India is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with numerous languages, cuisines, music styles, and ways of draping a traditional saree. Though fashion trends in India change constantly, one thing that never goes out of fashion is the classic and timeless traditional Indian saree. Sarees have long been considered the best piece of attire for Indian women. Women prefer wearing traditional ethnic clothing on practically every occasion, from Marathi sarees to Gujarati, Bengali to Kerala, as these different saree styles reflect their beauty and elegance.
Therefore, it is no surprise that sarees may elevate any woman's appearance and are one of the most fashionable Indian clothes ever introduced. Whether it's a wedding, a festive occasion, or a cultural celebration, the Indian style saree remains a staple, constantly evolving to adapt to modern trends while staying true to its roots.

6 Unique Saree Draping Styles from Different States

India is home to several saree kinds and styles, yet to drape saree neatly and differently is always a source of consternation for ladies. Because there are so many saree wearing styles, it can be difficult for ladies to choose the proper type to wear on different occasions. Therefore, here are some popular ways to wear sarees according to different states to add a twist to your classic Indian style.

1. The Traditional Nivi Drape From Andhra Pradesh

The most famous style of draping a saree is known as the Nivi drape. Even though this daily wear saree style originated in the culturally rich state of Andhra Pradesh, it is considered worldwide. What may pique your curiosity even moreis that it is one of the simplest Indian sarees wearing styles to master! So here is the way to drape.

• Put on a petticoat. Then, tuck the saree into the waistband from left to right, ensuring it falls properly over your feet. Again, you do not want to fold too much or too little fabric away, just the proper amount.
• Completely wrap it around your lower body.
• Make even pleats out of the pallu's short length, collect it, and sling it over your left shoulder. Use a safety pin to secure the pallu on the shoulder.
• Gather the rest of the saree and add 7 to 8 pleats, but this is mainly dependent on the fabric length. Again, use safety pins to hold these pleats in place.

2. The Popular Bengali Drape Saree

This is one of the most distinct and gorgeous draping methods ever. Bengali saree is always one of the latest Indian saree, which even women love to try. If you want to drape a Bengali saree, follow these procedures.

• Tuck the saree in slightly above your navel. Then, wrap it around your waist in a circle, tucking it in tightly. Return to the initial position from the right.
• Bring the leftover saree fabric to your left side; however, you do not have to go full circle this time. Instead, make one-fold and tuck the saree to the left of your lower back.
• Using both hands, keep the box pleats in place, and then tighten the front of the saree to ensure it is flat.
• Take the remaining saree to your right side. Cross the folds on your front and bring the cloth to your back via the right, tucking it in at your waist.

This style, often used in ladies saree styles during Durga Puja, is easy to pair with bold jewelry for a regal appearance.

3. The Eye-Catching Nauvari Saree, Maharashtrian Style

This saree is a favorite of the Maharashtrians. Nauvari saree is trendy worldwide and one of the latest Indian saree styles that all women live to experiment with. Here is how to wear it.

• Begin by forming pleats on the Pallu and pinning them for 1.2m.
• With the saree's inner section wrapped around your waist in the rear, pull the other end forward to the right side and tie a firm knot.
• Drape the Pallu from left to right and bring it back to the front. Place and pin it roughly at the left shoulder.
• Wrap around and tuck on the left side after adjusting the front drape border. This will create a front loop for the skirt pleats.
• Fold the border on the right side and pleat it. Then fasten and tuck it into the back waistband. All that remains is to modify the front pleats such that the outside border is a cowl around the mid-waist portion.

Perfect for festive events, the Nauvari saree reflects the heritage of traditional saree draping styles.

4. The Fab Gujarati Saree Style

Gujarati drape is often referred to as 'Sidha Pallu Saree Drape. The pallu is brought forward and accentuated in this manner. This look is frequently seen at weddings and other festive occasions. This is what you need to do to get this look.

