5 Sari Drapes To Try Instead Of Your Classic Drape This Wedding Season

Whether it's Rekha's iconic silk saris or Sushmita Sen's romantic saris in Main Hoon Naa, Rani's ombre saris in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani or Priyanka's sexy metallic sari in Desi Girl, there is something irresistibly stunning about the Nivi drape, or the classic sari drape, whether the pallu is left open or neatly pinned. However, you might want to mix things up with your sari every once in a while and try other kinds of drapes. If you would try other draping styles but don't know where to start, here are our picks for the draping styles to try this wedding season.

Sari Drapes

Bengali Atpoure drape

This drape is, in our humble opinion, one of the most stunning kinds of sari drapes. Draped usually with saris with wider borders, this beautiful drape features broad pleats, and the border of the pallu runs along the height of the wearer, giving the illusion of a taller body type. The pallu can be made to hand loosely over the shoulder, like a traditional Nivi drape (aka the classic drape), or brought to the front from under the other arm and then thrown back. Traditionally, the end of the pallu is sometimes knotted or tied with keys. 

Why wear it: If you are planning to wear a sari that has a broad border, you should definitely consider the Bengali drape. Unlike the classic saree drape that clings to the body, the silhouette of the Bengali drape is rather voluminous, adding more drama and gravitas to the look. As much as we love the classic drape, going for the Bengali Atpoure drape instead of the classic drape will add a fun twist to your sari look. You can even pair it with an additional dupatta in a contrasting color to add another layer of drama. Pair it with opulent, traditional jewellery, and there you have it––a look straight out of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie!

Double pallu drape

The double pallu drape is similar to the classic drape, except instead of one draping sari, two saris are draped together, each sari draped in a different way. One sari can be draped in the classic style, and the other sari can be draped on the other shoulder, or around the neck.

Why wear it: While wearing two different saris can feel like a hassle, it’s bound to add a layer of drama to your look. Our pro tip is to have both saris in contrasting colors for a fun color block look. 

Gujarati seedha pallu drape

The traditional Gujarati drape is a great option for when you want to keep things traditional and sophisticated. In the seedha pallu drape, the pallu isn’t draped from the front to the back on the left shoulder like in the classic drape, but it comes from the back to the front on the right shoulder, where it is spread across the waist. 

Why wear it: This is a great choice if you want to try something other than the classic sari drape, without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. It’s beautiful and traditional, but not too crazy; in case you want to keep things safe.

Coorgi Drape

The Coorgi drape, which originates from Karnataka, is a rather unconventional and lesser known kind of sari drape, especially compared to the other drapes on this list. An acquired taste, if you will. Instead of the traditional front pleats, this sari has pleats on the back, the pallu is spread across the chest, and is draped from the back to the front on the right shoulder.

Why wear it: If you like to experiment within the realms of traditional Indian clothing and don’t mind trying out niche or lesser known styles, you might want to try this drape.

Nauvari drape

Originating from Maharashtra, this sari drape is characterised by its dhoti pants silhouette. Our pro tip is to go all out: lots of color, traditional jewellery and Maharashtrian half-moon bindi!  

Why wear it: If you want something more fuss-free than the traditional sari drape, and are willing to take the drama up a notch!