Drape a Sari

1. Wear the petticoat: Start by wearing a well-fitted petticoat that matches the color of your sari. It should be snug around your waist and have a drawstring to hold the sari in place.
2. Wear the blouse: Put on your sari blouse, ensuring it fits comfortably and complements the sari's design and color.
3. Start with the inner end: Unfold the sari and locate the inner end, which is the plain, non-decorative part of the sari. Tuck this end into the petticoat at your navel, ensuring the lower edge of the sari is just off the ground.
4. Wrap it around: Continue tucking the sari into the petticoat as you wrap it around your waist from right to left. Make sure the fabric is wrapped snugly but comfortably around your waist.
5. Create pleats: Once you've wrapped the sari around your waist, you'll create pleats with the remaining fabric. Hold the fabric with both hands and start making small, even pleats, ensuring they're neat and uniform in size.
6. Tuck in the pleats: Gather the pleats together, making sure they're even and facing the same direction. Tuck the pleats into the petticoat at your navel, ensuring they fall straight and reach the ground.
7. Drape the pallu: Now, take the remaining fabric (called the pallu) and drape it over your left shoulder, letting it hang down your back. You can choose to let the pallu hang loose or create pleats for a more structured look.
8. Secure the pallu: If you prefer a more secure fit, you can pin the pallu to your blouse at the shoulder to keep it in place.
9. Adjust and neaten: Make any final adjustments to the pleats and pallu, ensuring they're neat and secure. Check that the sari is draped comfortably and that the length is appropriate.

With practice, you'll be able to drape a sari with ease and confidence. Remember that there are many regional and personal variations on draping a sari, so feel free to experiment and find the style that suits you best.