32 Different Saree Draping Styles in 2024 [Modern & Traditional]

Saree draping styles have always held a significant place in Indian culture, reflecting the diversity and elegance of traditional and modern fashion. In 2024, exploring 32 different saree draping styles, both modern and traditional, showcases how this timeless garment continues to evolve.

Whether it's the basic saree draping style or the more contemporary pant style saree draping, each style exudes grace and cultural significance. These draping styles offer a blend of tradition and modernity, making them perfect for every occasion, from formal events to everyday wear.

1. Nivi or Basic Saree Draping Style

The Nivi or basic saree draping style is the most widely recognized saree draping style in India. Originating from Andhra Pradesh, this style involves tucking the saree around the waist and creating pleats in the center.

The pallu is then draped over the left shoulder, allowing the saree to fall gracefully. This traditional saree draping style is versatile and suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events.

Its simplicity and elegance make it a go-to style for women across India, making it a staple in Indian saree draping styles.

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2. Bengali Saree Draping

The Bengali saree draping style reflects West Bengal's rich cultural heritage. The saree is wrapped around the waist, with the pallu brought over the right shoulder, then wrapped around the left shoulder. This style, associated with traditional sarees like silk sarees and cotton sarees, is perfect for festive occasions.

Different styles include accessorizing the pallu with keys or brooches, adding a unique touch to the drape.

Here is our detailed guide on: How to Wear a Saree in Bengali Style

3. Lehenga Style Saree Draping

Lehenga style saree draping is a modern saree draping style that blends saree elegance with lehenga flair. The saree is draped to resemble a lehenga skirt, with the pallu over the left shoulder. Perfect for special occasions like weddings and festivals, this style adds a contemporary touch while preserving the saree’s traditional essence.

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4. Dhoti Style Saree Draping

The dhoti style saree draping is a modern draping style that gives the saree a chic, contemporary look. Inspired by the traditional dhoti worn by men, this style drapes the saree to resemble a dhoti, with pleats tucked between the legs and the pallu draped over the shoulder.

Among different draping styles, the dhoti style saree draping is favoured by younger women blending tradition with contemporary trends.

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5. Pant Style Saree Draping

Pant style saree draping is a modern and edgy take on the traditional saree drape. This style involves draping the saree over pants or leggings instead of the usual petticoat, creating a stylish fusion look that women love for its comfort.

Pant style saree draping is ideal for fashion-forward women who want to make a bold statement while staying true to traditional Indian attire.

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6. Belted Saree Draping Style

Belted saree draping style is a contemporary twist that adds structure and style to the traditional saree. In this style, a belt is used to cinch the waist after the saree is draped, helping to keep the pallu in place and accentuating the waistline.

The belted saree draping style is versatile, as it can be paired with various saree types like silk sarees, chiffon sarees, and georgette sarees, making it a trendy choice in 2024.

7. Double Saree Draping Style

The double saree draping style is a unique and elaborate draping method that involves using two sarees instead of one. This style creates a layered look, with the first saree draped traditionally and the second saree draped over it in a complementary style.

The pallu of the second saree is often draped over the shoulder, adding volume and a dramatic flair.

8. Dupatta Saree Draping Style

Dupatta saree draping style is a fusion of traditional saree drapes with the addition of a dupatta for an enhanced look. In this style, the saree is draped in a basic manner, with the dupatta added either over the pallu or separately over the head and shoulders.

This style is especially popular in North India, often seen at weddings and festive occasions.

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9. Mermaid Saree Draping Style

The mermaid saree draping style is a glamorous and modern drape that gives the saree a sleek, figure-hugging look and a defined silhouette. This style involves draping the saree tightly around the waist and hips, with the pleats tucked to resemble a mermaid's tail.

The pallu is draped over the left shoulder, falling gracefully down the back.

10. South Indian Saree Draping Style

The South Indian saree draping style is a traditional drape that reflects the rich cultural heritage of South India. This style involves draping the saree around the waist, with the pleats tucked in the front and the pallu draped over the left shoulder, creating a classic South Indian saree look.

