10 Traditional Indian Saree Draping Styles You Must Know

Saree draping is more than just fashion, it reflects Indian culture and heritage.

Each draping style adds unique beauty to this timeless garment.

It is a classic symbol of Indian elegance and tradition.

Each style, from the globally admired Nivi drape to the regional Kappulu and Bengali drapes, tells a one-of-a-kind story.

This article highlights different saree draping methods and their distinctive features.

Whether you are new to sarees or looking to refresh your knowledge, DESIblitz offers insights into draping a saree with style and grace.

Nivi Style – Andhra Pradesh

The Nivi drape is one of the most popular and widely recognised saree draping styles in India.

Originating from Andhra Pradesh, it is commonly worn across India and internationally due to its elegance and ease of wear.

The Nivi style is favoured for its modern, streamlined look and practical design.

Tuck the saree into the petticoat at the waist, creating pleats at the front.

Then, drape the pallu over your left shoulder, adjusting the remaining fabric for a smooth and elegant finish.

The Nivi drape has become a standard saree style across India.

Seedha Pallu – Gujarat

The Gujarati drape, also known as the Seedha Pallu drape, is a distinct saree draping style in India.

This style originated from the western state of Gujarat.

This method of draping closely resembles the lehenga choli, where the saree’s pallu takes the place of a traditional dupatta.

The pallu is brought from the back over the right shoulder, draped across the chest, and often tucked at the waist.

The Gujarati drape is particularly well-suited for sarees with elaborate pallus, as it ensures that the pallu’s design is prominently displayed.

This makes it a favourite choice for sarees with heavy embroidery, sequins, or mirror work.

By tucking the pallu into the waist, this style allows for ease of movement.

Nauvari – Marathi

Nauvari or dhoti draping originated from Maharastra.

This style is unique because it involves draping the saree in a way that resembles the appearance of a dhoti, traditionally worn by men.

It represents strong, independent women.

The saree is passed between the legs and tucked at the back, resembling a dhoti.

It’s often worn during festivals, weddings, and other significant cultural events, showcasing the rich heritage of Maharashtra.

Women wearing the Nauvari saree often pair it with traditional jewellery, such as the nath (nose ring) and green bangles.

They also add a crescent-shaped bindi, completing the quintessential Maharashtrian look.

Athpourey – West Bengal

The Bengali saree drape is known for its graceful and flowing appearance.

The broad pleats and open pallu create a regal look that is both elegant and comfortable.

The saree is wrapped around the waist, pleating it in the front, and draped over the left shoulder.

It is then brought under the right arm and back over the left shoulder.

The Bengali drape is typically associated with traditional Bengali sarees like the Garad, Tant, and Baluchari.

These sarees often feature rich borders, intricate weaves, and symbolic motifs, which are beautifully showcased in this draping style.

The pallu often has a key or a bunch of flowers tucked into it.

Traditionally, Bengali women used to drape their sarees without a petticoat, a practice still followed in rural areas.

Mekhela Chador – Assam

The Mekhela Chador is a two-piece saree.

The lower garment, called Mekhela, is like a sarong that is tucked in at the waist.

The upper garment, Chador, is draped around the body.

One end is tucked at the waist and the other is draped over the left shoulder.

This creates an elegant, flowing silhouette unique to Assamese attire.

It is commonly made from silk, cotton, or a blend of both, with the Assamese silk varieties like Muga, Pat, and Eri.

During the festival of Rongali Bihu, women wear Mekhela Chador to perform traditional Bihu dances, celebrating the Assamese New Year.

Coorgi Style – Coorg

The Coorgi style, also known as the Kodagu style, originated from the Coorg (Kodagu) region in Karnataka, India.

This draping style is unique to the Kodava community, an indigenous group from the hilly district of Coorg.

The pleats tucked at the back are the most distinctive feature of the Coorgi saree.

The pallu is then draped over the right shoulder.

It is secured under the left arm or at the waist.

This not only sets it apart from other draping styles but also adds a practical aspect, as it allows greater freedom of movement.

The blouse worn with the Coorgi saree is traditionally long-sleeved and may have a unique, high-neck design.

Kappulu – Andhra Pradesh

The Kappulu drape is worn by the Kappulu caste in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.

The style stands out with its distinctive, almost Grecian elegance.

This traditional draping style is special because the saree is wrapped from left to right.

Typically, saree draping styles in India follow a right-to-left method.

The endpiece of the saree is wrapped around the body twice, creating two graceful, cascading pleats.

The Kappulu draping style is known for flattering the curves of the wearer.

The way the saree is wrapped and pleated accentuates the natural body shape, providing a form-fitting yet elegant look.

Madisar – Tamil Nadu

The Madisar is a traditional saree draping style practiced by Tamil Brahmin women in Tamil Nadu.

It reflects the grace and poise of Tamil Brahmin women and is a symbol of their cultural heritage.

The Madisar saree is typically 9 yards long.

Fabrics used include silk, cotton, and synthetic blends, often featuring intricate borders and designs.

The broad pleats at the front and the detailed pleating at the back set the Madisar apart from other saree styles.

The style is also known as the Ardhanareeshwara style of draping, meaning half man and half woman.

Parsi Gol Saree

The Parsi Gol Saree is a traditional and distinctive style of saree worn by Parsi women.

The term “Gol” refers to the circular or round shape of the saree’s draping.

This draping style creates a rounded, voluminous look.

Parsi women often choose light chiffon or georgette sarees.

The pallu, called “gara,” is draped from behind over the blouse, hanging in loose folds over the left shoulder.

It is then brought over the right shoulder and brought around the body, with the end adjusted and secured for an elegant finish.

Dhangad – Goa

The Dhangad saree, also known as the shepherd’s drape, is commonly worn by women in North Goa.

Instead of a petticoat, the saree is secured with a knot at the waist.

It is pleated like a traditional saree, and the pallu is draped over the left shoulder.

The lower part of the saree is pulled from the front to the back, creating a dhoti-like look, and the pallu is tucked at the waist in the front.

The saree can also be adjusted by tucking the sides at the waist and letting the back hang, which shortens it to knee length.

This secure draping style was ideal for herding in the forest.

DESIblitz explored various Indian saree draping styles from different states, but this is just a glimpse of the many styles out there.

Numerous other drapes aren’t as widely known.

Just as sarees vary in fabric and cultural significance, their draping styles reflect a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation.

From the timeless elegance of the Nauvari drape to the distinctive regional styles like Dhangad.

Each method offers a unique way to celebrate the saree’s beauty.

Understanding these different draping techniques enriches our appreciation of this iconic garment.

It also connects us with the diverse cultural heritage it represents.

Whether for daily wear or special occasions, the art of draping a saree continues to evolve while honouring its storied past.