Does Indian Sarees Increase Sex Appeal ?

A Sari or Saree is an ethnic wear of the Indian women. It ranges from 4 to 9 meters in length, draped over a blouse/choli and worn on a petticoat /pavadai. One end is tucked into the petticoat while the other end is worn over the shoulders. The word ‘sari’ evolved from the Prakrit word ‘sattika’.  

The origin of a saree dates back to the Indus Valley civilization, in the B.Cs. They are truly ideal for our hot climate. There has been many ancient Indian literary works like Natya Sastra describing the costume and the wearer alike. The Navel of the Supreme Being is considered the source of life and creativity; hence is sacred and thus midriff is to be exposed when wearing a saree. Does this increase sex appeal? 

One can be really creative when designing saris and cholis. Saris can be decorated with mirror works, embroideries, bead works, thread works and hand paintings. The cholis can be half sleeves, full sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless or even “backless” or halter neck types. 

The earliest form of clothing is the ‘mundum neriyathu’ style; ‘mundu’ covers the lower part while ‘neruyathu’ covers the upper part of the body, is a two piece form of sari; a modified version called ‘set mundu’ is still worn today by the Malayalis. It is white or cream in colour, with a ‘kara’ or the coloured stripes at the border. The present day sari is said to be created by combining the two pieces.

There are different types of saris based on the material. There are costly silks, cotton and nylon saris. Silk saris are expensive ones, worn for ceremonies like marriages. Silk is the protein fiber produced from silk worms to spin around its cocoon. This is unwound, dyed, warped and finally woven to make the fabric. The Indian weavers have contributed in abundance in spreading the fame of Indian Silk across the world with their weaving and artistic skills. 

The most popular silk sari in South India is the ‘Kancheepuram Pattu’ sari. It is made in a small town Kanchi of Tamil Nadu in South India. It is essential that a South India bride must wear this on the auspicious moment of her life. You can opt for a contrast border sari, which is really breath taking! The beauty of Kancheepuram saris lies in their colour contrasts, border patterns, pyramidal temple patterns, the stripes, checks and “floral buttas”, that are traditional to them. Usually the body, border and the ‘pallu’ (the portion of the sari that hangs down your shoulder) are woven separately and then strongly interlocked together. This elegant pattu/silk sari with gold ornaments can make a bride look like a goddess. You can purchase online for these royal silk sarees through www.classicsilks.com. 

Another silk sari is the ‘Mysore Silk’ Sari. These are produced in Mysore, Karnataka State in South India by the Karnataka State Silk Industry Corp. They give unique number and hologram to each of the sarees. The distinguishing feature of their saree is the usage of pure silk and 100% pure gold zari (a golden thread containing 65% silver and 0.65% gold). Their designs are constantly under innovation with new colours and bandhini techniques and embroidery. 

How to wear a Sari:

1. Start with the Inner Edge (the least patterned plain end) of the saree, by tucking it into the waistband on the right side of the Petticoat; the rest of the saree wrapping round to the left. The amount you tuck depends on how tall or short you are
2. Take the long pallu behind you from your left and forward again from your right.
3. Take the long pallu you have just brought forward from your right and fling it over your left shoulder.
4. Pleat the remaining Saree into 5 to 6 inch wide pleats.

Why We Wear Traditional Sari ?

You can even buy a ready-to-wear saree, wherein the pleats have been already stitched and you just have to wear them like how you would wear a frock!

If you have a good figure and would like to flaunt it rather decently, then your best outfit is a saree, says many. In spite of the fact that many college students now days hardly wear sarees, it has been voted the best dress in India.

Will this traditional dress of the Indian women vanish from the Earth, like how Kimono, ones a popular traditional dress of the Japanese ladies, vanished or is hardly worn in Japan.

Many Bollywood actresses like Aishwarya Rai and Rani, seen wearing modern, stylish and colourful sarees are the brand ambassadors of this ethnic dress. Thanks to them to keep this dress alive! According to Aishwarya’s fans, she looks best in her sarees. Even International super models claim their lust for sarees.

The Sari now stands for a blend of ethnicity and modern; of creativity and tradition, of grace and sensuality.

Wear cloths that give you comfort and confidence, claims experts. For many, saree gives them both these.

In the end, everything depends on the person wearing this lovely garment (how gracefully she drapes it around her) and also on the beholder; a spectator can view it in many ways- find the wearer and the sari to be elegant, poised, and modest or may be sexy. Whatever be it, this ethnic dress of India truly reflects both our spiritual and sensual appeal!

Your suggestions and comments are always welcome.