The pallu is often longer and can be pleated or left loose. This style is commonly seen in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

11. Butterfly Saree Draping Style

Butterfly saree draping style is a modern and stylish way of draping the saree that adds a touch of glamour and sophistication. In this style, the pallu is pleated in such a way that it creates a butterfly-like effect, with the pleats fanning out across the back.

This style is often paired with lightweight sarees like chiffon or georgette, which allow the pleats to fall gracefully.

12. Modern Chic Draping

Modern chic draping is a contemporary style that combines elements of traditional saree draping with modern fashion trends. This style involves draping the saree in a basic manner but adding modern twists such as using a belt, jacket, or crop top.

The pallu can be draped over the left shoulder or styled in a unique way to create a fresh and fashionable look.

13. Palazzo Saree Draping

Palazzo saree draping is a fusion style that combines the elegance of a saree with the comfort of palazzo pants. In this style, the saree is draped over a pair of palazzo pants, with the pallu draped over the left shoulder.

This style is ideal for women who want to blend tradition with modern comfort, making it perfect for both formal and casual occasions.

14. Reverse Pallu Draping

Reverse pallu draping is a unique and stylish way of draping the saree, where the pallu is draped over the right shoulder instead of the left. This style is often associated with the Gujarati style of saree draping, where the pallu is brought from the back to the front and draped over the right shoulder.

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15. Cape Style Saree Draping

Cape style saree draping is a contemporary and trendy way of draping the saree that incorporates a cape or jacket into the outfit. In this style, the saree is draped in a basic manner, and a cape is worn over the shoulders, creating a modern and stylish look that enhances various saree styles.

16. Bhagalpuri Saree Draping

Bhagalpuri saree draping is known for its simplicity and elegance, showcasing the beauty of Bhagalpuri silk sarees. This regional draping style involves tucking the saree at the waist with neatly arranged pleats, while the pallu is draped over the left shoulder.

Bhagalpuri saree draping is a timeless choice that reflects the rich heritage of Indian textiles and regional draping styles.

17. Tribal Draping

Tribal saree draping styles vary across India, each holding unique cultural significance. These various styles often involve wrapping the saree around the body in unconventional ways, with minimal pleating and a focus on practicality. The pallu may be worn over the shoulder or around the waist, depending on the region.

18. Half Saree Draping

The half saree draping style, also known as Langa Voni in South India, is a traditional style that combines elements of a saree and a lehenga. Popular among young women, this style is often worn during festivals and ceremonies.

The saree is draped to resemble a lehenga skirt, with all the pleats carefully arranged and the pallu draped over the left shoulder.

19. Rajasthan Tribal Draping

Rajasthan tribal saree draping style is deeply rooted in the cultural practices of Rajasthan’s indigenous communities. This practical style reflects the vibrant Rajasthani culture, making it perfect for special occasions. The saree is wrapped around the waist, with the pallu either draped over the head or across the chest.

Rajasthan tribal draping is ideal for those who want to showcase their cultural heritage while embracing a rustic and traditional look, especially during a special occasion.

20. Marathi Saree Draping Style

The Marathi saree draping style, or Nauvari drape, is a traditional style from Maharashtra. It uses a nine-yard saree, draped in a dhoti-like manner with pleats tucked between the legs and the pallu draped over the left shoulder.

Commonly associated with the Maharashtrian Brahmin community, this style is often worn during religious ceremonies and festivals.

21. Gujarati Draping

The Gujarati style of saree draping, known as the Seedha Pallu style, is a traditional method from Gujarat. The saree is draped around the waist, with the pallu brought over the right shoulder and spread across the chest. The remaining fabric is tucked at the back, allowing the pallu to fall gracefully.

22. Madisaru Saree Draping Style

Madisaru saree draping is a traditional style associated with the Tamil Brahmin community, especially the Iyer and Iyengar sects. It involves wrapping a nine-yard saree in a dhoti-like manner, with the pallu draped over the shoulder.

Typically worn during religious ceremonies and weddings, the Madisaru drape symbolizes tradition and cultural heritage.

23. Parsi Style Saree Draping

The Parsi style saree draping, also known as the Parsi Gara, is a traditional drape associated with the Parsi community in India. This style is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, with the saree draped around the waist and the pallu brought over the right shoulder.

