Saree Accessories - Blouse Petticoat Brooches

Sarees are the ultimate reflection of Indian tradition and culture. Available in different colors, fabrics and designs, sarees enhance the look of every woman. However a saree is incomplete without certain accessories. Blouse and petticoat are absolute necessities when it comes to wearing a saree. The blouse should be of the same color or print of the saree. Many opt for mix and match combinations as well. A petticoat should be however exactly of the same color as the saree so that it complements the look of the saree. A brooch
is another accessory which is required to hold the pleats of the saree in place with the blouse. Let us now know more about these accessories in details:

BLOUSE

The blouse is worn on the upper part of the body. The style depends on individual taste; it may have long or short sleeves or sleeveless and the blouse length can vary from very short to waist length with varieties of necklines and back patterns. It should fit tightly at the lower edge. The blouse colour may either match the colour of the sari or be in contrast colour. All saree blouses should be created with a full opening either in the front or in the back. This can be zipped or hooked with buttons.

As more and more women are becoming fashion
conscious, more and more variations in the blouse are coming up. It is the age of change and the sari blouse is the latest to get a makeover at the hands of designers, tailors and customers.

Fabric used in Blouse

* Rubia Cotton Blouse
* Pure Silk Blouse
* Pure Crepe Blouse
* Georgette Blouse
* Chiffon Blouse
* Chikan Blouse

However, it is to be noted, all blouses are made of the same fabric as that of the saree. In case of transparent fabric like net, chiffon a lining is required. The lining material can be mulmul or organza.

Styles of Sleeves in Blouse

* Full sleeves
* Half sleeves
* Sleeveless
* Noodle strap
* Bell sleeves
* Butterfly
* Three-forth sleeves
* Puffed sleeves

Styles of neck and back in Blouse
Halter necks, backless cholis, low U necks, round-neck, boat necks, off-the-shoulder and a host of other sizzling designs that reveal and highlight the finer lines of the back and bosom are among the latest trends of the sari blouse.

Styles of Blouse

* Air Hostess Blouse
* Bollywood Blouse
* Noodle Strap Blouse
* Normal Ladies Blouse
* Sleeveless Blouse
* Strapless Blouse


All these blouses are custom made or tailored to fit. Ready made blouses are also available in the market but the design, colour, pattern should match the saree or some prefers to go for the contrast look like a plain saree with embroidered or printed blouse.

PETTICOAT

The saree is draped over a long skirt, also know by the term "Petticoat". It is also known as saaya. The Saree Petticoat is a must when wearing a sari and is the key to the overall shape of the saree.

The Petticoat is worn just above or below the bellybutton and functions as a support garment to hold the saree. The petticoat must be ankle length, and threaded at the top with elastic or a thin cotton tape to tie it around the waist comfortably. Saree Petticoats usually match the color of the saree.

Types of Petticoat
A petticoat can be of various type depending on the occasion such as:

Satin Petticoat
Satin petticoats are generally worn under semi-formal or formal sarees. They are made from glossy satin fabric hence give a slight sheen when worn under transparent sarees.

Cotton Petticoat
The most common fabric for petticoat is cotton material since it is lightweight, easy to wear, durable and machine washable. They are for regular use. Cotton patticoats can be worn with all types of sarees of all fabrics and hence the most preferred ones.

Cotton Petticoat with all over embroidery
These petticoats are made in cotton blended fabrics. They have light embroidery all over in self tones. They can be worn under any kind of sarees, and give an added style enhance when worn under a transparent saree. These embroideries lend a touch of class to the inner garment.

Petticoat with frill or lace
There are some petticoats with frills or a lace at the bottom. Fabric can be cotton or satin or polyester.

BROOCHES OR SAFTY PINS

A safety pin is very essential to tie the pallu of the saree with the blouse. A safety pin is actually a pin or a clasp made of rigid but bendable metal; it is activated by squeezing the parallel sides inwards. It is safe because the sharp needle tip is covered when the safety pin is closed. The safety pin is strong, safe and very durable. Safety pins are very common and inexpensive and they come in many sizes.

Brooch or broach is relatively a larger safety pin with designs over it. A Brooch is a decorative jewellery item designed to be attached to garments. It is usually made of metal, often silver or gold but sometimes bronze or some other material. Brooches are frequently decorated with enamel or with gemstones
. Brooches are of various shapes like flowers, animals, sun, stars and can be studded with gold, pearls and other precious stones. Dexterous Indian craftsmen have been creating spellbinding range of ornate brooches that have gained lot of importance as major items of export, worldwide.

Manufacturers of jewelry have been constantly using different metals to churn out beautiful brooches in both traditional and swanky designs. Considered as timeless symbols of beauty, the brooches are crafted by skilled Indian artisans who are experts in grooming
the metal beautifully.

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