Other lands
The sari in Pakistan
In Pakistan the shalwar kameez is the everyday dress, and the sari is worn mainly at weddings and formal events, especially in Karachi.
In Pakistan, most women wear the shalwar kameez with a dupatta in daily life. The sari is a less common garment, worn for weddings, receptions and formal functions, with the strongest tradition in Karachi. It is draped in the usual pleated way, often in chiffon, georgette or silk.
Wrapped step by step
Each drawing shows the cloth so far, with the newest step outlined in gold. The figure is a front view; the wearer's left is on your right.
Step 1 Tuck the plain end into the petticoat at the right hip. Step 2 Wrap the cloth once round the waist. Step 3 Form pleats at the front. Step 4 Tuck the pleats at the navel. Step 5 Carry the pallu across the chest and over the left shoulder. Step 6 Pin the pallu and let it hang behind. Finished The sari in Pakistan, seen from the front.
Where it comes from
Before the partition of 1947 the sari was worn across much of the subcontinent, including areas that are now Pakistan, and families who moved to Karachi from Indian cities brought the habit with them. Since then, the shalwar kameez has become the usual dress, and the sari has taken a role as a formal and bridal garment. Fashion in the country has kept it alive in magazines, on television and in bridal collections, with local designers producing their own versions.
How it looks
The sari is draped as the Nivi is, with pleats at the front and the pallu over the left shoulder, over a fitted blouse. Light fabrics such as chiffon and georgette are popular for parties, while silk and embroidered saris are used for weddings. Designers also make saris with heavy embroidery, which sit between a bridal outfit and a party dress. Colours range from pastel shades for daytime parties to deep jewel tones for evening, and many wearers pick cloth that suits the warm climate.
Who wears it and when
Women wear it at weddings and receptions, formal dinners, award nights and some office occasions. Brides may choose a sari for the reception, with a red lehenga or sharara for the main ceremony. It is seen more in Karachi than in other cities, and wear differs a great deal by family and class. Girls and younger women may know it mainly through events, since daily wear is the kameez. Details differ, and practice changes over time. Some wearers keep a sari for a first formal function.
Sarees worn this way
Also part of it, and being written: Chiffon (Popular for party wear.), Georgette (Used for formal and festive saris.).
Sources and further reading
Original text and drawings by the EveryPallu desk, written with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. The drawings are simplified diagrams of the order of wrapping, not a lesson: how a drape is worn differs from family to family. If we have something wrong, tell us.