Drapes From Across The Country To Up Your Sari Game

A sari dons many roles in all our lives. As generations embrace the beloved garment in its many avataars, it has evolved into one of the most versatile garments.

The Sari Series by Border&Fall is an attempt to culturally document the diversity of drapes prevalent in the country from the shores of Visakhapatnam to the hills of Jharkhand. This digital anthology with over 80 how-to-drape videos attempts to make the sari “more accessible to all as an idea, ideal, drape, textile, inspiration or otherwise”. Explore the website for inspired ideas!

The jumpsuit has become a wardrobe staple for many but attempting to find the perfect fit can be a daunting task. Why not drape the ever-forgiving sari in lieu, for that perfect fit? Spin the fabric in a style that lets you shake on the dancefloor or run that marathon with surprising ease:

Kuchipudi Drape - Andhra Pradesh

A style favoured by dancers from central Andhra Pradesh, this drape allows for adventures on a bike or a brisk morning of errands. Drape a 9-yard sari for even better mobility.

Double knot sari at right waist with inner end in front. Bring outer end anticlockwise and drape pallu over right shoulder from back to front. Tuck in at left waist. Pleat remainder of sari and tuck in at center front waist. Bring pallu anticlockwise from under right arm and drape over left shoulder. Bring center pleat between legs. Make small pleats. Remove pallu and tuck in at center back waist. Pleat pallu completely. Pass pallu under gathered pleats at center back waist and bring to front anticlockwise. Drape pallu over left shoulder. Bring to front and tuck in at left waist. Adjust legs accordingly.

Kalsi Dance Drape

The best drape to hit the dancefloor. This style from Goa will ensure you dance away the evening in your favourite Ajrakh silk.

Double knot sari at right waist with inner end in front. Make about 12 pleats with outer end and tuck in at center front waist. Drape pallu anticlockwise and over left shoulder. Bring center pleat between legs. Spread pleats across back waist and tuck in at center front waist. Adjust legs and borders accordingly.

Chodhri Drape

From Gujarat, another unique style to add to your repertoire. Play frisbee under open skies with this built-in hat to beat summer’s harsh rays.

Double knot sari at right waist with inner end in front. Tuck outer end in at left waist. Bring lower edge of outer end between legs and tuck in at center back waist. Tuck upper edge of outer end in at center front waist. Bring outer end anticlockwise and drape pallu over head and right shoulder. Tuck left edge of pallu in at left waist.

Bhootheyara Drape

This drape which ends in a bow, worn by the nomadic ceremonial performers of northern Karnataka, is perfect to stand out at a formal event.

Double knot sari at center front waist with right side twice the length of left. Bring left side between legs and tuck in at center back waist. Bring right side between legs and tuck in at center back waist. Bring right side anticlockwise and drape over left shoulder. With remaining left side and right side, tie a bow at right waist.

Yakshagana Drape

A drape worn by male characters of the Yakshagana Theatre of southern and coastal Karnataka. Great for audiences as well, lounge or gaze in rapt attention as the drama unfolds.

Make about 20 pleats with inner end of sari. Hold pleats at center front waist. Release 2-3 pleats and bring around body clockwise. Make a knot at right waist, allowing pleats to fold over. Bring outer end piece anticlockwise and drape pallu over left shoulder. Bring center pleat between legs. Fan pleats across back and tie a knot at center front waist. Tie a knot at front waist using both edges of pallu. Tie a string around left ankle to secure. Tie a string around right ankle to secure. Tie a string under left knee to secure. Tie a string under right knee to secure. Adjust legs accordingly. Adjust backside accordingly if required.

How will you wear your sari today?