Everything you need to know — saree lengths, draping styles, blouse sizes, and care tips for your handwoven treasures.
Sarees are measured in metres (length × width). Most sarees come with a separately attached blouse piece of 0.8m – 1m. Below are the standard Indian saree sizes:
| Size Name | Length | Width | Best For | Tag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petite / Short | 5.0 m | 44 – 46" | Height below 155 cm | Petite |
| Regular / Standard | 5.5 m | 44 – 46" | Height 155 – 165 cm | Standard |
| Standard Plus | 6.0 m | 44 – 48" | Height 165 – 172 cm | Standard |
| Tall / Long | 6.3 m | 46 – 48" | Height above 172 cm | Tall |
| Plus Size | 6.5 m | 48 – 50" | Plus size with fuller pleats | Plus |
| Bridal / Grand | 7.5 – 9 m | 48 – 52" | Heavy draping / bridal use | Bridal |
💡 Tip: Most of our sarees come in 5.5m (standard) unless otherwise mentioned. If you need a different length, note it in your order comments and we'll accommodate where possible.
Use a soft measuring tape. Stand straight, breathe normally. Measure over your inner wear (not outer clothes). All measurements in inches unless noted.
🪡 Petticoat Tip: Always wear the petticoat you'll use before measuring your waist. The petticoat's fit directly determines how your saree falls. A petticoat 1–2" smaller than your waist holds the saree firmly.
Saree length affects how many pleats you can create and how long your pallu falls. Use this guide to pick your ideal saree length:
| Your Height | Recommended Length | Pallu Length | Pleats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5'0" (152 cm) | 5.0 – 5.2 m | 2.0 – 2.2 m | 5–6 medium pleats |
| 5'0" – 5'2" (152–158 cm) | 5.2 – 5.5 m | 2.2 – 2.4 m | 6–7 pleats |
| 5'2" – 5'5" (158–165 cm) | 5.5 m (standard) | 2.4 m | 7–8 full pleats |
| 5'5" – 5'8" (165–172 cm) | 6.0 m | 2.5 – 2.6 m | 8–9 pleats |
| Above 5'8" (172 cm+) | 6.3 – 6.5 m | 2.6 – 2.8 m | 9–10 full pleats |
| Bridal / Grand draping | 7.5 – 9.0 m | 3.0 m+ | Double layered pleats |
💡 Rule of Thumb: The standard 5.5m saree suits most Indian women of average height (5'2"–5'5"). If you're shorter, opt for 5m; if taller, go for 6m+.
India has over 80 documented ways to drape a saree. Here are the most popular styles — each with different length requirements:
The most widely worn draping style in India. Pleats tucked in front, pallu draped over left shoulder. Elegant and versatile.
5.5 – 6.0 mNo pleats at the front. Saree wrapped around twice with the pallu draped in an elaborate fan over the front. Graceful and traditional.
6.0 – 6.5 mPallu draped over the right shoulder and brought to the front. Festive and colourful — popular for dandiya and celebrations.
5.5 – 6.0 mPleats at the back, pallu pinned to the back — creates a unique jacket-like silhouette. Traditional for Kodava weddings.
6.0 – 6.5 mA nine-yard saree style worn by Brahmin women. Draped between legs like a dhoti at the bottom — traditional and ceremonial.
9 m (9-yard)A nine-yard saree draped in trouser style. Traditional for Lavani dancers and Maharashtrian brides. Requires a long saree.
8 – 9 m (9-yard)Most of our sarees come with an attached unstitched blouse piece of 0.8m – 1m, which typically yields one blouse. Use this chart to determine your blouse size and find the right fit.
Handwoven sarees are delicate heirlooms. Follow these care instructions to preserve their colour, texture, and weave for generations.
| Fabric | Washing | Drying | Ironing | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanjivaram Silk | Dry clean only | Shade dry, flat | Low heat, reverse | Muslin cloth wrap |
| Banarasi Silk | Dry clean only | No direct sun | Steam iron, reverse | Acid-free tissue |
| Chanderi Silk | Gentle hand wash | Shade dry | Low heat | Cotton wrap |
| Cotton Handloom | Hand wash cold | Shade dry | Medium heat, damp | Folded in cotton |
| Tussar Silk | Dry clean preferred | Flat, shade | Low heat | Muslin wrap |
| Chanderi Cotton | Gentle hand wash | Shade dry | Low–medium heat | Cotton fold |
| Patola / Ikat | Hand wash cold | Shade, flat | Low heat, reverse | Away from light |
Air after every wear. Store with neem leaves to prevent insects. Refold along different lines to avoid crease marks.
Store silk sarees wrapped in pure muslin or cotton — never in plastic bags. Add silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
Never wring, tumble dry, or machine wash silk. Avoid spraying perfume directly on the saree — it weakens zari threads.
Extended sun exposure fades natural dyes and weakens silk fibres. Always dry in shade and store away from sunlight.
Zari (gold/silver thread) can tarnish. Store zari sarees with anti-tarnish paper or dry neem leaves between folds.
For heavy bridal sarees, opt for professional dry cleaning once a year even without visible soiling.
