How To Wear Lehenga Saree With Hooks
The lehenga saree, a fusion of traditional Indian attire, offers a blend of the lehenga's voluminous skirt and the saree's elegant drape. Achieving the perfect drape can be simplified with the use of hooks, allowing for a secure and aesthetically pleasing finish. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to wearing a lehenga saree with hooks, ensuring comfort and confidence.
The lehenga saree is a popular choice for weddings, festivals, and other special occasions due to its ease of wear compared to a traditional saree. Mastering the art of draping one correctly, especially with the assistance of hooks, can save time and ensure a flawless look. This method is particularly useful for those new to wearing sarees or for those seeking a more secure and structured drape.
Understanding the Components
Before beginning, familiarize yourself with the essential components of a lehenga saree. These include the lehenga skirt, the pre-stitched or unstitched pallu (the draped portion of the saree), the blouse, and the hooks.
The skirt should fit comfortably at your waist, while the blouse should be well-fitted to avoid any bunching or discomfort under the pallu.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draping with Hooks
Step 1: Wearing the Lehenga Skirt
Begin by wearing the lehenga skirt securely at your waist, ensuring it sits comfortably and evenly.
The skirt's waistband should be positioned at your natural waistline. Fasten the drawstring or clasp tightly to prevent it from slipping during movement.
Step 2: Attaching the First Hook (Waist)
Locate the pre-attached hook or the designated area for attaching a hook on the saree's pallu. Position the pallu's starting point at the side of your lehenga skirt, slightly towards the back.
Secure the hook to the inner waistband of the lehenga skirt, ensuring it's taut but not overly tight. This will form the initial anchor for the drape.
Step 3: Pleating and Draping the Pallu
Create pleats in the pallu, typically five to seven pleats, depending on the desired look. The pleats should be neatly folded and pinned together temporarily for ease of handling.
Drape the pleated pallu over your left shoulder, adjusting the length to your preference. The length should fall gracefully to your waist or slightly lower.
Step 4: Securing the Shoulder Pleats with a Hook
Many pre-stitched lehenga sarees have a hook provided to secure the pallu pleats at the shoulder. Locate the loop on your blouse's shoulder and attach the hook from the pallu.
If no loop is available, you may need to stitch a small, discreet loop onto your blouse shoulder. This step ensures the pallu stays in place and maintains its pleated form throughout the day.
Step 5: Draping the Remaining Fabric
Take the remaining fabric of the saree from under the draped pallu and bring it around your waist to the front. Adjust the fabric to create a smooth and flattering silhouette.
Secure the fabric to the lehenga skirt's waistband with another hook, usually around the mid-waist area. This creates the final drape and completes the lehenga saree look.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Make any necessary adjustments to the pleats, drape, and overall look. Ensure the pallu sits comfortably on your shoulder and the fabric flows gracefully around your body.
Check for any loose threads or uneven areas and adjust accordingly. Consider adding safety pins for extra security, especially if you plan on dancing or being active.
Tips for Success
Practice draping the lehenga saree with hooks a few times before wearing it for a special occasion. This will help you become more comfortable with the process and identify any potential issues.
Choose hooks that are strong and durable to prevent them from breaking or coming undone during wear. Use hooks that are the same color as your blouse/skirt.
Consider using a saree shapewear or petticoat under the lehenga skirt for a smoother and more defined silhouette. This can enhance the overall look of the lehenga saree.
Potential Impact
Mastering the art of wearing a lehenga saree with hooks empowers individuals to embrace traditional attire with greater ease and confidence. This method simplifies the draping process, making it accessible to a wider audience.
By offering a secure and structured drape, the use of hooks can enhance the overall comfort and wearability of the lehenga saree. This contributes to a more enjoyable experience for the wearer, particularly during long events.
Ultimately, understanding how to wear a lehenga saree with hooks can promote a greater appreciation for Indian fashion and cultural traditions. It encourages individuals to experiment with different styles and embrace their heritage with pride.
