How to Choose the Perfect Saree for Your Body Type

Introduction

Have you ever been impressed with a saree while shopping only to be disappointed (or not even be able to find it once you tried it on)? You're not alone. Sarees remain one of the world's most adaptable pieces of clothing, but whether or not your saree works for you is relative to the saree's fabric, your body type, and how it is draped and styled.

Thesis Statement: Finding the right saree for your body type isn't about rigid fashion rules, it's about honouring your proportions, giving the best opportunities to your best features and comfort-level, and obtaining a balance and harmony between what you are wearing and your personality.

In this blog we speak to how certain sareeing styles, fabrics, and draping are flattering of individual body types, as well as how to work towards finding a saree that flatters your body shape; along with illustrations/examples, sometimes insider tips, and styling suggestions.

Why Body Type Matters in Saree Selection

Fact

All body types, regardless of being petite, curvy, tall, or athletic, respond differently to various fabrics and shapes. The same saree that elongates one body may not suit another body, and may even drown it.

Opinion

Body type is not about fitting into a limited set of boxes. It is about making conscious choices in styles. Sarees become much showier when they are comfortable and showing off the natural shape.

Speculation

With the rise of new innovations like ready-to-wear and pocket sarees (like KozyLook) based on body type may be flexible and adjusting very soon.

Step One: Identify Your Body Type

Fashion consultants normally classify body shapes into categories:

• Hourglass (shader - equal bust and hip measurements and a defined waist)

   

• Pear-shaped (wider hips than shoulders)

   

• Apple-shaped (wider along torso and full-zip suits)

   

• Rectangle/Athletic (no shape - straight line, no waist)

   

• Petite (short stature, small frame)

   

• Tall/Slender (thin, long frame)
  

   

Knowing which shape you are can help you select a saree that helps you appear balanced and graceful.

Best Sarees for Different Body Types

1. Sarees for Hourglass body shape  

Fact: As hourglass body shapes are evidently proportionate with balance of curves, it is often deemed as a "go-to" body shape for draping sarees.  

• Fabric types: Light to medium-weight fabric such as chiffon, georgette and silk blends.  

   

• Drapes: Nivi drapes and lehenga style drapes will accentuate the curves of the figure, as they furnish the curves but not bulk to the hourglass shape.  

   

• Pattern: Small motifs and embroidery encircling the saree work with an hourglass shape.  

   

Example: A plain chiffon saree with a heavily embroidered blouse will be advantageous to the waistline.  

Opinion: An hourglass shape, presents soft elegance due to its proportions than being overwhelmed by the embellishment of ornamentation.

2. Sarees for Pear Shapes

Fact: Pear shapes have hips that are wider than shoulders - trying to create balance.

• Fabrics: Softer, flowing fabrics like chiffon or crepe which drape closer.

   

• Colors: Lighter colors go on the lower half; and darker or more embellished blouses.

   

• Borders: Avoid heavier borders at the hem; use delicate or thin edges instead.

   

Example: A saree with heavy embroidery works on the pallu and blouse also gives some emphasis to the upper body.

Opinion: Structured shoulders on high-neck or boat-neck blouses will help create symmetry.

3. The Best sarees with Apple shaped Body Type

Fact: "Apple" shaped persons carry more weight on the midsection, so the goal is to elongate, and take the focus upwards.

• Fabrics: Organza, silk, or cotton that provide structure, but not cling, for the drape.

   

• Drapes: Seedha pallu (straight drape) will elongate the torso.

   

• Patterns: vertical stripes or light embroidery.

   

Example: saree with a very long pallu draped across the shoulder will slim the midsection.

Opinion: Empire-line blouses, or longer blouse lengths will elevate the overall look and reduce focus on the waist and midsection.

4. Sarees for Rectangle/Athletic Figure

Fact: This figure type does not have a sharp waist definition. We want to create curves.

• Fabrics: The following fabrics rather than lighter ones like chiffon, georgette, or soft net. Some heavy weight fabrics are silk, brocade, tussar.
  

   

• Drapes: For example, used stitched as a pleated pallu or Gujarati style drape will all create volume.

   

• Design: Large prints will emphasize curvy figures. Heavy embroidery designs will also emphasize curves.
  

