Sarees are a timeless garment that you cannot go wrong with for most occasions. From work events to destination weddings, sarees will help you look elegant and sophisticated in any setting. Carrying the nine-yard garment with all its accompaniments such as blouses, petticoats, and jewelry is tricky, but not impossible. Pre-planning and packing them the right way will not only make the process of traveling with sarees easier but also help you quickly wear them without worries.
Keep reading as this article lists factors to consider while packing sarees and travel-friendly tips and answers FAQs to effortlessly look polished and stylish.
Factors To Consider
- Pick Versatile Additions: While packing multiple sarees, opt for similar shades to avoid carrying too many underskirts or petticoats. Similarly, you can pick one or two blouses in solid colors that match different sarees to minimize weight. Carrying limited versatile options will also help you get dressed quicker while on vacation. Colors to consider include white, black, pink, blue, and red.
- Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics: Pick minimal cotton and linen sarees for formal events and tissue or tussar silk for festive occasions and weddings as they’re lightweight and less likely to wrinkle. Other wrinkle-resistant fabrics include satin, chanderi silk, chiffon, georgette, and crepe. There will be no fold lines when you unpack these wrinkle-resistant sarees and they will also stay crisp even after a few hours of wearing.
- Prepping For Travel: Consider ironing the sarees before packing to help them stay flat throughout the journey and look fresh when you unpack. You can also pleat the saree and put pins to hold them in place beforehand to make it ready to wear.
- Draping: Beginners should stick to simple drapes and opt for stiff cotton sarees. Slippery satin or georgette sarees can be difficult to drape and are ideal for people comfortable with saree draping. If you are opting for a mermaid style or lehenga style drape, practice it ahead of time to ensure you can manage the fabric and take a tally of all the safety pins you will need to secure the saree pleats and pallu.
- Pre-Draped Sarees: What’s life without a few shortcuts? Pre-draped sarees are the answer to draping woes and timing issues while traveling. While you can pre-pleat saree yourself as mentioned above, pre-draped sarees come with hooks and clasps that eliminate the need for safety pins. Pre-draped sarees also come with a built-in petticoat, minimizing the need to carry a matching pair.
- Jewelry: Accessories like jewelry and bags elevate the look of sarees and are important for a cohesive look. Plan the desired look and be sure to carry the pieces you need. Packing intricate jewelry in a separate case will ensure they don’t get tangled or easily damaged.
- Shoes: Pairing footwear with sarees is relatively easy as the drapes around the waist reach the ankle and cover most of your feet. Carry a pair of heels or sandals in a neutral tone that will match all sarees. Avoid footwear with embellishments while traveling as it can damage the bottom part of your sarees and replacing them will be difficult.
- Fusion: Create fusion looks by replacing blouses with crop tops and bralettes for a fashionable look that will save space in the luggage. You can also carry solid shirts to match with the sarees for a fun and chic outfit. You can bring the fusion vibe with accessories such as chain link chokers, waist belts, corset belts, sneakers, and sunglasses.
- Consider Climate: Opt for long-sleeved blouses and thick cotton or velvet sarees to stay warm in cold temperatures. For warmer weather, opt for lightweight and breathable chiffon or crepe. It is also important to note that weather can fluctuate and checking temperatures beforehand is sometimes not enough to get an accurate understanding of the fabrics and layers you need. Carry a shawl that will keep you warm and look stylish with a saree.
- Suitability: Most parties, weddings, and events have a theme or color scheme and picking sarees suitable to the occasion will help you dress appropriately. Honoring the dress code is also a sign of respect for your hosts.
Traveling With Sarees: FAQs
- Can you wear sarees to a wedding?
Yes, sarees are a classic option for weddings for both guests and brides. While elaborate lehengas seem like the way to go, sarees are easier to pack when traveling to a destination wedding and lend the same elegant and graceful look. - How to make saree pleats before traveling?
Drape the saree fabric around your waist as you would usually, create the pleats, and pin them together. Next, pin the entire section of the pleats on one layer of fabric at your waist and undrape the saree. When you want to wear it, the pleats will already be in place. Wear it like a skirt and then drape the pallu over the shoulder. - How to fold and pack silk sarees?
Fold silk sarees with acid-free tissue paper and pack them between layers of other soft fabric to keep them wrinkle-free. Be careful of any embellishments or thread work so they don’t snag the saree. - How to pack embellished sarees?
A saree with embellishments should be packed in separate bags to prevent it from damaging itself as well as other clothes. - What kind of bag do you carry with a saree?
Clutch bags or potli bags will be your best option as they keep your belongings safe while staying out of the way. You can also opt for a sling bag with a metal chain or thin leather strap.
Conclusion:
Sarees are travel-friendly and you can wear them on several occasions. The draped garment can be styled in various versatile ways and even minimal jewelry and footwear pair perfectly with sarees. You can also take the fusion route and repurpose crop tops and shirts in your luggage as a blouse. Wrinkle-resistant fabrics are the most convenient option as they look fresh even after being in a suitcase and help you look polished. You can also prep the saree ahead of time or buy pre-draped sarees to save time and effort