How to Wear a Saree with Pleats Perfectly for Beginners: Step-by-Step

Saree draping is a true art. Have you ever looked at someone’s saree and went “Wow! She draped the saree so well.” Then you’d agree with the above statement. Every woman wants to find the perfect saree and drape it perfectly, and sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t. But you know, as they say, beauty lies in simplicity. Sometimes all you need is a good saree and the basic drape. 

“But I’m just a beginner.” This blog is just for you. Even if you haven’t draped a saree once, don’t worry, our step-by-step guide is written to make your life easier. Follow through and learn how to drape a saree perfectly with the perfect pleats.

You may want to read: How to Drape a Pattu or Silk Saree for a Wedding.

Things you need before draping a saree

First things first, you need to have all the necessary things before you hysterically grab your saree and start draping it like a 7-year-old. Remember, saree draping is an art.

1. Obviously the essentials - saree, blouse, and a petticoat

2. Safety pins - a lot of them. No, just around 3-4

3. Footwear, keep it accessible. You will thank us!

That’s it, now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of “How to drape a saree?”

The Step-by-Step guide to drape a saree with perfect pleats:

Source: Pinterest

Step 1 - Basics

Wear your blouse and petticoat. The key is to wear your petticoat to a comfortable height and ensure it is firm on your waist. Some like to tie their saree above the navel and some slightly below, you decide. But a good suggestion would be to wear it above because you can always bring it down a little more easily than the other way. Now take the non-pallu end of the saree and tuck in the left side of your petticoat and wrap around the back and bring it to the other side.

Step 2 - Pleats

Pull the saree on your right and start pleating. Pleat the saree holding it between the index finger and the thumb, and keep the pleats your index finger length for perfect pleats that give a slim look. Make around 5-8 pleats depending on the saree fabric and tuck them inside your petticoat at the centre or a little towards the left. Secure the pleats with a safety pin.

Step 3 - Pallu

This will be your favourite part because you are half-done and almost set to go! Now take the remaining saree after pleating and tucking in the pallu and drape it around your body bringing it to the right. Take it to your shoulder and secure it with a pin. Ensure to pull the saree tight which gives a good silhouette.

Step 4 - Floating or Pleated Pallu

You have 2 choices, either you can leave the pallu just as is or pleat it. If you want a floating pallu then you are good. You can hold the end of the pallu on your right or just let it loose on the left shoulder as it is. If you want to have your pallu pleated then you can make vertical pleats (5 or so) and let the border (if any) remain visible and secure it with a pin on your left shoulder. 

If you find it difficult to pleat the pallu while it’s pinned then you can remove the pin and pleat the pallu from the end. Try both and stick to the one that you find easy and gives you a neat pleated pallu.

Conclusion

Seems quite easy? It might not be at least for the first time, but with practice, it will be. For, women in India have been wearing saree for years and all they had to do master saree draping is do it once and then do it again and again. This is one of the basic and simplest ways to drape a saree out of the many different types of traditional saree draping styles from different states in India. So, start with this and then experiment with the other latest different traditional and modern saree draping styles for different occasions.

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For more tips and styling guides, read our other blogs and keep your fashion game on point