   

Example: Banarasi silk sarees add structure to create the illusion of curves and a defined waist. 

Opinion: I think ruffled sarees, or sarees you can "pre-stitch" drape and shape on your body really adds femininity.

5. Sarees for Short Women

Fact: Short women can wear sarees to elongate their silhouettes instead of drown their silhouettes.

• Fabrics: lightweight fabrics such as georgette, chiffon and organza.

   

• Borders: narrow borders to allow the border to not shorten the silhouette.

   

• Patterns: Small prints and colors with little or no embroidery.
  

   

Example: A light pastel chiffon saree with a nice, delicate border will maximize the elongation of a petite silhouette.

Opinion: I think monochrome sarees with long vertical drapes look fantastic on short women.

6. Sarees for Slim Waist / Tall Body Shape

Did You Know: Tall body shapes can wear large, bold prints and heavy work beautifully.

• Fabrics: Heavier fabrics: Kanjivaram silk, banarasi silk, velvet blends

   

• Colors: Dark contrasting colors - wide borders

   

• Designs: Large motifs, large print or wide embroidery on the blouse

   

Example: Tall women with a Kanjivaram saree that has temple motifs will look regal and well-proportioned.

Opinion: Layered drapes or double pallus, are a unique way for tall women to add drama.

Saree Draping Styles to Suit Body Types 

Fact: The way you drape a saree changes its appearance, and ultimately, the visual impact of the garment will relate to your body type. 

• Nivi Style: This classic and common style works well on most body shapes.  

   

• Gujarati Style: This style works best for apple or rectangular shapes, as it helps to build bulk and structure. 

   

• Lehenga Style: This drape looks especially good on hourglass and triangle/pear shapes.  

   

• Pant Style (very modern): This suit works really well on small, petite frames and is reserved for those wearing sarees designed for modern styles.

   

Opinion: Trying different ways to drape your saree is a fabulous and creative way to make the styling of your saree be most personal to you.

Blouse Designs That Make a Difference

Fact

The overall look of a saree is strongly influenced by blouses. Necklines, the length of the sleeves, and fit all change how proportions look.

• High-neck blouses: look great on pear and apple body shapes.

   

• Boat-necks and cold-shoulder styles: really add drama for body types that are athletic or rectangle shapes.

   

• Deep backs and halter-neck: enhance hourglass and slender body shapes.

   

Opinion 

Purchasing a few versatile fabric blouse designs allows for more freedom of styling across varying sarees.

Saree Fabrics: Choose Carefully 

Fact

The fabric's texture and fall determines how the saree will sit on your body shape.

• Chiffon/Georgette: Soft drape, easy elegance (best for petite and pear shapes).

   

• Cotton/Tussar: Structured drape, you're better off with this if you are apple or rectangle. 

   

• Silk/Kanjivaram: Hefty, expensive and heavy - works well for taller women. 

   

Opinion

For you to know, the fabric is just as important as getting the color or designs right.

Common Blunders To Avoid

• Opting for sarees with big borders especially if petite.

   

• Selecting clingy fabrics especially if apple shaped.

   

• Using oversized prints especially if short.

   

• Disregarding the fit of the blouse causing dissonance with total balance.

   

Conclusion

Recap of Key Points

• The process of selecting a saree is determined by being mindful of body shape, types of fabric, draping, and the type of blouse.

   

• Women with hourglass shapes will excel in fabrics that are flowy and light; women with a pear shape can balance proportions with the upper look to be equally paired with the saree; apple shapes can make use of drapes that run vertical on the body; athletic shapes can play with volume; if you are petite, you should be in minimal designs; if you're tall this is your time to explore the bold.

   

• The types of fabrics, draping, and blouses combined will contribute to the ultimate look and feel.
  

   

At KozyLook, we are passionate about easy-going sarees that respect tradition (whether it's pocket sarees that combine style with request of pocket sarees that combine practicality and style or ready-to-wear drapes designed with comfort in mind). Explore our collection of sarees designed specifically to flatter each body type.

Reminder: the "perfect saree" is not determined by what is trending in the moment, but rather how good the wearer feels when wearing it - because the best saree is the one that makes you feel like yourself, only glows.