Draping a sari beautifully is an art that enhances its elegance, transforming a simple piece of fabric into a graceful silhouette. The most common and versatile style is the Nivi drape, originating from Andhra Pradesh, which forms the basis for many variations.
How to Fit a Sari: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fitting a sari involves a series of specific steps to ensure it drapes perfectly, allowing for comfort and showcasing the fabric's design.
Essentials Before You Begin
Before you start draping, ensure you have the following:
- Sari: Your chosen sari.
- Blouse: A well-fitted blouse that complements your sari. A properly tailored blouse is crucial for the overall look. Learn more about choosing the right sari blouse.
- Petticoat (or Underskirt): A drawstring petticoat in a matching or complementary color. This provides the base for tucking and gives the sari its structure.
- Safety Pins: Several safety pins to secure the drape in place, especially at the shoulder and pleats.
- Footwear: Wear the footwear you intend to wear with the sari. This helps determine the correct length and ensures the sari doesn't drag or appear too short.
The Nivi Drape: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for a classic and elegant Nivi drape:
1. The Initial Tuck
- Start by taking the plain, non-decorative end of the sari (the inner end).
- Begin tucking the top edge of this end into your petticoat, starting from your right side (around your navel).
- Continue tucking the sari around your waist from right to left, making one full revolution. Ensure the bottom edge of the sari just grazes the floor or your footwear. This first wrap creates the foundation.
2. Forming the Front Pleats
- Once you've completed the first wrap and are back to your front, gather the remaining fabric to create pleats for the skirt portion.
- Hold the fabric in front of you and start making uniform pleats, approximately 4-6 inches wide. Aim for 5-7 pleats.
- Ensure the pleats are neat and straight, falling evenly from top to bottom.
- Carefully tuck these gathered pleats securely into the center-front of your petticoat, slightly to the left of your navel.
3. Securing the Remaining Fabric
- After forming and tucking the front pleats, you'll have a section of fabric remaining that extends from the end of your tucked pleats.
- Tuck the rest of the fabric too till your spine. This involves wrapping the remaining fabric snugly around your waist from the left side, over your back, and securing it into your petticoat towards your spine. This ensures a clean and secure fit around the waist, preparing for the pallu.
4. Pleating and Draping the Pallu
- The pallu is the decorative end of the sari, often featuring intricate designs or borders.
- Now pleat the other end of your sari which is your palu pleat it neatly. Gather this remaining fabric from the secured waistline. Make neat, uniform pleats, typically 4-5 inches wide. Ensure the border, if any, is visible and aligned on top.
- And place it on your shoulder. Lift the neatly pleated pallu and drape it over your left shoulder (this is the traditional Nivi style, though some prefer the right).
- Adjust the length as you prefer. Allow the pallu to fall gracefully down your back, usually reaching around your knee or calf length.
- Secure the pallu to your blouse with a safety pin at the shoulder to prevent it from slipping.
5. Final Adjustments
- Once the pallu is draped, check your entire sari.
- Adjust the pleats at the front to ensure they fall straight and evenly.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or loose fabric around the waist and hips.
- Walk a few steps to ensure comfort and ease of movement. Make any necessary minor adjustments.
Tips for a Flawless Drape
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect. Sari draping improves with practice.
- Safety Pins are Your Friends: Use pins strategically at the shoulder, inside the pleats, and at the waist for added security and a neater look.
- Undergarments Matter: A well-fitted petticoat that matches the sari's color is essential.
- Fabric Influence: Different fabrics drape differently. Silks might hold pleats crisper, while georgettes or chiffons offer a more flowing drape. Adjust your pleating technique accordingly.
By following these steps, you can achieve a classic and elegant sari drape that showcases the beauty of this traditional garment.