• To drape this style, start with the basic saree drape and work your way up to tucking the pleats in the center.
• Make 5–6-inch pleats and bring them to the front on your right shoulder by twisting around your back.
• Allow the pleats to fall in the front, highlighting the beautiful work on your saree.
• Fix the pleats on your shoulder, then drag the initial border to the left side. Tuck the end on the left side behind your waist. And you're all set to grace the occasion in a Gujarati-style saree drape.

Popular during weddings, this Indian saree wear style is synonymous with elegance.

5. The Classic Manipuri Silk Sarees

The two traditional Manipuri sarees in Manipur culture are the phanek and the Innaphi. Phanek is similar to a sarong or a wrapped-around skirt and comes in meitei phanek and tribal phanek. While Innaphi is an upper body wrap. Phanek comes in cotton, silk, and other textiles with horizontal stripes and floral borders, while Innaphi has subtle floral designs that can be used as a dupatta. Phaneks are easy to wear, and you can choose from a variety of designer Manipuri phaneks to complement your ethnic outfit with elegance and grace.

6. The Evergreen Kasavu Saree, Kerala

The simple silk or cotton silk sarees in white and cream with a golden zari border have won their place as a popular classic Kerala saree. Kasavu sarees, the Malayali culture's icon, carry a lot of elegance that has wooed women from all religions, including old-school saree connoisseurs and experimenting fashionistas. Here is the basic way for draping this saree.

• Tuck the saree end from the top edge into the petticoat, starting from the right side of your waist and working your way across your left waist.
• Bring the wrap around waist from back to center front, putting it in with your left hand.
• Make pleats on the leftover drape at the center and tuck it in the petticoat, facing the pleats to the left.
• Bring the open drape over your back from the right side to the front without tucking it in. Instead, you can pin the pleats in the center and tuck the draping edge until it reaches your left waist.
• Hold up the breadth (Pallu) part and make 5–6-inch pleats, ensuring the border falls on the first pleat to drape over the shoulder.
• Hold the pleats vertically and drag the drape up and across your left shoulder from beneath the right armhole.
• Place the pleats on your left shoulder properly, leaving at least a meter of fall from the shoulder point, and pin it to secure it.

This style embodies the charm of Andhra traditional saree and is a staple in sarees of different states collections.

Styling Tips for Indian Saree Wear

• Accessorize Wisely: Add a touch of tradition with statement jewelry like chandbalis, chokers, or maang tikkas.
• Experiment with Blouses: Pair your saree with crop tops, embroidered blouses, or even jackets for a fusion look.
• Layer It Right: Use belts or waistbands to accentuate your silhouette and keep the saree secure.
• Play with Fabrics: From cotton to silk, each fabric lends itself beautifully to traditional saree wear and different saree styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the easiest saree draping style for beginners?

The Nivi drape is the easiest to learn. It’s simple, quick, and versatile for all occasions.

2. How can I make a saree more modern?

Pair your saree with a crop top or belt and opt for minimalistic jewelry. You can also experiment with fusion draping styles.

3. Which saree style is best for weddings?

The Gujarati saree style and Nauvari saree are popular choices for weddings due to their dramatic pallu and traditional appeal.

4. How do I choose the right saree for my body type?

• Tall and slim: Opt for bold patterns and heavy fabrics.
• Petite: Go for light fabrics and small prints.
• Curvy: Choose darker colors and minimal embellishments.

5. What is the best way to care for sarees?

Store sarees in breathable fabric bags, avoid hanging them for long periods, and dry-clean delicate materials like silk.

Final Words

Draping a saree will no longer be a tumultuous love affair for you. Yes, absolutely! Try these one-of-a-kind saree draping styles to stand out from the crowd with a lasting impression. It may take a few tries to master these saree wearing types, but the results are well worth the time and work! While the nine yards are exquisite and attractive, ensure your saree hugs all the proper contours and gives you a feminine appearance. Then, when you master draping your favorite saree style with your Indian saree collection, your anxiety about unraveling it will go.