Types of Dupatta: Dupatta Designs, How to Wear Dupatta & Draping Style

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Different types of dupatta - dupatta wearing and draping styles.

Types of Dupatta: Dupatta Designs, How to Wear Dupatta & Draping Styles

Dupatta is traditionally worn by women in South Asia, mainly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is an essential part of traditional South Asian attire worn daily, especially on formal occasions such as weddings, religious ceremonies, and cultural events. Dupattas come in many colours, designs, fabrics, and lengths which can be chosen according to the dress that one is going to pair it with. 


In Indian weddings, they hold a special place as the bride wears a bridal dupatta that is draped in many ways according to different customs. Depending on the occasion and the outfit, there are different dupatta draping styles


This blog will explore the most popular types of dupattas based on the fabrics and some interesting ways to drape them.


Different Types of Dupatta

Let’s dive in and discover the types of dupattas that can be your next favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe. 


1. Banarasi Dupatta

Banarasi dupattas are made from the regal fabric banarasi silk are made from pure Banarasi silk, which originates from the city of Varanasi, India. They are a must-have dupatta in your wardrobe. Banarasi dupattas can be paired with traditional outfits like lehengas, anarkalis, and ethnic salwar suits. If you are purchasing a banarasi silk dupatta online, be sure to look for a reliable seller that offers pure banarasi Silk. 


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2. Bandhani Dupatta

Bandhani dupatta or also called Bandhej dupatta is made using a unique tie-dye technique in Rajasthan, where small sections of the fabric are tied tightly with a thread and then dipped into dye. The result is a beautiful fabric with breathtaking details. Pure silk bandhani dupattas are particularly popular among those who appreciate luxury and quality in their clothing. They can be worn with salwars and simple lehengas and can also be paired with western outfits for a fusion look.


Explore our collection of Bandhani Sarees.


3. Kanjivaram Dupatta

Kanjivaram dupatta, also known as Kanchipuram silk dupatta, is popular for its rich fabric and sophisticated designs. It is made from pure Kanjivaram silk and is characterized by its lustrous texture, vibrant colours, and intricate patterns. The best part about them is their contrasting borders. You can also find borderless Kanjivaram dupattas online. Kanjivaram pattu dupatta complements traditional Indian outfits. 


Shop pure kanjivaram silk sarees online.


4. Cotton Dupatta

Cotton dupattas are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe as it is soft and can be worn on any dress. Pure cotton dupattas are preferred by women for their soft fabric and durability. The different varieties of cotton dupattas include Rajasthani cotton dupatta, Jaipuri cotton dupatta, cotton embroidered dupatta, and printed cotton dupatta.


Shop Printed cotton and Maheshwari cotton sarees.


5. Net Dupatta

Net dupattas are one of the favourites among women and can elevate the outfit with their sheer texture. They are usually light in weight but some come with embellished stonework and embroidery, designed for special occasions. Lehengas and solid colour anarkalis are the best pairing option for net dupattas. The most famous of them is the bridal net dupattas. 


6. Phulkari Dupatta

Phulkari refers to embroidery that originates from Punjab. It is characterised by its colourful floral patterns, which are created using a darn stitch. Phulkari dupattas are often made from cotton or silk fabric and showcase brilliantly intricate designs. Phulkari dupattas are important in Punjabi weddings and have become a loved choice for women across India.


7. Organza Dupatta 

Organza dupattas are made from lightweight, sheer, and transparent organza fabric. This fabric has a crisp, stiff texture, typically made of silk or synthetic fibres. Organza dupattas are often worn with lehenga cholis, anarkalis and salwars. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall outfit. 


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8. Chanderi Dupatta

Chanderi dupattas feel like a luxurious attachment that one can have. The chanderi fabric is a semi-sheer fabric with a ravishing radiance. There are two types of Chanderi dupatta: Chanderi silk and Chanderi cotton, each with its own charm. Chanderi cotton dupattas can be worn for formal and casual occasions and Chanderi silk dupattas for special occasions. 


Shop Chanderi cotton sarees.


9. Kalamkari Dupatta

Kalamkari dupatta, known for its intricate hand-painted designs is produced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The word "Kalamkari" means "pen work" in Hindi, and the technique involves using a special pen and natural dyes to create beautiful and intricate designs on fabric. They often depict scenes from Indian mythology or nature. Kalamkari dupattas can be paired with kurtas, anarkalis and denims.


10. Gota Patti Dupatta

Gota Patti is a type of embroidery that is popular in Rajasthan. It involves using small pieces of gold or silver ribbon stitched onto the fabric to create intricate patterns and designs. Gota Patti design is done on various fabrics from cotton and silk to chanderi and is famous for its shimmering, metallic look. These dupattas can be paired with ethnic and bridal dresses.


