Parts of a saree
A folded saree can show a striking strip of pattern and hide most of the cloth you will wear. Ask to see it opened out across its width. Look first at the middle, then follow one long edge until you reach the end panel.
Find the body, borders and pallu
- The body, or field, is the main expanse of cloth. If it has a repeating motif, ask to see two or three repeats together. Fold a few pleats to see which parts of the motif come to the front.
- The borders run along the long edges. Compare the upper and lower edges before you choose. To measure the depth of a border, place the tape across the band, from the outside edge towards the body.
- The pallu is the end panel. Spread it to see the whole design, then fold it to the width you like to wear over your shoulder. A large central motif might sit inside a fold.
RISD Museum uses these three areas to describe sarees in its collection. Explore The Splendid Sari at RISD.
See how a pattern changes along the cloth
On a saree embroidered by Khatubai Salar, the embroidery covers half the width of the black body for much of its length, then fills the whole width for the final wrap. A photograph of one folded section would tell only part of that story. Explore the saree at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Account for the blouse piece
A blouse piece is fabric intended for stitching a blouse. Check whether one comes with the saree and if it is still attached. Get the blouse piece’s length and width, then the length of saree left for draping after it is separated. Your tailor can then judge whether the piece will suit your sleeve and neckline.
If you are viewing the saree from home, use these terms to ask for the angles you need. Plan a saree viewing by video.
