How to Wear a Kerala Saree — A Step-by-Step Style Guide
The Kerala saree — with its elegant cream fabric and golden kasavu border — is one of the most graceful traditional garments in South Indian culture. Whether you're wearing one for the first time or looking to perfect your drape, this step-by-step guide will help you look and feel your best.
What You'll Need
- Your Kerala saree (kasavu or handloom cotton)
- A matching blouse (usually white or cream with gold trim)
- A petticoat (underskirt) in a matching colour
- Safety pins (3–5)
- A mirror
Step-by-Step: How to Drape a Kerala Saree
Step 1: Wear Your Petticoat and Blouse
Start with a well-fitted petticoat tied firmly at the waist. Your blouse should fit snugly and match or complement your saree. For a traditional Kerala look, a white blouse with gold border detailing works beautifully.
Step 2: Tuck the Plain End
Hold the saree at the plain end (the end without the border) and tuck it into the petticoat at your right hip. Tuck it all the way around your waist, going from right to left, making one full circle.
Step 3: Make the Pleats
After completing the circle, gather the fabric into neat pleats — about 5 to 7 pleats, each roughly 5 cm wide. Make sure the pleats are even and face to the left. Tuck the pleats into the petticoat at the centre front, slightly to the left of your navel.
Step 4: Drape the Pallu
The remaining fabric (the pallu — the decorated end with the kasavu border) is draped over your left shoulder. You can let it fall freely at the back for a traditional look, or pin it at the shoulder for a more secure drape.
Step 5: Adjust and Pin
Adjust the length so the saree just touches the floor. Use safety pins to secure the pleats and the pallu at the shoulder. Make sure everything is even and the kasavu border is visible along the bottom hem.
Kerala Saree Styling Tips
- Jewellery: Pair with traditional Kerala gold jewellery — a Kasumala necklace, Jhumka earrings, and gold bangles complete the look
- Hair: A classic bun adorned with jasmine flowers (Mullappoo) is the traditional Kerala style
- Footwear: Gold sandals or traditional Kolhapuri chappals complement the saree beautifully
- Bindi: A small red or gold bindi adds the finishing touch
When to Wear a Kerala Saree
Kerala sarees are perfect for Onam and Vishu festivals, South Indian weddings, temple visits, cultural events, and multicultural celebrations. In Halifax, many Malayali families wear their Kerala sarees for community Onam celebrations and cultural programs.
Shop Kerala Sarees in Halifax
Ready to find your perfect Kerala saree? Visit Eljoys Fashion in Halifax or browse our Traditional Kerala Saree collection online. We carry authentic kasavu sarees and handloom cotton sarees, delivered across Canada.