Absolutely. Sarees can be tailored to fit your draping style, personality, formalness casualness, etc. Artistic customizations are always a big yes towards individuals choosing traditional garments as a regular part of their lives. Much like how society adjusts itself to retain its relevance over centuries, the same can happen with sarees.
Sarees are the epitome of freedom. The wearer gets unlimited possibilities to mould her vision. Tailoring it gives the saree further scope to explore its beauty and fashion relevance. One might feel it’s too much work, but trust me, it’s not.
Things to Keep in Mind While Tailoring a Saree
Following are certain considerations that are hovered over to get started with the ultimate saree tailoring —
1. Length Adjustment
The saree’s length (ideally 9 yards) determines the volume of the pleats. Often, the wearer likes to vary the size as per convenience and comfort — especially if she is a first-time wearer. A saree’s ultimate tailor-adjusted length helps ease the wearer’s movement and gives enough room for the pallu to be showcased at its best.
2. Pallu and Border Customization
The wearers be like, my pallu – my rules! For sure, it is. When you tailor a saree, the tailor ensures every customization you require in your drape. Whether adding unique motif beads or stitching an exotic border — your tastes will always be well catered to. Make sure you have clarity regarding what you’re asking for.
3. Blouse Design and Fit
The fun does not end at the drape. While customizing the sarees, the designer often comes across several new ideas for making a blouse for the saree. It does not always have to be something very conventional; rather, one can drape up over a shirt as a blouse.
Talking about the conventional designs, the sleeves play a very important role — puffed, netted, frilled, slit or sleeveless. Colour and design are decided as per the saree’s statement and how to contrast with that subtly.
4. Draping Styles
Readymade sarees are a thing now — no draping, just wear them like a kurta. I know this might sound way too radical to a conventional saree wearer, but let’s see the bright side, shall we? Readymade sarees are available even for kids, so small girls who aspire to wear sarees but don’t wear them due to their complexity or lack of help can easily wear them.
Moreover, adults who don’t have time to consult a tailor or personal stylist/designer can wear them, too. These professionally tailored sarees come with coherent fashion statements that are aesthetically well-balanced. These attires undoubtedly have a modern twist to the traditional art of sarees.
Why is Professional Opinion Needed at Times in Fashion?
When fashion feels stringent to you, seek a professional. They will help you understand your sense of style and work with you to portray it as you want it — minimalist, statement, etc. Go ahead and wear your culture as you like it, whether in its original traditional form or a fusion manner.
In our ever-changing world and with the rise of individualized fashion, it becomes hard for manufacturers to keep up with everyone’s vision regarding a saree. Thus, altercations are now celebrated worldwide, not just for daily regular use but also for designer wear in fashion weeks.
Urbanization is ironic in this context. It has helped restore the skills of many saree tailors who were going out of business as the masses shifted towards readymade western wear. But, alas, they got the best of both worlds — adaptable sarees for everyone.