How to Drape a Saree: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

The Nivi drape is the most common way to wear a saree and the easiest one to learn. Practise once at home and it becomes second nature.

Before you start

Wear your blouse and a fitted petticoat, and the footwear you plan to wear with the saree, so the length is right. Keep a few safety pins ready.

Steps

1. Tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat at the right side of your waist, and wrap it once around so the bottom just touches the floor.
2. Bring the saree back to the front and make a second round, leaving enough fabric to form the pleats and pallu.
3. Gather about five to seven even pleats, each as wide as your palm, and keep them neat with your fingers.
4. Tuck the pleats into the petticoat at the navel, facing left.
5. Take the remaining length over your left shoulder as the pallu, and pin it to the blouse at the shoulder.
6. Adjust the pallu so it falls evenly and check the hem in the mirror.

Tips

• Soft fabrics such as cotton and semi silk are easier to pleat than heavy silk.
• Pre-pleating the saree with a cool iron saves time.
• A small pin hidden under the pleats keeps them from opening during the day.

Looking for something easy to drape? Try our fancy and daily sarees.