How to Drape a Saree: A Beginner's Guide to 6 Popular Styles

1. Nivi (Classic) Style

Andhra Pradesh · Most popular

1. Tuck the plain end into the petticoat at your navel, going right to left, and take one full turn around your waist.
2. Make 5–7 even pleats (about 5 inches wide) with the remaining fabric, keeping the lower edge level.
3. Tuck the pleats securely into the petticoat, slightly left of the navel, so they fall straight down.
4. Take the rest of the fabric around your back to the front-right, then drape the pallu diagonally over your left shoulder.
5. Adjust the pallu length (knee to mid-calf) and pin at the shoulder.

2. Bengali Style

West Bengal · No front pleats

1. Tuck the plain end at the right side of the waist and wrap once around, ending at the right again.
2. Bring the fabric to the front without pleating and drape loosely across the body.
3. Take the pallu over the left shoulder, then bring it back under the right arm and over the left shoulder again.
4. Attach a key ring or small bunch of keys to the pallu corner for the traditional look.

3. Gujarati (Seedha Pallu) Style

Gujarat & Rajasthan · Front pallu

1. Start like the Nivi style — tuck at navel, one turn around, make front pleats and tuck.
2. Instead of taking the pallu to the left shoulder, bring it from the back over the right shoulder to the front.
3. Spread the pallu across the chest and pin it to the left shoulder so the embroidery is fully visible.

4. Maharashtrian (Nauvari) Style

Maharashtra · 9-yard, dhoti-like

1. Use a 9-yard saree with no petticoat. Tie the middle of the saree at the back of the waist.
2. Pass one end between the legs and tuck at the back to form a dhoti-style lower drape.
3. Pleat the other end and tuck at the front, then take the pallu over the left shoulder.

5. Mermaid / Fishtail Style

Modern · Bridal & red-carpet

1. Follow Nivi steps 1–3 to set the base and front pleats.
2. Instead of loose pallu drape, make thin, even pleats along the pallu length.
3. Bring the pleated pallu tightly across the front and pin at the left shoulder so the lower half hugs the legs and flares at the ankles.

6. Lehenga Style

Modern · Easy for beginners

1. Tuck the plain end and make small pleats all the way around your waist, like a lehenga skirt.
2. Continue tucking pleats around until you have enough fabric left for the pallu.
3. Take the remaining fabric across the front and drape over the left shoulder; pin in place.

Beginner tips

• Practice with a lightweight cotton or georgette saree — silk is slippery and harder to pleat.
• Iron the saree before you start. Crisp fabric holds pleats far better.
• Pleat in front of a mirror and check that the lower edges are perfectly aligned.
• Wear your shoes while draping so the length falls just above the floor.
• Pin at the shoulder first, then at the waist pleats — never the other way around.

Frequently asked questions