10 Unique Draping Styles from Different Regions of India
The Indian saree is one of the most formidable symbols of tradition. It is not just a piece of clothing, it is a canvas, so versatile that it can be draped in innumerable ways. Each regional draping style serves as a point of culture, connecting the wearer back to their identity in a subtle manner. The complexity of folds seen in the Bengali draping style, or Nauvari’s pleats, are not merely a method to create aesthetic value, they are a boon to culture. For Indians living in the USA, the accessibility of Indian sarees online makes it easier to explore and experiment with these diverse draping techniques, keeping the connection to their roots alive. Whether you're exploring unique saree draping techniques or looking for traditional Indian sarees in the USA , this guide will introduce you to ten distinctive draping styles from different regions of India.
1. Nivi Drape – Andhra Pradesh
The Nivi drape is one of the most common and worn across the nation. A graceful and straightforward drape due to its origin in Andhra Pradesh, the Nivi drape can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Draped over the waist, its pleats are at one’s navel, and the rest moves neatly over the backside. The other end, known as the pallu, is taken over the left shoulder. There is a variation to this style known as the seedha pallu in which one takes the pallu over one’s right shoulder. This is, by far, one of the best styles for those who aren’t exactly beginners in these advanced drapes but are still, for the most part, novices.
2. Nauvari Drape – Maharashtra
The Nauvari saree, or nine-yard, is a traditional Maharashtrian drape that symbolizes strength and prowess. It is similar to what Maratha women wore, with drapes styled like dhoti. It is a saree designed to be comfortably twisted around the legs, facilitating a free moment. The pallu is draped on the shoulder and tucked back. Wear this saree if you wish to feel the essence of Maharashtrian culture. It is a perfect saree for an impulsive personality.
3. Bengali Drape – West Bengal
Bengal drapes are simple and graceful. Their sarees are equipped with broad pleats and an extensive pallu. It is worn during conventional occasions, including Durga Puja. It is twisted around the mosquitos without forming any front pleats. The pallu is thrown on the left shoulder. Extra pleats are created from the back to the front, making the scarf flow systematically. This saree drape is perfect for classic women. A cotton or a beautiful silk saree can be found when you buy Indian sarees from online stores.
4. Madisar Drape – Tamil Nadu
Brahmin women, especially in Tiger Town, wear the Madisar drape for spiritual rituals on noteworthy occasions, like nuptials. The Madisar style, which is similar to that of Nauvari, also necessitates the use of a nine-yard saree draped as a dhoti. It is twisted around the waist, and a pallu forms over it back, then covered around the body. Not the model to wear just to show off tradition; this is to don practically. It exemplifies purity.
5. Seedha Pallu Drape – Gujarat
The seedha pallu is another traditional draping style practiced in Gujarat. It is a unique and innovative style of saree wearing. The major difference between the seedha pallu and the nivi drape is that in the seedha pallu, the pallu is to be spread across the chest. The pallu does not fall into the left arm; instead, it is taken on the right arm and opened towards the left side, covering the chest area. It can give you a royal touch. Especially it goes well for bandhani sarees because it will have a print on that area. It can be one of the options for trying unique ways to drape the saree.
6. Mundum Neriyathum – Kerala
Mundum neriyathum style comes from the state of Kerala. It is one of the oldest ways of draping a saree. It is a two-piece traditional saree style. It uses short mundu cloth to cover the hip area and neriyathu to cover the chest area. It looks very simple but graceful and sultry. Usually, the saree is in a single color with a golden border. It is mostly worn during the Onam festival. The neatness that comes out of that style will give you a good look. Hence, Kerala is known for its simplicity
7. Athpourey Drape – Bengal
Athpurae is an exclusive saree draping style of Bengal. This is different from a bengali saree, as the pleats are very broad and the pallu is well fixed and spread into both the shoulders from the back. To drape this, as it is very tough, you need a sufficient number of pleats and a long-length saree. Mostly in weddings, this type of saree drape is seen. The saree is pleated in the front area and the pallu is taken in the right hand to the left-back direction and from there it is taken under the right arm and got on the left-hand side shoulder. This is an innovative drape style that can give you the royal look.
8. Coorgi Drape – Karnataka
Coorgi drape is the traditional attire of the Coorg region in Karnataka. The drape’s specialty lies in the way it is tied, as the pleats are tucked at the back and not the front. The left end of the pallu is thrown around to the back and then brought to the front of the left shoulder across the waist to be pinned on the right, thus creating an elegant, distinctively sophisticated appearance. This unique style is practical and comfortable to carry and wear for women of Coorg, using it for their regular look and special occasions.
9. Gol Saree Drape – Maharashtra
The Gol saree drape, commonly known as Peshwai, is the traditional saree model that originated in Maharashtra and developed during the Peshwa regime. It appears similar to the Nauvari as explained earlier, with a more structured pleated back forming, considering it an equivalent of a royal style statement for the woman. The saree is worn tautly around the hip, and the body is positioned perfectly, and the pallu is thrown over the right shoulder, decorating with neat pleating at the front. The Gol saree drape is appropriate for attending formal events and is a royal choice for weddings and traditional occasions.
10. Kappulu Drape – Andhra Pradesh
Kappulu Drape, Andhra Pradesh The Kappulu drape originated from Andhra Pradesh, and south-east tribal or high-forest women from the plains wore this type of saree. In Kappulu style, the saree has to be wrapped around from the beginning around the waist, and the pallu will swing down around the armpit from under the right arm to be dropped from the top of the left shoulder. This style is generally supported by heavy jewelry and embroidery designs, and it fits any pattern.
Conclusion
Indian Saree Draping Styles Enough to Inspire the U.S. Fashion World. The colorful saree draping styles from various regions of India make you not only feel the glory of the country’s culture but also personalize your saree experience. Whether you're in the USA and shopping for Indian sarees online or attending a traditional event, these regional saree draping styles can help you make a lasting impression. Knowing each draping style and its application can revive the timeless tradition and elegance of the saree, making it an accessory of freedom and uniqueness.