How to Drape a Saree Step by Step

November 4, 2026

Draping a saree looks hard the first time, but it is only a few simple steps. Here is the classic Nivi drape, the style most women wear across India.

Before you start

Wear a well fitted blouse and a petticoat tied snugly at the waist. Wear the footwear you plan to use with the saree, so the length comes out right. The hem should just touch the floor.

Step 1: The first wrap

Tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat at the right side of your navel. Wrap it once around your waist, back to the front, keeping the lower edge level with the floor.

Step 2: Make the pleats

Take the rest of the fabric and make five to seven even pleats, each about four to five inches wide. Hold them together and tuck them into the petticoat at the navel, with the pleats opening towards the left.

Step 3: Drape the pallu

Bring the remaining fabric around your back and over the left shoulder. The pallu should fall to around knee level at the back. Pin it at the shoulder with a safety pin so it stays in place.

Tips for silk sarees

Silk holds pleats well, so press them lightly on a low setting before you pin them. Heavy zari borders look best when the border stays visible along the bottom. Silk is heavier than cotton, so use a few extra pins at the waist and shoulder.