"Saree Chronicles: Weaving Elegance, Tradition, and Body Positivity"

I have already shared my opinion regarding sarees. You all must be wondering about my detailed saree write-ups, in spite of the fact that I don't or can't afford to wear a saree myself, except for being a connoisseur and a saree artisan. Taking this journey forward, I will keep sharing these inputs as a part of the saree journey as an essential item of the Indian women diaspora.

To the majority of Indian women, the saree isn’t just a fashion statement; rather, it is an exhibition of sheer elegance, grace, and confidence. Women wear sarees for different reasons. For some, it's merely fashionable; for others, it's a matter of personal choice; but to all of them collectively, it's a way of life—six yards of life draped over a woman’s body.

Do you remember the first time you learned to drape a saree? Do you remember how you grew up watching your mother drape it? The saree, in its various avatars, adorns women from the sub-continent and a few other Asian countries like Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand. Sarees are like the women that they drape—versatile! From business meetings to wedding nights, from political speeches to red carpets, from college farewells and corporate boardrooms to the kitchen, they truly have many avatars.

The saree has been in existence since the time of the Indus Valley civilization, when we started cultivating cotton and using dyes. Ever since then, it has evolved into a fashion staple and is known for its versatility, so much so that there are at least 70–80 draping styles, and every style will help you recall the geographical origin of that particular style.

Depending on its origins, the length of a saree can vary from a mere 3 to 9 yards. It is suitable to be worn in all weather conditions. Be it the harsh, hot summers of our country or the colder climatic conditions of north India, there’s a saree for every season.

But what is most distinguishing about a saree is its universality. Women of every stratum wear it; be it the migrant laborer, the middle-class woman, the queens and princesses, or women in power, their go-to costume is a saree.

Silk, cotton, polyester, with or without zari, mill-made, handwoven, cheap or expensive, dyed, printed, crafted, or embroidered—no matter what the type of saree, you will always be draping history around you.

At Paithaniwale, we strive to bring sarees from across West India, sourcing them directly from the weavers, who are a part of our weaving legion.

to your doorstep. Right from the exquisite Pure to every format, name it and we have it all.

Saris are one of the best outfits for women. The best thing about the saree is that it is suitable for all occasions, whether you are traveling, at the office, at home, or attending any occasion like a wedding, party, function, or any other event. A right saree can not only hide any flaws in your body, but it can also increase your beauty manifold and make you look like a queen.

But if you take care of some things while choosing a sari for you, then a saree can increase your personality and beauty manifold.

Here, I will be sharing some tips to choose the right saree according to the body type of a woman.

While buying or choosing the perfect saree for you, the following things should be kept in mind in order to make you look beautiful and gorgeous in a saree:

Draping Style of Saree:

The way you drape a saree around your body also determines how you will look.

By draping your saree in some particular way, you can look taller, shorter, slimmer, fatter, and more strange.

A saree should be draped properly; otherwise, it looks untidy and clumsy and can make a woman appear fat, irrespective of what type of sari you are wearing.

Pleats should be even and neatly tucked.

You can find useful tips on draping a saree in different styles here, or how to drape a saree like a celebrity.

The Fabric Used in the Saree:

The fabric used to make a saree also determines how you will look in it.

A particular fabric-made saree suits a particular category of women.

For example, stiff cotton saris give a heavy look, so these are not suitable for overweight women.

The prints on the saree:

Women generally should avoid big and large prints, as they make you look large and gaudy.

If short women wear sarees with large prints, then they look odd and shorter.

Small floral and leafy prints are evergreen, and every woman can wear such sarees.

Border of the Saree:

The border of a saree also plays an important role in a woman's personality.

Most of the designers advise you to go for a saree with no border or a shorter border if your height is short.

If you are tall, then you should wear sarees with a broad border.

Color of the Saree:

For example, for overweight ladies, dark colors are best.

It is not only for sarees, but all other dresses in dark colors make plus-size women look slim and beautiful.

Embroidery Work, Zari Work, Stone Work, Heavy Work:

If you are slim, then heavy work will be best for you; if you are overweight and fatty, then light work is suitable for you.

A saree with heavy embroidery can make a gal look fatty and strange.