Six Ways to Drape a Sari for the Festive Season
From the classic Nivi to a belted modern drape, a guide to wearing six yards with ease.
By Mira Sen
Few garments are as adaptable as the sari. The same six yards can look formal, playful or entirely new depending on how they are folded and pinned.
The Nivi drape, with its neat pleats at the waist and pallu over the left shoulder, is the one most people learn first. It is a good place to start because every other style builds on it.
Choosing the right fabric
For festive evenings, try a pre-pleated pallu pinned at the shoulder and left to fall long down the back. It frames the blouse and moves beautifully.
“A sari isn't a costume. It's six yards of possibility.”
A belt over the drape is the quickest modern update. It holds the pleats in place and turns a family heirloom into something that feels newly yours.
