Tips and tricks to drape a saree for your little angel

Ask any lady in India about that one attire that is sure to find its place in her wardrobe, and it's undeniably the eternal 6 yards beauty - the saree. This old garment's elegance, grace, and poise are still unmatched. The saree has evolved tremendously over the years when we talk of fabric, prints, draping styles, and the accompanying blouses that add the required "designer look" to the attire. The most impressive innovation in this field is the diversification of clientele who wear the saree, and yes, we are talking about the cute little munchkins who look endearing in this traditional attire. Fashion designers are making bespoke garments for this "niche" crowd offering many awe-inspiring elements like the dhoti style look, the bohemian wraps, and the waist belt pattern, to name a few.

 The primary challenge in this area is the adoption process to make them wear the outfit. We at Indya believe that even our little kiddywinks can cut a dash by wearing our signature products that are easy to drape. We have a variety of designer / pre-stitched sarees, along with matching blouses with some unconventional twists.

Generally, sarees for kids are pre-stitched sarees that are easy to wear. But you need all your help when putting your little one in this 6-yard wonder. Here are some simple steps to be followed to accomplish this: 

Step 1: First, ensure the child wears the matching blouse and the petticoat (underskirt). In a pre-stitched saree , no petticoat is required. 

Step 2:  Then start draping the saree by tucking the same (about ½ inch) in the petticoat and completing one round before making 6-7 neat pleats, the width being close to 2.5 to 3 inches. You must take special care to ensure that the height of the pleats is adjusted to prevent the child from toppling over. These pleats can be inserted just below the navel. In the case of a ready-made designer saree, hooks are provided on the waist belt with pre-stitched pleats, and these have to be hooked.    

Step 3: Now complete the draping by making pleats from the remaining fabric and pinning it neatly on the left shoulder. Alternatively, skip the pleats; if the child is old enough, she can carry the flowing pallu pattern. The pallu is also set in a pre-stitched saree, which has to be pinned to the shoulder. 

Step 4: The last step to complete the look is to accessorize. To complete the look, one could put a brooch on the blouse or a waistband with matching bangles, necklaces, and earrings.  

It makes sense to ensure that the child is comfortable while moving around; thus, some adjustments need to be made after draping to accommodate that. But first, avoid scratchy or irritable material, as that is the most common reason for discomfort after wearing a saree, especially in children.

FAQs 

Comfort should be our top priority when dealing with kids, lest you want someone squalling in the middle of your party. Also, easy maintenance attire plays an important role with our little consumers. That is why georgette, poly-crepe, and art silk Designer sarees are a few go-to options for choosing fabric. 

1. Which fabric can we opt for when choosing sarees for the young ones?

 2. Which colors are popular when selecting sarees for kids?

While bright and vibrant colors always enhance children's looks, making them stand- out, there is no second thought when it comes to playing with more subtle shades nowadays. Pastel hues like beige, peaches, pale yellow-green, wine, lavender, etc., make the little munchkins look adorable.

3. What are the different ways in which we could complement the desi look?

Color-coordinated hair bands or clips, along with delicate neckpieces, bangles, sandals/ballerinas, and maang tikaas, could spotlight the angel. We could go a step further by making a beautiful hairdo or experimenting with braids which could add to the glamour of the look. However, we need to be careful not to go overboard with the accessorizing else that would make the child uneasy at some point.