11. Chiffon Dupatta

Chiffon dupatta is a lightweight and airy textile that is made from pure chiffon fabric. Chiffon is the perfect fabric for embroidery designs, prints and other design techniques. Besides adding elegance to the outfit chiffon dupattas can be worn in hot weather. Chiffon dupattas can be worn for both casual and traditional occasions.


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12. Georgette Dupatta

Georgette is an all-time favourite fabric for sarees and dupattas. Georgette dupattas are one of the prettiest dupattas, they are lightweight and breathable. They exude a whole vibe when paired with kurtis and anarakalis. Embroidered and stone-embellished georgette can light up any ethnic outfit instantly. Georgette dupattas are a must-have!


Shop pure Georgette sarees.


13. Velvet Dupatta

Velvet is a luxurious winter fabric that is soft and plush. Velvet dupattas are warm and comfortable and they add grandeur to an outfit. They are ideal for special occasions such as weddings or formal events, where a touch of glamour is required. Velvet dupattas can be paired with a variety of outfits, including sarees, lehengas, and salwars. They are often embellished with embroidery, sequins, mirror work and zardozi.


14. Madhubani Dupatta

Madhubani is an Indian art form originating from Bihar. Madhubani dupattas are inspired by Madhubani paintings and typically depict scenes from Indian mythology or nature and are created using natural dyes and special pens. They look great with kurtis, salwars and anarkalis. Wearing Madhubani dupattas is like wearing art, so you decide if you want one or not. 


15. Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina dupattas are made from the finest cashmere wool in Kashmir. They are known for their premium quality that keeps the body warm but is still lightweight. You should surely add a Pashmina shawl to your winter wardrobe and stay warm in style.


16. Tussar Silk Dupatta

Tussar silk dupattas are known for their rich texture and natural golden hue. This luxurious fabric is made from silk produced by wild Tussar silkworms, which gives it a unique, irregular texture. Tussar silk dupattas are versatile and durable. They can be paired with plain salwars and kurtis.

 

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17. Ikat Dupatta

Ikat is a quintessential fabric that is rich in colour and is woven using resist dyeing techniques that involve dyeing the threads before they are woven into a fabric, resulting in a unique and irregular pattern. Ikat dupattas have a distinct characteristic which is their blurry designs that add to the enigma of the fabric. Ikat dupattas are ideal when paired with traditional and indo-western clothing.


Shop our range of Ikat sarees.


18. Pom-Pom Dupatta

Pom poms add a pop of colour and texture to any outfit. Pom pom dupattas are made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton, chiffon, or georgette and are adorned with small pom poms along the borders. Pom pom dupattas come in a variety of colours, from bold and bright to soft pastels, making them easy to match with a wide range of outfits. They can be paired with kurtas and jeans. 


19. Zardozi Work Dupatta

Zardozi work is heavy and intricate embroidery and is done on luxurious fabrics. Zardozi work dupattas are known for their ornate designs that are made using metallic threads, beads, and sequins. Zardozi work dupattas are typically made from rich fabrics such as silk or velvet and are adorned with intricate zardozi designs along the borders or throughout the dupatta. Zardozi work dupattas are an intricate part of Indian weddings.


How to Wear Dupatta - Different Dupatta Draping Styles

Dupattas can be draped in various ways to add a touch of style and elegance to any outfit. Here are some of the most popular dupatta draping styles:


1. Basic over-the-shoulder drape

This is the most common and simple way to drape a dupatta. The dupatta is draped over one shoulder and can be either pinned or left loose on the other side.


2. Double-sided shoulder drape

In this style, the dupatta is draped over both shoulders, with both ends hanging loose at the back.


3. Front open drape

This style involves draping the dupatta over the neck and letting it fall open in the front. This style is particularly popular with kurtis.


4. Dupatta as a cape

In this style, the dupatta is draped over the shoulders like a cape, with the ends hanging at the back.


5. One-sided pleated drape

This style involves pleating the dupatta and draping it over one shoulder, with the other end brought through the elbow from the back.


6. Two-sided pleated drape

In this style, the dupatta is pleated and draped over both shoulders letting the ends hang loose at the back.


7. Belted dupatta drape

In this style, the dupatta is draped over one shoulder and secured at the waist with a belt, creating a cinched and structured look.


Conclusion

So many varieties of dupattas and so many different dupatta draping styles to up your fashion game and add colours to your wardrobe. Save this blog and use it as your guide to buying dupattas online. Shop dupattas, blouses, and sarees from Tulsi Silks.


If you found this helpful then read our other blogs and explore everything about sarees, styling tips and hacks.