The pallu is then pleated and tucked in such a way that it creates a neat and structured look.

24. Seedha Pallu Saree Draping Style

Seedha pallu saree draping style is a traditional draping method where the pallu is draped over the right shoulder, allowing it to fall in front of the body. This style is commonly associated with Gujarati and North Indian saree draping styles.

The saree is wrapped around the waist, and the pallu is often spread across the chest, creating a formal and elegant look.

25. Coorgi Style of Western Ghats

The Coorgi saree draping style, also known as the Kodagu style, is a unique draping method from Karnataka's Coorg region. In this Coorg style, the saree is draped so that the pleats are tucked at the back, and the pallu is draped over the right shoulder and secured at the back.

This style is practical and comfortable, allowing ease of movement, especially in Coorg's hilly regions.

26. Front Pallu Saree Draping Style

The front pallu saree draping style is a modern twist on the traditional saree drape, where the pallu is draped over the right shoulder and brought to the front. This style is often associated with the Gujarati drape but has been adapted in various modern styles as well.

27. Kappulu Style Saree Draping

Kappulu style saree draping is a traditional drape from Andhra Pradesh, characterized by its intricate pleating and unique pallu placement. In this style, the saree is draped around the waist with pleats tucked neatly in the front, and the pallu is draped over the left shoulder, often brought around the waist and tucked at the back.

28. Kunbi Drape

The Kunbi drape is a traditional saree draping style of the Kunbi tribe in Goa. This style is simple and practical, with the saree wrapped around the body and the pallu tied over the shoulder, often without the use of a blouse.

The Kunbi saree is typically made of cotton and is worn in vibrant colours and bold patterns.

29. Madisar Drape

The Madisar drape is another traditional saree draping style associated with Tamil Nadu, particularly among the Brahmin community. This drape involves using a nine-yard saree and draping it in a dhoti-like fashion, with the pleats tucked between the legs and the pallu draped over the shoulder.

30. Mekhela Chadar

The Mekhela Chadar is a traditional draping style from Assam, involving two separate pieces of cloth. The Mekhela forms the lower part, draped like a skirt, while the Chadar is draped over the upper body and brought over the shoulder.

31. Assamese Drape

The Assamese drape is a traditional saree draping style from Assam, similar to the Mekhela Chadar but more simplified, focusing on ease and practicality. The Assamese saree is wrapped around the body, with the pallu draped over the shoulder in a loose, flowing manner.

This style is usually associated with traditional silk sarees and is commonly worn during religious ceremonies and cultural festivals in Assam.

32. Voni Draping

Voni draping, also known as Half Saree draping, is a traditional style from South India, particularly popular among young girls. The Voni is a half saree worn with a lehenga-style skirt and a dupatta. This draping style is vibrant and youthful, often worn during festivals and ceremonies.

Final Words

Exploring these 32 different saree draping styles reveals the incredible diversity and cultural richness of India. From traditional drapes like the Nivi and Nauvari to modern interpretations like the Pant and Dhoti styles, each draping method tells a unique story.

These saree draping styles not only reflect your regional and cultural identity but also offer endless possibilities for expressing personal style. As we move through 2024, these draping styles continue to evolve, mixing tradition with contemporary fashion trends, making the saree a timeless garment.

FAQs

What is basic draping?

Basic draping, often referred to as the Nivi style, is the most common saree draping method in India. It involves tucking the saree around the waist with pleats in the center and the pallu draped over the left shoulder.

How many types of saree draping are there?

There are numerous types of saree draping styles, each unique to different regions and cultures in India. This article covers 32 different saree draping styles, ranging from traditional to modern methods.

How to drape a saree in modern style?

To drape a saree in a modern style, you can experiment with styles like the Pant, Dhoti, or Cape style saree draping. These styles blend traditional elements with contemporary fashion, creating a chic and trendy look.

What is the meaning of draping a saree?

Draping a saree refers to the method of wrapping the saree around the body in a specific style, creating a distinct and elegant look. Each draping style has its own cultural significance and aesthetic appeal.

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Note: All images present in this article are taken from Pinterest.