Various ways of draping a dupatta (with lehenga choli)
Basic Terms
Blouse : The Indian blouse called "choli" is the traditional attire and is usually worn with the saree or lehnga. It is essentially a low cut midriff baring blouse. It could either be sleeveless, half sleeves or full sleeves. The choli is cut to fit tight.
Petticoat : A petticoat or underskirt is an article of clothing for women; specifically an undergarment to be worn under a saree. The petticoat is a separate garment hanging from the waist. Saree petticoats usually match the color of the saree.
Pallu: The fanciest patterned end or loose end of the saree that falls on the outside so that the design can be seen
Step by step instructions :
Methods
- Wear a petticoat/underskirt tightly tied by a drawstring at the waist.
- A nicely fitted blouse/top is worn before draping the saree.
- Tuck the first & upper end of saree in the right hand side at the waistband of petticoat.
- Take the material/saree to the back & then finally taking it to the front by completing one round & tucking it at the waist hand in hand.
- Now, start making pleats (3-4 in counts), making the lower pleats firstly & then tuck them in at centre front by adjusting it properly for all.
- Bring the rest of material/saree in front by covering the bust & making half round & then fix it tightly with a pin just near the armhole or before armhole.
- Now, make pleats of the palla part or last end of the saree. Always make narrow pleats in this style of draping.
- Keep adjusting pleats & pull the entire material from back to the front by fixing it up with a pin on the right shoulder just after placing it.
- The length of the palla needs to be done till knee/below knee or as per your convenience.
- Finally adjust the saree & set it all at your left side of waist & fix it up with a pin.
VARIATION IN PALLA (RAJ RANI STYLE)
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This is just a variation in coorgi style which is called as Rajrani Style.
- Take the corner of the border & fix it up at your left shoulder by adjusting the cowl or the fall of the saree accordingly. All the five borders must be showing in this placement.
- This is the best style of draping a border saree.

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