Why Sarees?

Sarees, the traditional and stunning six yards of elegance come from the land of diverse heritage and long-lived traditions – India. Sarees have been around for centuries now and symbolize grace and feminity when donned by a woman. Sarees are stylish and versatile breathable fabric. Great thing about sarees is that they can be worn irrespective of the size restrictions and can be flaunted in any occasion, or be worn for any body type.

Sarees are also known for their perfect ingredient of Glamour and elegance that marks the beauty of the Indian heritage. Available in different patterns, colors and designs, sarees are beyond just a piece of cloth. They carry the certain oomph factor and boast of cultural significance wrapped in durability and comfort.

The origin of the Saree: How it started?

Derived from Sanskrit word called ‘Sati’, that means a ‘strip of cloth’, it was also called ‘sattika’ in the Buddhist era (also stated in the Buddhist literatures that refer to the attire of women), and was called “sadi” first. The length of these sarees used to vary between 4 yards and 9 yards.

Sarees in history

History states that famous historical women like Draupadi, Belawadi Mallamma and Laxmibai wore sarees, preferably in dhoti style. Their sarees had more length than what women wear today.

Even though sarees have become strong and powerful vocals of fashion in the current world, there is no denying the fact that the history of these sarees is equally fascinating.

The saree like garment was first noticed during the Indus Valley civilization. Mostly found in the western India, it was found that the women from the Indus valley civilization used these lengthy garments to cover themselves.

Traditional meaning of sarees: How the draping styles came into picture?

In the ancient times, the stitched cloth was associated with a sense of impurity. Sarees were still the one-piece ‘auspicious’ garments that held its importance in Hindu occasions and festivities.

The draping styles started with the idea of keeping the navel and the midriff bare and open since they were believed to have been associated with the source of life. This is because these visible parts were connected with the woman’s umbilical cord. It originates from a text from the south India called the Natya Shastra (from 200 AD) that depicted most Indian women (found in sculptures) in sarees with the same draping styles.

Sarees: Why?

Sarees: The age-old representatives of heritage and tradition

Sarees are surely an integral part of the Indian tradition. They are a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe and are beautiful choices for different occasions, events, weddings, and even religious ceremonies.

Such beautiful moments can be relished with a saree that is an outfit deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of India. Interestingly, precious sarees can also be passed down with pride and promise from one generation to another.

Symbol of admiration

Sarees are also a symbol of respect, tradition and values in the Indian culture. More than just a fashion apparel choice, sarees also symbolize respect, family values, grace, dignity, modesty, empowerment and confidence.

The elegance that comes with saree draping also elevates the personality and grandeur of a woman. A woman seems to embrace feminity and modesty and reflects confidence and her traditional values with beautiful sarees that she chooses to wear.

Variety and diversity in material and design

India is a multicultural state, and so are the sarees from the Indian culture. Different types of sarees speak volumes about the unique culture and heritage of India that it reflects. For example, the Banarasi sarees are known for their stunning silver and gold zari work; their intricacy in designs makes it a garment that deserves to stand out from the rest.

Similarily, Kanjivaram sarees are the ones that can be subject of envy among women of any age. The beautiful fabric of silk stands the test of time, reflects the timeless elegance and age-old tradition of South India and Indian culture.

These sarees are not only great choices for garments worn at any occasion like wedding and festivals but can also be preferred for vital and memorable public appearances. Nothing beats the aura and presence of such sarees from the Indian culture.

Symbol of Fashion

Sarees have revolutionized itself as the fashion statement that is also here to stand the test of time with durable and comfortable fabrics. Designers, over the last few years, have been experimenting with the different kinds of designs, fabrics and drapes it can reflect.

For example, Coco Chanel Pre Fall 2012 Collection – “Paris Bombay” was seen as a beautiful fusion of European and Indian fashion world. Their draping styles were inspired from the Indian sarees.

Marchesca Spring 2013 Collection was inspired from Indian fashion depicting the saree draping styles from the Manipur and Maharashtra region of India. Sarees and their draping styles have been constantly making headlines - one of the reasons, why sarees and their draping styles are increasingly becoming popular among the newer generation.

Amalgamation of art and culture

Sarees have been the remarkable fashion choices that also reflect family values, traditions and culture. Whether it is about wrapping up in modernity or representing the timeless essence of the age-old art and tradition for a festivity, sarees have the power of expressing an identity or unique personality of a woman.

The depiction of art in sarees and their draping styles is also a celebration of a woman’s freedom of expression and essence. For example, Madhubani paintings in sarees, fine art silk sarees, handmade sarees, linen kalamkari, ikat border, handloom cotton pleats, and so on.

Types of sarees to try!

Indian culture is multi-faceted and spread into various regions across the country. Each region has its own art form, saree type and its draping style. 

The major types of sarees that are popular and can be purchased without a doubt include:

·         Ikat sarees

·         Garhwal

·         Chikan

·         Kota

·         Pochampally

·         Bandhni

·         Kanchipuram

·         Tanchoi

·          Baluchari

·          Chanderi

·         Maheshwari

·         Jamdaani

·          Mysore

·          Mangalgiri

·          Cotton

·          Banarasi

·          Georgette

Sarees in the Global World – Famous women spotted in sarees!

Sarees have also become an international fashion statement. The South Asian culture seems to reflect its pride all across the world with many celebrities and fashion icons flaunting it with beauty and grace.

International celebrities and personalities like Naomi Campbell, Victoria Beckham, Ashley Judd, Elizabeth Hurley and Gigi Hadid have worn sarees and flaunted their draping styles on different occasions.

Pamela Anderson (donned in white saree), Julia Roberts (in Gujarati and Banarasi saree), Oprah Winfrey (in Kanjeevaram), Eva Mendes (in pink designer saree) and others have hit the headlines with their draping styles.

Elizabeth Hurley, Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga, Scarlett Johannson, Samantha Cameron, Gisele Bundchen, Angelina Jolie, Nicole Scherzinger, Chrissy Teigen, Madonna, Anna Kournikova, Alyssa Milano, Jessica Alba, Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton, Kendra Spears, Selena Gomez and Katherine Heigl have also joined the race earlier.

Final takeaway!

Indian culture is popular for its unmatched art form, diversity, tradition and heritage. Sarees have also been extensively recognized as corporate wear across the world. Even though the draping styles have been immensely popular and garnered curiosity in fashionistas, this traditional Indian culture wear is a smart and powerful extension of a woman’s personality and attire in any shape or form. It is deep-rooted in Indian history and culture and survived with pride and steady growth through centuries.