"Drapery as a vehicle of controlled lines and form is the essence... of any art that would attempt to convey a message to the senses, as well as pleasure to the eyes."The saree is a length of material, 5.5 m long and 1.25 m wide. It is worn over an ankle length slip that usually matches the saree colour. A drawstring tape runs inside the top, fastening the petticoat firmly to the waist to hold the tucked ends of the saree, hence elastic will not do. The blouse, or choli is tailored and well fitting, sleeved or sleeveless.

Step 1
Start with the inner edge (least patterned plain end) of the Saree, with the Fall (lined border) falling along the inside of the bottom edge. Tuck the inner edge into the waistband of the Petticoat slightly to the right side, with the rest of the saree wrapping round to the left. The amount you tuck in depends on how tall or short you are or how long you want to wear the saree.

Step 2
Measure the length of the Pallu (the fanciest patterned end of the saree that falls on the outside so that the design can be seen). This will be on the other end of the Saree from the end you have just tucked in. Take this measured Pallu Length (approx. 1 metre) and take it behind you from your left and forward again from your right.

Step 3
Take the Pallu that you have just brought forward from your right, and fling it over your left shoulder for the time being, so it is out of the way. This is done to see how much of the Saree should be pleated into the waistband. The Saree now left in front of you is pleated to tuck into the waistband.

Step 4
Pleat the remaining Saree into five to six inch wide pleats.

Step 5
Hold all the pleats together, making sure the bottom end is level with the rest of the Saree all round.

Step 6
Tuck this bundle of pleats in one movement into the waistband of the petticoat, thus securing it.

Step 7
The Pallu of the Saree can now be arranged to suit your own style. The style normally and most commonly used is flinging the Pallu over the left shoulder or pleating it and pinning it to the left shoulder, so that the Pallu can swing open at the back. Two of the most popular methods of draping the Pallu are shown below.