How To: Wear a sari

To wear a sari takes only the ability to properly fold and wrap the yards of often brightly colored and flowing fabric. With just a pin at the shoulder you can replicate the technique for this traditional Indian garb.

This traditional Indian dress consists of swaths of beautifully draped fabric.

You Will Need

* A traditional drawstring petticoat
* A traditional cropped blouse
* Sari fabric
* Pins

Step 1: Put on undergarments

Put on the traditional petticoat and tie it tightly at the waist. Next, put on the cropped top that typically complements the sari material.

Step 2: Tuck in the sari fabric

Tuck the plain end of the sari into the petticoat, starting at your navel, and wrap it around your waist, tucking it in, for one complete turn from right to left.

Make sure that the lower end of the sari touches the floor.

Step 3: Create pleats

Gather the other end of the fabric and fold it lengthwise into seven to 10 pleats. Hold them up together so that they remain even.

Step 4: Tuck in the pleats

Tuck the pleats into the waistband, slightly to the left of your navel, with the pleats turned toward the left.

Step 5: Drape the fabric

Drape the remaining fabric around yourself from left to right. Wrap it under your right arm and over your left shoulder so that it falls to about knee level.

Step 6: Pin the fabric

Pin the end of the fabric securely to your blouse to prevent the sari from slipping.

Did you know? The traditional Indian sari cloth is between 5 and 7 yards long.