for Brides & Weddings and its types.

Different Banarasi Saree Wearing Styles

There is a variety of Banarasi saree wearing styles for those wanting to create unique and distinct looks that are trendy yet traditional. Below we will be discussing the different styles of wearing Banarasi saree. 

1. How to Wear Banarasi Saree in Bengali Style

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The Banarasi saree draping in Bengali style involves draping with pleats facing towards the left and the pallu being draped from the back to the front over the left shoulder, creating a unique Banarasi saree look. 

2. How to Wear Banarasi Saree in Lehenga Style

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To wear a Banarasi saree in Lehenga style, start by tucking one end of the saree in the centre of the waist and creating multiple pleats. Then, drape the pleats around like a lehenga skirt and secure them. Take the remaining fabric as a pallu and drape it over the shoulder. This style gives a fusion look of a saree and a lehenga.

Also Read: Banarasi Silk Sarees Online for Brides & Weddings and its Types.

3. Butterfly Banarasi Saree Draping Style

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For women who would like to go extravagant, the butterfly style is the best way to wear Banarasi sarees. The butterfly Banarasi saree draping style involves pleating the saree in a way that resembles butterfly wings at the back. The pleats are gathered and tucked in the centre back, allowing the pallu to flow freely over the shoulders. This

4. Gujarati Banarasi Saree Draping Style

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The Gujarati style Banarasi saree draping is one of the different ways to wear Banarasi sarees as it is draped with the pallu brought from the back to the front over the right shoulder. A key feature and a distinct appeal of this Banarasi saree style is the usage of decorative pins and brooches to secure the pallu right in place. 

Learn more about the 4 types of traditional Gujarati saree designs with styling tips. 

5. Dhoti Style Banarasi Saree Draping

Source: Pinterest

The dhoti Banarasi saree draping style involves pleating the saree at the waist and then wrapping it around the legs like a dhoti, with one end tucked in at the centre front. The pallu is draped over one shoulder or can be styled in various creative ways, giving a contemporary twist to the traditional saree.

Learn how to drape a saree in dhoti style and types of dhoti sarees online. 

 6. Belted Banarasi Saree Wearing

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If you love to sprinkle a hint of modernity in your outfits then go for this evergreen belted Banarasi saree style. After draping the saree traditionally, wrap a belt around the waist to accentuate your waist and add a touch of contemporary elegance.

7. Jacket Style Banarasi Saree Draping

Source: Pinterest

Another contemporary and different way of wearing Banarasi saree is to add a jacket to the look. Upon draping the saree in a traditional way, you can wear a long jacket or a coat over it. The jacket can be buttoned up to the middle or left open creating a fusion of traditional and western elements. 

8. Coorg Style Banarasi Saree Draping

Source: Pinkvilla.com

Coorg style is a unique but traditional Banarasi saree-wearing style which originated and was influenced by the rich cultural heritage of Coorg in Karnataka. Begin by tying a knot on your right side and then take the remaining fabric to create neat pleats. Create up to 8 pleats and tuck it in on the centre of your back. Wrap the remaining fabric around your upper body and bring it to your right shoulder to tie a knot. 

Tips for Styling Banarasi Saree

1. Focus on Accessories: Since Banarasi sarees are already quite flamboyant, opt for minimalistic yet elegant accessories. A statement piece of jewellery like a pair of jhumkas or a choker necklace can complement the saree without being too over the top. 

Find the best jewellery for Banarasi sarees for a simple and traditional look. 

2. Choose the Right Blouse: The blouse you pair with a Banarasi saree can significantly impact your overall look. Consider a contrasting colour or a blouse with intricate embroidery that complements the saree's design.

Also Read: 20 Banarasi Saree Blouse Designs for Silk Sarees that are Unique.

3. Hair and Makeup: Keep your hair and makeup in harmony with the elegance of the saree. Opt for a classic hairstyle like a bun or a sleek ponytail, and choose makeup that enhances your natural features without being too dramatic.

4. Footwear: Choose the footwear depending on the saree’s look. For a grand Banarasi saree, wedge or block heels might be the best options whereas for a simple Banarasi saree, you can opt for flats. 

Learn about the 12 Banarasi silk saree colour trends & colour combinations for weddings. 

Conclusion

These Banarasi saree draping styles are sure to elevate your look further with a mixture of traditional elegance and modern charm. Choose the ideal one for you from these different styles of wearing Banarasi saree depending on the occasion and theme that you are planning to visit. 

Are you a fashion enthusiast, then read our blogs on the latest fashion trends and styling tips for sarees.

FAQs

1. How to identify Banarasi saree?

To identify a Banarasi saree, look for intricate gold or silver zari work, traditional motifs like paisleys, floral designs, and intricate weaving patterns. The saree will often have a heavy feel due to the rich silk fabric and elaborate embroidery, showcasing its luxurious and royal appeal.

2. How to drape a heavy Banarasi saree?

Draping a heavy Banarasi saree involves ensuring that the pleats are neatly tucked and the pallu (decorative end) is elegantly arranged over the shoulder to display the intricate work. Use a well-fitted petticoat to support the weight of the saree, and secure it with pins to maintain the drape throughout the day. 

3. Where to buy Banarasi sarees online in Chennai?

Tulsi Silks is one of the few best Banarasi saree shops in Chennai offering authentic Banarasi sarees with traditional and ancient motifs as sarees featuring contemporary prints and designs to allow women to find the ideal saree for them depending on their taste. From a range of different Banarasi saree designs and colours, the options are endless to browse for anyone wanting to enhance their fashion.