Unable to tie a sari

Chandramukhi

Hi All,

For a special occasion in Delhi I would like to wear a sari.
I myself cannot tie a sari. How can I solve this problem. I was thinking to ask the front desk lady to tie it for me or is that just crazy.

camelgirl

I think the front desk lady would be happy to help. But I personally think Western women look ridiculous in a sari. It's quite complicated to organize and also to wear and not look self-conscious or tripping over it. Not that my opinion stops western women from wearing them!! I think we look much better in a salwar kameez and you can find them from plain to fancy.

Nick-H

And you want to try it first time for the function?

I'm sure many Indian women would be only too glad to help you, but I strongly advise that you try it here (workmate? neighbour? you must be able to find someone), check yourself out in the mirror, see how it looks when you walk around and practice at least the basics by yourself. Wear it at home for several hours ans see if you can do everything without feeling restricted, and if it still looks good at the end of an evening.

Then, if you are convinced that you look great, and not ridiculous (nothin personal --- as Camelgirl says, many Western women look silly. It is because of the posture not being right.) then go for it on the night and ask one of the women at the hotel to help get the pleats right and put the pins in the right places.

Plan B: get yourself a superb salwar kameez and look stunning in that!

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crvlvr

Here is a link with some different styles, and instructions with photos. http://www.sarisafari.com/howtowear.html

nevad

Hi Chandramukhi,

I am sure the front desk lady would be happy to help you tie your saree. I agree with Nick-H though, it would be nice if you could try to wear it a day first. Then you will know if you will be comfortable with it.

I remember the first day I wore a saree, I had Indian girls coming to "correct" my saree all the time. Now I have learned to wear it, and don't understand any longer what made it so difficult. One thing that is diffiecult to remember the first time you wear it, is that the saree should cover the breasts at all times (that is, if you wear it properly).

Saree is a wounderfule dress, so you should try to wear it. And it can look good on Western women too, at least with some practise.

travelindia2006

well the saree is a stunning dress. you get a complete makeover when you wear one. but you do need a lil bit of practice with that in your case a couple of hours would do. when you wear a saree for the first time seethat you choose it in a little stiffer material meaning chiffons and crepes are out because it will keep on slipping even if you pin it up. wear something in cottan, raw silk ,stiffer silks, or even lace. all the best and look stunning . do not forget to accessorise well.

Chandramukhi

Thx for the tips ans tricks.

I already wear saris to function so I know how to move in a sari.
But I have to say my saris are ready made. So I just slip it on.
Now when I buy a sari in India I have to tie it myself since I cant take my tailor with me.


P.S. I am 100% Indian lookingl

docgirl2005

Hi Chandramukhi

I think that its wonderful that you would like to tie a sari. Even as a woman of Indian origin it took sometime for me to learn to tie a sari. I dont think it looks ridiculous when a Western woman ties a sari I personally think its very endearing that other nationalities love our sari that much they are willing to wear it.

I have heard of women asking help from the front desk(women) of their hotel to tie the sari. Its not crazy..go for it girl!

All the best

Chandramukhi

I made up my mind. I will ask the front desk lady to it for me. Will take my pins with me. Maybe i could get a class: how to tie a sari.

Where can i buy a fancy sari @ Fabindia? Any delhi walli/ walla?

haritha

http://www.shijucreation.com/wearingasari.htm

This site seems to be little more dedcriptive.

Sari any textile shop in India

docgirl2005

Ha-ha I know plenty of Indian girls who should definetly take that class!

LuAnnandJawahar

Have a sari made and then go back and have them put in on you--just another option. Unless you are staying at an upscale place you don't frequently see female desk clerks.

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Eve68

I totally agree w/ you camelgirl. I don't know what it is about a sari, being an Indiaphile, it's the only thing I would just not be into wearing. Well, that and a bindi. I have olive skin and I look sort of Indian but still. I think like somebody said it's our posture or something that looks off base w/ it. I personally would go for a salwar kameez. Just practice wearing it now and don't wait for a special occassion being the first time.

Nick-H

One can be fairly sure that the looking-good, non-Indian sari wearers here are dance students...

Or women that have spent many years here

Chandramukhi

Hi,

I had made up my mind to ask the front desk lady. I am a bit worried now since I will be staying @ an upscale place. Hope that @ my sari wearing day there will be female clerks who can tie a sari.

Can i go to a tailor and ask them to make the sari? How long will it take?
Or do you advise anyone special where I can go to have the sari
made.