Draping a saree in Kerala style is an art form that has been passed down through generations of Indian women. It is a beautiful and elegant way to wear a saree that is both traditional and modern. Kerala style saree draping involves wrapping the saree around the waist and tying a knot on the right shoulder. The saree length is above the ankles to allow women to work with ease of movement. Originally, worn without the blouse, now it is worn with a simple puffed sleeve blouse.

A colorful saree being draped in the traditional Kerala style, with pleats neatly arranged and the pallu gracefully falling over the shoulder

If you're new to saree draping, it may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be able to drape your saree Kerala style in no time. The process involves tucking the end of the saree on the right side and bringing it around the waist to the back side, tucking it in fully while doing the same. Bring it towards the front again and tuck it on the sides twice, leaving some length of fabric in between as shown. Now make pleats in the front and tuck them into the waistband, making sure they are even and neat.

With these quick and easy steps, you can drape your saree Kerala style and look elegant and beautiful. It is a great way to showcase your cultural heritage and add a touch of elegance to any occasion. So, go ahead and try it out for yourself and see how easy it is to drape your saree Kerala style.

Preparing for Draping

A table with neatly folded saree, blouse, and petticoat. A mirror and accessories laid out for draping. Bright, colorful fabrics and traditional jewelry

Draping a saree in Kerala style is a beautiful and elegant way to wear this traditional garment. However, it can be a bit tricky if you are not familiar with the process. In this section, we will cover some essential tips to help you prepare for draping your saree in Kerala style.

Choosing the Right Saree

The first step in preparing to drape your saree in Kerala style is to choose the right saree. While any saree can be draped in this style, it is best to choose a cotton or silk saree. These fabrics drape well and are comfortable to wear. Georgette and other lightweight fabrics may not hold their shape as well and can be more difficult to drape.

Essential Accessories

Once you have chosen your saree, there are a few essential accessories you will need to ensure that your draping goes smoothly. These include safety pins, a blouse, a petticoat or underskirt, a saree pin, and matching footwear.

Safety pins are essential for securing your saree in place and preventing any wardrobe malfunctions. A blouse is also necessary as it provides the foundation for your saree draping. Make sure to choose a blouse design that complements your body type and the overall silhouette you are trying to achieve.

A petticoat or underskirt is also important as it provides the structure for your saree draping. Make sure to choose a petticoat that matches the color and fabric of your saree. A saree pin is another essential accessory that helps to keep your saree in place. Make sure to choose a pin that matches the color and design of your saree.

Finally, matching footwear is important as it completes the overall look of your saree draping. Make sure to choose footwear that is comfortable and complements your saree.

By following these essential tips and choosing the right saree and accessories, you can prepare for draping your saree in Kerala style with confidence and ease.

Step-by-Step Draping Guide

A woman's hand holding a vibrant Kerala saree, gracefully draping it over her shoulder in traditional style. Bright colors and intricate patterns add to the visual appeal

Draping a saree Kerala style can be a skill, but it is not difficult to learn. With a little practice, anyone can master it. In this tutorial, we will provide a step-by-step guide to help you drape your saree perfectly.

Creating the Base

Before you start draping the saree, you need to create a base. For this, you will need a petticoat or underskirt. Wear the petticoat and tie it tightly around your waist. Make sure that it is at the right height, just above your ankles.

Forming Pleats

The next step is to form pleats. Take the saree and tuck it into the petticoat at the center of your waist. Make sure that the saree is straight and the border is even. Now, start forming pleats of about 5-6 inches wide. Make around 7-8 pleats and tuck them into the petticoat. Ensure that the pleats are even and not too tight or too loose.

Setting the Pallu

After forming pleats, it is time to set the pallu. Take the remaining fabric of the saree, which is the pallu, and drape it over your left shoulder. The length of the pallu should be such that it reaches your knees. Now, take the end of the pallu and bring it over your right shoulder. Pin it with a safety pin to the blouse at the right shoulder.

Final Adjustments

Once you have set the pallu, it is time to make final adjustments. Adjust the pleats to make sure they are even and the border is straight. Tuck the pleats into the petticoat, making sure they are secure. Adjust the pallu to make sure it falls perfectly over your chest. You can also use safety pins to secure the pleats and pallu in place.

By following these simple steps, you can drape your saree Kerala style perfectly. You can also experiment with other saree draping styles such as the nivi style, Bengali style, dhoti saree, lehenga style saree draping, coorgi style, or modern twist to find the perfect saree draping style that suits you. With a little practice and skill, you can create the perfect saree silhouette that is both comfortable and stylish.

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