Size & Drape Guide – Karghaa

Every Karghaa saree is handwoven on a traditional pit loom in Varanasi — no two drapes fall quite the same way. This guide will help you choose the right length, pick the right blouse size, and drape it with ease.

Saree Length & Fit

  • Standard length: 6.3 metres (including blouse piece), the traditional Banarasi length suited to most heights and draping styles.
  • Blouse piece: Included as an unstitched 0.8–1 metre piece, giving your tailor room to craft a custom fit.
  • Petticoat: Not included. We recommend a well-fitted petticoat matched to your saree's fall length — ideally 2–3 inches shorter than your saree.
  • Height guide: The standard 6.3m length suits heights up to 5'8". If you are taller or prefer extra pleats, let us know at checkout and we can discuss custom lengths for select pieces.

Choosing Your Blouse Size

  • Since the blouse piece is unstitched, we recommend visiting a trusted tailor with your latest bust, waist, and blouse-length measurements.
  • For heavier Banarasi fabrics like katan silk or tissue, ask your tailor for an inner lining — it helps the blouse hold its shape and feel more comfortable through long wear.
  • If you'd like, we can share a basic measurement sheet — just reach out to us on WhatsApp.

How to Drape a Banarasi Saree

  1. Start at the waist. Tuck the plain end of the saree into your petticoat at the right side of your navel, wrapping it once around your waist, left to right.
  2. Make the pleats. Gather 5–7 even pleats from the remaining length, keeping the border aligned. Tuck the pleats in at the centre front, just left of the navel.
  3. Bring the pallu around. Take the remaining fabric (the pallu) around your back, over the left shoulder, and let it fall to your desired length in front or back.
  4. Pin for security. A small safety pin at the shoulder and at the waistline keeps everything in place through the day, especially with heavier Banarasi weaves.
  5. Set the pallu. For Banarasi silks with heavy zari borders, a few soft pleats in the pallu (rather than leaving it flat) shows off the weave beautifully.

A Note on Handloom Weight

Pure Banarasi silk, especially katan and tissue weaves with real zari, tends to be heavier and structured compared to printed or machine-made sarees. This is a feature, not a flaw — it's what gives the saree its characteristic drape and shine. First-time Banarasi wearers may want to practice draping once before the occasion.

Still unsure about sizing or draping? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll walk you through it.