The Art of Draping (with Barbie)

Draping a sari is an art. The saree is worn in in different ways in different states of India. The most common method is wrapping the cloth around the waist, making pleats in the front and draping the final length around the shoulder. My lovely assistant Barbie is going to help demonstrate these styles.

Gujarati way: Barbie stylishly wears this version, known as the seedha pallu way, by tucking the pleats to open on the right. The pallu is taken to the back and brought over the right shoulder. It is then spread across the chest, and the left edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back.

Bengali style: This style is worn pleatless; it is wrapped around the waist, brought back to the right side and the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder. The pallu is then brought up under the right arm and once again cast over the left shoulder. What a comfortable yet elegant style!

Maharashtra method: Instead of the usual five-and-a-half meters, the sari in this version measures eight meters. One portion of the sari is drawn up between the legs and tucked in behind at the waist, while another portion is draped as a pallu over the bosom. This allows greater freedom of movement.