Traditional Indian Clothing- showcasing the Indian cultural heritage

The entire world celebrates traditional Indian clothing due to the diverse styles available which incorporates the country’s cultural heritage and ethnicity. The ethnic Indian wears depict the exuberance and richness of Indian heritage with absolute perfection. It is not just rich and beautiful but also exclusive and unique.

The traditional ethnic wear, Indian clothing includes Indian reincarnations of western clothing and dresses in varying patterns and styles which lend uniqueness. This is seen more in urban India, but the rural parts of India prefer wearing traditional clothing like sarees, kurta, dhoti, pyjama and lungi. Indian clothing styles differ according to religion as well as region. Indian clothing also displays a plethora of textures and colours.

Indian men are most familiar with dhoti in the traditional clothing section. Dhoti is nothing but a piece of rectangular fabric that remains unstitched. This fabric measuring five yards is draped around the legs and the waist. This has become a marked style for Indian men and is known by different names in different regions like laacha in Punjabi, Veshti in Tamil, Pancha in Telegu, Dhotar in Marathi and Mundu in Malayalam. Dhoti is worn in inimitable styles in varying Indian regions. Northern Indian men wear this with a kurta and this combo is called dhoti kurta and in eastern region it is known as Dhuti Panjabi. The clothing plays a special part in wedding ceremonies and such joyous festivals. The traditional Pancha is worn by people participating in south Indian wedding which includes the groom. Pattu Pancha or Magatam are other popular names for silk panchas. Off-white dhutis are very popular amongst Bengali grooms.

Sherwani, a long buttoned knee-length jacket is popular traditional Indian clothing as well. Long scarves are sometimes worn with it.

Lungi is a casual dress worn by men at home. This piece of cloth is wrapped at the waist.

Sari is the most accepted Indian attire for women. This long cloth-piece is made from a variety of fabrics like silk, fine cotton, etc and different designs and different grains are woven together. This charming, beautiful and elegant clothing is worn with a short, well fitted blouse known as choli. Prevalent cultures in different regions result in the variations of saree draping.

Indian salwar-kameez is popular Indian attire. This popular clothing is made in diverse designs and different materials. The salwar is often substituted with a churidar, a tightly fitted trouser.

Some traditional Indian clothing constitute of colourful dresses which highlights the grandeur and magnificence. Gujarati and Rajasthani women wear multicoloured twirling skirts which are known as lehenga and worn with a choli. Their heads are also covered with beautiful veils called odhani. Various tribal communities form the abode of India and they dress according to their brand of tradition and fashion which enriches the Indian clothing trend.

Regional and religious diversities result in the variation of traditional Indian clothing. These days, however, with urbanisation, the Indian clothing has urbanised as well with the younger generation opting for fusions of modern western and traditional Indian attires. This fusion has given a distinct and unique identity to the Indian clothing scenario.