How to Choose Saree According to Your Body Type

Introduction

The saree, a garment steeped in tradition and elegance, flatters every woman. But with a vast selection of fabrics, prints, and styles, navigating the world of sarees can be overwhelming. This guide delves deeper into choosing the perfect saree for your body type, ensuring you look and feel stunning.

Understanding Body Shapes

Before diving into specific saree recommendations, let's revisit the common body types:

• Hourglass: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist, creating a curvy silhouette.
• Pear-shaped: Wider hips and thighs compared to the upper body, forming a pear-like shape.
• Apple-shaped: Fuller bust and midsection with narrower hips, resembling an apple's profile.
• Rectangle: Straight figure with minimal difference between bust, waist, and hips.
• Inverted triangle: Broad shoulders and bust with narrower hips, forming an inverted triangle shape.
• Skinny: Lean frame with minimal curves.

Tailoring the Saree to Your Shape

Now, let's explore how to pick sarees that flatter each body type:

Hourglass

You're lucky! Most styles work for you.

Fabric is key: Opt for lightweight, flowing fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or crepe that drape beautifully around your curves.

Embrace prints and colours: Don't shy away from bold or printed sarees.

Highlight your waist: Consider mermaid drapes that cinch your waist and accentuate your hourglass figure.

Pear-shaped: Balance Is Your Mantra

Choose sarees with lighter fabrics on the lower half to downplay your hips. Opt for heavier borders or embellished pallus (end piece) to draw the eye upwards.

Vertical magic: Vertical prints or stripes can elongate your silhouette, creating a slimming effect.

Draping styles: Explore the Gujarati drape, which tucks the saree in at the waist, or the Nivi drape, with pleats at the front, to create a more balanced look.

Apple-shaped: Flow is your Friend

Embrace flowy fabrics like silk or printed cotton that skim your curves without clinging.

Minimalism is key: Opt for sarees with minimal embroidery or prints, as busy patterns can add bulk.

Embrace dark colours: Darker colours and slim borders create a slimming effect.

Pallu play: Consider a pallu drape that cinches your waist, like the Bengali drape, to define your figure.

Rectangle: Create Curves

Fabrics like cotton, linen, or organza with well-defined borders or zari work (intricate gold embroidery) can add structure and definition to your figure. Kanjivaram sarees with broad borders or Tussar georgettes with rich textures are also flattering choices.

Ditch the cling: Avoid fabrics like chiffon that can emphasise your straight lines.

Inverted triangle: Shift the Focus

Opt for sarees with heavier drapes on the lower half, like brocade or Banarasi silk, to balance your broad shoulders.

Lighter blouses: Choose blouses with simple cuts and delicate embellishments.

Motif Magic: Opt for smaller prints or floral motifs on the saree.

Colour contrast: Play with contrasting blouse colours to draw attention away from your shoulders.

Skinny: Add Volume! 

Choose sarees in heavier fabrics like Banarasi silk or brocade that add structure and fullness.

Embrace bold: Experiment with bold colors, scattered motifs, and patli pallu drapes, where the pleats are concentrated at the front, to create a curvier silhouette.

Blouse magic: Sleeveless, backless, or halter neck blouses can add volume to your upper body.

Beyond the Basics

These are just starting points! Here's how to truly personalise your saree experience:

The Power of the Blouse

The right blouse can elevate your entire look. Consider both comfort and occasion. Experiment with necklines (boat neck for broader shoulders, sweetheart for narrow ones), sleeves (long for a more formal look, short for a contemporary vibe), and embellishments (keep it simple for busy sarees, add a statement piece for plain sarees).

The Perfect Base

A well-fitted petticoat is essential. It provides a smooth foundation for the saree to drape flawlessly and creates a flattering silhouette. Choose a fabric that complements the saree's weight and weather conditions.

Draping Delights

Different draping styles can create dramatic effects. Explore options like the classic Nivi drape, the elegant Gujarati drape that tucks in at the waist, or the modern pallu drape with the pallu worn on the shoulder, to find your signature style. There are numerous online tutorials and resources to help you master different draping techniques.

Confidence is the Ultimate Accessory

Ultimately, the most important factor is how you feel in your saree! This isn't about strict rules but about embracing your unique beauty and owning your style. With a little knowledge and a touch of experimentation, you'll be sure to find the perfect saree that makes you radiate confidence.

Here are some additional tips to unleash your inner saree goddess:

Accessorize Wisely

Jewelry can elevate your saree look. Opt for statement earrings or a choker necklace for a grand occasion or delicate pieces for a more understated look. Keep the scale of your jewellery in proportion to your body type and the saree's embellishments.

Embrace Comfort

Sarees can be incredibly comfortable, but ensure you choose a fabric that suits the climate and a drape style that allows for ease of movement. Confidence comes from feeling good about what you wear.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

The beauty of the saree lies in its versatility. Once you understand the basics, have fun trying different styles, colours, and prints. You might discover a hidden gem that becomes your new favourite.

Seek Inspiration

Look at pictures of celebrities or fashion icons who drape sarees beautifully. Pay attention to how they use colour, fabric, and drapes to create stunning looks. There are also countless saree blogs and social media accounts showcasing the latest trends and inspirational styles.

Make it Your Own

The saree is a canvas for your personal style. Don't be afraid to break away from tradition and personalise your drape. There's no single "right" way to wear a saree as long as you feel confident and beautiful.

Studio Virupa: Crafting sarees that tell a story of elegance and tradition

Studio Virupa, a boutique specialising in South Indian sarees, celebrates the timeless beauty of the saree. Our curated collection features exquisite fabrics and traditional craftsmanship, from lightweight silks and printed cotton to rich brocades and embellished Banarasi weaves. Whether you seek a statement saree for a special occasion or a comfortable drape for everyday wear, Studio Virupa promises a saree shopping experience that honours heritage and empowers you to find the perfect piece to tell your story. 

Takeaway

By understanding your body type and the recommendations explored here, you'll be well-equipped to choose sarees that celebrate your unique beauty. Remember, there's no single "perfect" saree shape – it's all about finding what flatters you and makes you feel confident. So, embrace your curves, experiment with different styles, and discover the joy of draping yourself in sarees that perfectly complement your figure!

FAQs

What type of saree is best for a pear-shaped body?

For a pear-shaped body, opt for sarees with light fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or crepe that drape well. Choose sarees with darker colours and minimalistic borders or prints on the lower part to balance the proportions. A well-fitted blouse with embellishments can draw attention to the upper body.

How can I select a saree that flatters an apple-shaped body?

For an apple-shaped body, select sarees with lighter fabrics that aren't too clingy, such as silk blends or cotton. Look for sarees with bold borders and vertical prints to create a slimming effect. A longer pallu draped over the shoulder can help elongate the torso.

What saree styles suit a rectangular or athletic body type?

Rectangular or athletic body types look great in sarees that add curves. Choose sarees with heavy embroidery, bold prints, or pleats to create volume. Fabrics like silk, brocade, or tussar can add structure. A blouse with ruffles or embellishments can enhance the look.

What kind of saree should someone with an hourglass figure wear?

An hourglass figure can carry off most saree styles, but to enhance the natural curves, choose sarees that accentuate the waist. Fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or silk with a well-defined border can highlight your shape. A fitted blouse and neatly draped pallu can further enhance your curves.

How do I choose a saree if I am petite?

Petite individuals should opt for sarees with lightweight fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or crepe to avoid overwhelming their frame. Small prints, narrow borders, and vertical patterns can create an illusion of height. Avoid heavy embellishments and large motifs that can make you look shorter.