How to drape a saree
44 ways of wearing six to nine yards of cloth, from the Nivi to the nauvari, each drawn step by step, with the sarees usually worn that way.
Presented by ClearTrust Free for wearers, makers and the curious.
Regional drapes
The way a state or region wraps the saree, step by step.
🇮🇳 5.5 to 6 yardsThe Nivi drapeThe most widely worn way to drape a saree: pleats at the navel, the free end over the left shoulder.🇮🇳 6 yardsThe Tamil NiviThe six yard Nivi as worn in Tamil Nadu, usually in silk or cotton with a wide contrast border.🇮🇳 5.5 to 6 yardsThe Telugu NiviThe Nivi as worn in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, often with a pleated pallu pinned neatly at the shoulder.🇮🇳 A mundu of about 2.5 yards and a neriyathu of about 2 yardsThe Kerala mundum neriyathumKerala's two-piece cream and gold dress: a wrapped lower cloth, the mundu, and a shoulder cloth, the neriyathu.🇮🇳 a skirt plus a cloth of about 2 to 2.5 metresThe half saree (langa voni)A three-piece South Indian outfit of skirt, blouse and a draped half-length cloth, worn by girls and young women before they take up the full saree.
Community drapes
Drapes that belong to one community, caste or family tradition.