How To Select And Wear A Waist Chain

Do you want to be the center of attraction every time you go to a function? Do you want to be the idol when it comes to wearing jewelry? Then wearing a waist chain for your saree is one of the best things you can do! You wear them around your waist and make an unparalleled fashion statement, whether conventional or modern, depending upon the kind of attire you pair it with or the way you flaunt it!

Conventional waist chains are generally made out of gold and silver. Wearing waist chains is now a fashion statement by not only women who dress traditionally but also by those who wear a variety of modern outfits!

Want to know more about waist chains and how to choose the apt one that suits your needs and attires? Then this article will help you out! Go ahead and give it a read!

Ace The Look

• Occasion: Be it weddings, functions, casual meetings with friends, or travels, you can wear a waist chain for any of these informal events.
• Material: A gold or silver waist chain goes well with a traditional look, while a lightweight stainless steel goes well with your casual outfits.
• Cleaning: Always use a mild diluted soap and a soft cloth to wipe the chain clean. You can store the chain separately in a pouch or soft cloth bag.
• Clothing To Pair With: The waist chain looks trendy and stylish with tank tops and shorts, maxi dress, and low-waist pants.

Wearing Waist Chains – A Brief

Waist jewelry or ornaments have been popular with women for hundreds of years. While we take a walk down the lane of history, we find that waist chains have been in use for about four thousand years. They have been extremely well-liked in Southeast Asian countries by women as well as by men. Waist chains were a staple diet for feeding fashion, religion, and a mark of prosperity. You may just like to take a look at your old history books that you read at school and flip through the pages of the ‘Indus Valley Civilization’. There too you would get an indication that waist belts were much admired. The frenzy was no more restricted to Southeast Asian countries; these chic waist embellishments became fashionable around the world. European women started to wear belly chains around their abs to create a smart look.

Indian women wear belly waist chains to get a customary look, keeping in mind the cultural associations. Waist beads, which form an offshoot of the famous waist chain tradition, are flaunted by belly dancers with confidence.

A fashion blogger shares her experience of wearing chain belts and how her perception of them has evolved over the years. “I’ve channeled my inner 90s fly girl! Lately, I’ve been obsessing over fashion trends from the late 80s/ early 90s. Maybe the fact that my 30th is less than 2 months away is triggering my walk down fashion memory lane. The funny thing is that growing up, I used to HATE the chain belts. My mom had a crazy collection of chain belts (all of which had charms dangling from them), and she wore them with what seemed like every outfit. Well, like they say, what goes around comes around and this time around, I’m loving the chain belt (i),” she writes.

Fun Fact

In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, all newborns get a waist chain on the 28th day after birth as a cultural pact.

Why Is Waist Chain For Saree So Popular?

Fun Fact

In African countries, waist chains are also called waist beads and symbolize fertility, femininity, sensuality, and spiritual well-being.

Waist chains are very popular. Women can never be tired of flaunting them. The reasons are not difficult to guess. They are:

1. Waist chains exude an incomparable feminine charm.
2. A waist chain is one of the most intricate and detailed body jewelry you can think of and at the same time, wearing them is not a painful affair (as you don’t have to get body piercing done).
3. You can make it elaborate by pairing it with a waist key chain.
4. They are available in a variety of designs and ranges.

Cultural Significance Of Waist Chains

Waist chains are commonly referred to as belly chains or kamarbands. Their significance varies history and cultures as follows:

• Over 4,000 years old, the waist chain was invented in the Indian Subcontinent, and men and women wore them as ornaments and measures of wealth, and sculptures and paintings recorded their ornaments and attire.
• In Indian society, waist chains are culturally embedded with femininity and married status. The woman wears them as an ornament on her wedding day signifying beauty and sensuality.
• In Tamil Nadu, waist chains are gifted to a newborn as part of a cultural activity known as Aranjanam, symbolising protection and good luck. This practice applies to all irrespective of religion.
• In many African cultures, waist beads are used for marking rites of passage, monitoring weight changes, and enhancing femininity. They are also applied in naming ceremonies and also as support during childcare.
• Waist chains have become fashionable accessories worldwide because they are admired for their aesthetic properties, and they have the ability to accentuate body shapes.

