Fashion

7 Ways In Which Your Petticoat Can Make Or Break Your Sari

POPxo Team | May 6, 2016

Gone are the days when the petticoat was neglected and overlooked. There’s no denying that the it is the very foundation that dictates the fall of your sari and how comfortably you carry yourself in it. The petticoat can make or break your sari – so the next time you’re getting your petticoat stitched, make sure you go by the extremely handy checklist about different types of petticoats and tips to slay the saree look.

Types Of Saree Petticoat
Petticoat For Saree
Tips To Slay The Saree Look

Different Types Of Saree Petticoat

Want to know the different saree petticoat types to wear the saree in style? Here we have got it all for you.

A line: A normal A-line petticoat is used for most of the sarees. This style is comfy to adorn as it allows sufficient area for leg movement. It has four / six / eight segments stitched together and has one straight side stitched diagonally. This style gives a conical structure with narrow side attached to a belt on the waist.
Mermaid: The mermaid or fish cut petticoat are often worn with thin fabric sarees that are draped tightly. These petticoats fit like a glove giving an amazing shape and structure to the saree. The upper part of this type of petticoat is tightly fitted and a little loose on the lower part for leg movement. These petticoats have zip on the waist to keep it tight.
Layered: A layered petticoat have can-can inside and gives an amazing flare at the bottom side. This makes the portion near the waist tight and loosen at the bottom. A layered petticoat have strap or zip or a hook as you put in a skirt to hold it.

Which Petticoat To Choose For Saree

Here is a list of fabrics that you can choose for your saree petticoat. Here have a look to know the details!

Cotton: Cotton is one of the most comfortable fabrics for petticoats. You can easily wear it in summers to stay cool as it absorbs sweat and is highly suitable for silk sarees and banarasi sarees.
Satin: Petticoats made with satin fabric are perfect for designer net sarees that are sheer.
Crepe: Crepe petticoats are used for chiffon, pure satin, georgette and pure crepe sarees as this fabric does not change the shape and flow of the outfit.

Tips To Slay The Saree Look

Now that you know different types of saree petticoats, let’s help you know some tips to slay the saree look.

1. Comfort Is Important

First and foremost, it’s imperative to ensure that you are comfortable in your chosen petticoat – not too tight but not too loose either. If the stifling, claustrophobic fit of the petticoat makes you waddle like an awkward duck, we’ve got a big problem. Ensure that you can move around comfortably even if you’re in a fish-cut petticoat.

2. Fit and Length

The typical straight-cut petticoat is made of 6 kalis. A slim petticoat is always preferable over a wider one (particularly when the petticoat will show) for a slender look. Though drawstrings were the fastening measure of choice back in the day (your grandmom may still vouch for it!), a hook and invisible zip is a more fuss-free option. It also does away with bunching up at the waist, which is a cause of concern with the drawstring. But if you still wish to opt for the former, make sure the string is cotton and not satin for the sake of convenience. As far as length goes, think ankle-length – perhaps half an inch shorter than your sari so that it doesn’t peek from underneath (unless it’s designed to!).

3. Choose The Right Fabric

Cotton and poplin are the most comfortable fabrics for petticoats, but they are best restricted to daily wear. Formal and semi-formal saris demand a satin or silk petticoat, especially if your sari is sheer. For slim fit petticoats, satin or bizzy lizzy should be your fabric of choice. There are two types of fabrics available in the market – pure and semi. Pure fabrics, though more expensive than semi, are more breathable. Semi fabrics will stick to your body, especially in humid settings. So avoid cutting cost in this department. If you’re looking for a fancy petticoat that will show from underneath your sari then there are several fabric options; be it jamawar, brocade or raw silk.

4. Pick The Right Style

A-line petticoats are by far the most comfortable and its wider silhouette makes it a hit with aged ladies or those who wear saris on a regular basis. Fish-cut petticoats (snug at hips and flared towards the bottom) guarantees a more slimming look and can be worn under both regular and lehenga saris. Ruffles can be added to the hemline of your petticoat to give your sari some drama and flair.

5. Coordinate Colours

When wearing a sari in the old-school fashion, your petticoat needs to match the shade of your sari exactly, no exceptions. It’s best to bring along the sari when hitting cloth stores to pick up the petticoat fabric, to ensure the right colour. Be doubly sure of the outcome if you’re getting the fabric dyed. An au courant pairing is to pick a petticoat in a contrasting shade from the sari for some colour blocked drama.

6. Make It Stand Out

Don’t reduce your petticoat to a mere underskirt. It can just as easily be catapulted into the highlight of your look to give an old sheer sari a playful update. Add sequins or embroidery to your petticoat and wear it with a plain net sari for some peek-a-boo drama. Prints are not off limits either – dainty florals, feisty animal prints or just shimmering metallic petticoats are a great way to give a sheer sari a look-at-me twist. Keep the blouse simple if you wish to highlight the petticoat.

7. Don’t Go Overboard

Too many elements thrown into the mix are nothing but a recipe for disaster. If you’re unsure of how an experimental petticoat will look, just go simple, but ensure the right fit, size and silhouette. When opting for an offbeat petticoat, ensure a balance between experimentation and elegance. Team a new-age petticoat with a contemporary and not traditional sari. And remember that there is a vast difference between being fashion-forward and outlandish.

Images: Viral Bhayani

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