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A colorful Indian sari embodies a woman's modesty and sensuality. Its drape symbolizes her tumbling hair; the colors, her many moods. This simple piece of fabric, when wrapped appropriately, reveals the inner personality of the wearer. For the office, choose the popular Nivi drape for its unassuming statement. The Kaccha style offers freedom of movement for a yoga class or a casual party. Remember, be particular when wrapping your sari. The finished product should look polished, not strewn together sloppily.
Nivi Style
1.
Tuck the hem of the sari underneath the waist of the petticoat. Move around your body in a circular fashion from right to left. Make sure the lower hem touches the floor gently.
2.
Fold 5-inch pleats in the sari -- about seven to 10 total pleats -- beginning at the tuck. Hold them tightly so they fall straight.
3.
Fold the pleats behind the waist of the petticoat and to the left of the navel. Assure the pleat openings fall to the left.
4.
Tuck the hem into the waist of the petticoat, again, for one full round.
5.
Drape the end of the sari over your left shoulder and fasten it to the blouse with a small, discreet safety pin.
Kaccha Style
1.
Start at the left hip. Wrap the top hem of the sari to the right, around your waist .
2.
Tie a knot beneath your navel with the corner edge of the hem and a few inches of the boarder fabric.
3.
Make 5-inch pleats -- 7 to 10 in total -- in the fabric on the right side of the knot.
4.
Hold the pleats snugly in place while wrapping the sari around your body for one complete turn. Tuck in the hem as you go.
5.
Fold the pleats over the sari's waistband in the center of your body.
6.
Press the pleats flat with your hand.
7.
Grab the bottom hem of the pleats and pass it through your legs.
8.
Tie a knot in the back with the pleat hem and 3 to 4 inches of fabric at the center hem. Tuck the knot behind the waistband.
Assure your pleats fall straight to the floor by making them perfectly even.
Using a decorative shoulder pin in the place of the safety pin adds additional flair and personality.
For the Kaccha wrap, use a mirror when passing the sari between your legs. This helps you drape the legs evenly and match the hems.
If you're tall, wrap the legs tightly. The calf-length hem can get caught on your foot with a loose wrap.
When pinning the sari at your shoulder, place your hand underneath your blouse to avoid pricking your skin.
