A well crafted and fitted saree blouse can beautify any saree. It adds a lot of grace to your saree by giving you a regal look and can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe. It makes you look incredibly glamorous and can draw all the attention you deserve.

Origin of the word” Blouse”

The word blouse is borrowed from French to English which refers to the light, loose upper garment made of cotton or linen worn by French workmen. The term "blouse" was applied to the various smocks and tunics worn by English farm laborers. In 1870, the blouse was first referenced as a garment meant for a young lady.

The Blouse or Choli is generally a garment cropped at the waist to cover the upper body, when wearing a saree or lehenga. There are heavily embellished blouses, designer saree blouses, readymade blouses, interesting lehenga cholis, sequined blouses, bridal cholis, voguish bustier or jacket-style blouses and many more. These exuberant blouse designs are inspired by many sources like cinema and fashion industry. They come in a variety of designs and cuts to suit your body type. Lets learn more about these sensuous blouses and explore some of the latest designs.

The colonial history of India’s sari blouse

The blouse is known to be Britain’s major export to India. Over the centuries it has gained such great indigenous appeal that it is considered part of tradition itself. What many Indians today believe are home-grown ideas of modesty and decorum are in fact bequeathed to us by the British Raj.

It was Jnanadanandini Debi, a popular Bengali actress and wife of the famous Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore’s elder brother Satyendranath Tagore, who popularised the blouses, jackets and chemises and the modern style of the sari today. Debi was allegedly refused entry into esteemed clubs under the British Raj for her impudence on being blouse-less. She is widely credited with popularising Victorian style blouses, shirts and jackets. 

 Jnanadanandini Debi

Image Source- Wikipedia

 

Once chided by the British for wearing her saree over her bare upper body, Jnanadanandini Debi later became the greatest style icon for blouses and chemises worn under the sari in India. She is a great metaphor for the spectacular influence of the British on garments in India in those times. 

The trend of wearing blouse caught up with the sari wearing communities across Bengal, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in the late 19th century. Shirts, sweaters and high necked Victorian blouses, much like today’s boho-fashion trends, came to be worn under the sari as part of high fashion.

The era before independence saw mild bursts of experimentation with the saree blouse. Famous painter Amrita Sher-Gil was known for her bold choice of sleeveless blouses at the time. Maharani Gayatri Devi made satin blouses with 10-inch sleeves immensely popular. The success of the Indian Cinema in the 1940s and the subsequent rise of the costume and fashion industry, also inspired many of the sartorial trends.

Seven uber stylish blouse designs 

The type of blouse we wear depends a lot on the kind of saree we choose and our body type. So keeping in mind all the factors, we have for you some different types of blouse designs patterns that will look flattering on you.

Round neck blouse with elegant long sleeves

Simple yet stylish. Best for every occasion

Back slit blouse

A perfect design for silk and pattu sarees. Right choice for summers.

Chinese Collar blouse

Grab this blouse to stand out in your farewell or office party.

Halter Neck Blouse

 

This blouse design is great for showcasing shoulders and drawing the eye upward, creating a balancing effect.

Cape style blouse

This blouse design is quite a popular one among the celebrities. Anyone who loves to keep up with the fashion trends must pick this blouse style. 

Bardot Blouse

Every girl should try out this modern saree blouse that will go off well with any grand event.

Peplum Blouse

This design is the heavily enticing and modern. It goes well with any party wear saree or lehenga.

Style guide to choose the perfect blouse for your body type 

Apple Body

Wear single colored blouses. Heavily embellished blouses with work on the chest area should be completely avoided as they add weight to your fuller upper body. Opt for sweetheart neckline with ruffle sleeves, collar neck blouse with 3/4^th sleeve or  a halter neck blouse with dori back. You can work your fuller body to your advantage by wearing a full-sleeved or quarter-sleeved blouse and as you will cover your arms and shoulders, you can bare your sexy back to create a balance and keep those eyeballs rolling!

Petite Body

You can opt for padded blouses with heavy embroidery or embellishments on the front area for an effortless look It would be a great idea to cover up your long neck with the styles like halter neck, high neck and collar neck.

Broad shoulders

You need not be confused at all about what kind of blouse you should wear as you have got a perfect body that will look drop-dead gorgeous in any style or design. Right from the noodle straps, corset style, halter necks to the long-sleeved blouses, you can rock in any style or design.

Hour glass Body

Thin straps, long sleeves and wider necklines work really well for hourglass body types. You can also experiment with lighter fabrics to flaunt the curves. You need not be confused at all about what kind of blouse you should wear as you have got a perfect body that will look drop-dead gorgeous in any style or design. Right from the noodle straps, corset style, halter necks to the long-sleeved blouses, you can rock in any style or design! Also, prefer lightweight fabrics with smaller prints or light embroidery.

Athletic Body

You can pick halter necklines and even noodle-strap blouses that complement the body type.

Our Fashion Tips 

• If you have heavy arms, avoid wearing styles, like puffed sleeves, noodle straps, halters, etc. because then your flabby arms and shoulders will hog the limelight, without even you asking for it! Also, prefer lightweight fabrics with smaller prints or light embroidery

• Long sleeves and three-quarter lengths complement long hands. 

• Go for a longer blouse to camouflage belly fat. You can experiment with ponchos or jacket styles to make a statement.