Learn How To Choose a Perfect Saree Meeting The Right Body Type

A saree is like a blessing in disguise, and not everybody can understand the captivating power it possesses. It's a mischievous piece of clothing that can make you a fashion icon or can banish you from the fashion world altogether. The existence of the Indian saree is as old as the Indus Valley Civilization. Saree draping has come a long way, from a three-piece ensemble aiming to cover the navel at all costs to a completely new saree-dress look.

The latest trends of silk or cotton sarees, a saree gown or even a saree with a belt succeed in reinforcing the idea of 5 to 9 yards of cloth being the most “Indian” thing a woman can pull off. The real problem arises when a woman feels that her body type is not suited for a piece of clothing. It can't be emphasised enough that fashion caters to humankind and not the other way around. Hence, it's only a matter of time until you find a perfect saree that suits your body type and makes you feel like a goddess.

Things to keep in mind while buying a saree

What is the occasion?

It's important to look for a saree design that perfectly suits a specific occasion. For instance, it's better to choose a 'dhoti saree' for your farewell because it would be easier to carry and would definitely give you a chic look.

Choosing the right fabric

Cotton sarees are best suited for hot summer days, but they form creases very fast. A silk saree can give off a formal yet classy look, while a georgette or chiffon saree would definitely look pretty, would be easy to carry and would require less maintenance as well.

Prints and colours

It's essential that a woman feels confident enough to choose any prints or colours that she likes without needing to follow a rule book. However, preferring big prints and a maximum of 3 colours can add more substance to your look.

Understand your body type

The solution to finding the right saree requires you to understand and accept your body shape first. For instance, cotton or silk are thick materials that can give you a heavy look, while Italian crepe, georgette or chiffon tend to stick to your body, giving off a slim look.

Cinderella spent more time making a perfect dress than finding a perfect date to the ball. This should be an inspiration to all of us. Fashion takes time, but finding a saree that complements your body type might be easier than you imagined.

How to choose a perfect saree according to your body type

Apple-shaped body

Women who have a heavier bust and waist with slender legs and arms are considered to have an apple-shaped body type. A silk saree with embroidery work is the perfect match for this shape. If you feel under-confident about your arms, then you can opt for a long-sleeve contrast-colour blouse. The best option is to wear a Banarsi silk saree with an 'ulta pallu', which would draw attention away from your heavy areas and would be successful in showing off your curves too.

Pear-shaped body

Women of this shape have a petite upper body and a heavy bottom. Chiffon or georgette sarees are the perfect match for this shape, as they stick to the body and enhance its natural curves. But this in no way should be a signal to drape a saree mermaid-style, because that might make you look heavier than you really are. Opting for sarees of bright colours with embroidery work and detailing on the blouse or pallu should be your go-to.

Skinny body type

Having a perfect mix of curves and skinniness is the most common yet most unrealistic thing to want. However, choosing fabrics like cotton, silk or khadi to add more curves to your body is a realistic solution. The usual saree-draping style, with drapes left a bit flared, would add the much-needed charm to your appearance. It's better to ditch the borders and go for beautiful prints paired with a high-necked blouse.

Short-height body type

It's time for short-height women to break the myth that they can't carry a saree well. Opting for lighter sarees and a heavier blouse with long sleeves can give the impression that you are tall. It's important to ditch wide borders and big patterns that can make you look smaller and wider. Accessorising your saree is a must; choose the right heel length, a statement necklace or clutches that can elevate your look.

Overweight / plus-size body type

It doesn't matter if you have excessive curves; you can still rock a saree as well as anybody else. Make sure that you pair a simple silk blouse with a plain saree, as nothing beats simplicity. You can try to make a few broad pleats in the front too. Wearing a light fabric can make a huge difference, and hence wearing a crepe or chiffon saree ought to make your body look slimmer.

A woman in all her Indian glory wearing a beautiful saree can personalise her look further by adding some kohl to her eyes, a bindi on the forehead, some dazzling jhumkas and a much-needed bold red lipstick. From ruffled sarees to sarees with a peplum blouse to fringed sarees to shirt blouses, the world of Indian fashion has definitely changed. Sarees are no longer considered outdated; rather, the saree is one of the greatest Indian inventions that are in vogue. So ladies, get your sarees on, because it's time to crash the Bollywood party.

– Posted by Anushka Batra