These are a few of the many reasons why waist chains carry the legacy of time, fashion, and functionality. They continue to have a special place in cultural expressions, epitomizing beauty, empowerment, and being connected to one’s roots. They represent that elegance and sensuality around the person wearing them while upholding age-old traditions.

When understanding this accessory, it is important to keep personal style and comfort in mind. The next section lists some ways in which you can help pick and wear a waist chain that will complement your look.

How To Select And Wear A Waist Chain

Visit a jewelry store where you get a variety of waist chains.

1. Choose the one that suits your taste. You might like to take your personality, your outfit, and the occasion into consideration.
2. Make sure that the waist chain is at least two inches bigger than the measure of your waist (make sure that you have taken measurements of your waist).
3. Wrap it around your waist and attach the clasp.

Fashion Stylist, Eleonora Fiano, offers her insights, “Remember to consider your budget when selecting a waist chain, as prices can vary depending on the material and design. Consider the materials that want the chain to be made of, like gold, silver, or stainless steel, as well as materials like beads or gemstones. Choose one that matches your style and desired level of durability. They have to be comfortable, so look for smooth edges, adjustable clasps, and chains that won’t irritate or pinch your skin. Most waist chains are adjustable, but it’s important to check the size range to ensure it will fit you comfortably. Finally, a very important thing to consider is the occasion when you decide to wear the waist chain, in fact, chains may be more suitable for casual settings or beachwear, while others may be dressier and suitable for formal occasions.”

Pairing Waist Chains With Sarees And Lehengas

Wondering how to wear a waist chain with a saree? Saree waist chains look marvelous. Sarees bring out the woman in you while a waist chain accentuates your femininity. Next time when you drape yourself in an exquisite chiffon saree or an incredible Banarasi silk, don’t forget to flaunt a beautiful piece of waist chain. Waist chains that go with saree are ethnic and are known popularly as saree kamar bandh. Invest in a single-lined stone sequined waist chain if you want to keep the saree waistband or saree belt simple. Kamarbandh for saree is a heavy accessory during weddings. If you want something lavish, you may wish to get a heavy chain with adornments like huge pendants or Jhumkas.

Pairing a waist chain with a lehenga makes for a stunning look. Style it with a chic lehenga blouse design to really steal the show. This combination enhances your silhouette and adds a touch of glam to your outfit, making you the center of attention on any festive occasion.

Infographic: Tips To Choose And Style A Waist Chain

Chinese herbs can be easily grown and also are easily available. They help prevent premature hair graying and reduce the effects of photodamage. The herbs have other benefits too. In the following infographic, we have listed the different Chinese herbs and how they can boost hair health. Take a look.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are waist chains called?

Waist chains are also called belly chains and kamarband, kamar bandh, or kamar patta (in India).

Can you wear a waist chain with a modern, non-traditional saree?

Yes, you can wear waist chains made of pearls or stones with a modern, non-traditional saree as it adds to the charm and makes your hips look fuller while making your waist look delicate.

What are some unique ways to style a waist chain with a saree?

If you have a simple waist chain but want to make it a bit flashier to amp up your look, you can attach a necklace or some big earrings to the chain on the side where it will be visible.

What styles are best for formal occasions?

Waist chains can easily enhance a formal look, adding poise and elegance to the outfit. Old-gold or silver is timeless and classic and can be mixed well with formal dresses, sarees, and lehengas. For a rich feel, one may choose to add pearls or gemstones to waist chains, which are perfect for any ceremonial wedding. Layered designs give an impression of drama and richness. Minimalist ones add subtle charm and can make you look stand out with class.

Illustration: How To Select And Wear A Waist Chain

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Get the perfect waist chain to go with your outfit and look stunning! Check out this video for the latest and trendiest collections!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Eleonora FianoFashion Stylist

   

Eleonora Fiano is a seasoned fashion stylist with over 5 years of experience. Her impressive portfolio includes creating captivating fashion editorials both online and in print and collaborating with emerging brands and designers.

Read full bio of Eleonora Fiano

Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao

Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Read full bio of Subhrojyoti Mukherjee

Srijita DeCommerce Writer

Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.

Read full bio of Srijita De