India, almost every state has its own distinctive style and ways of
dressing and one can see that ethnic wear really rules Indian style of
dressing. Women in India still follow the traditional styles of Indian
clothes although now one can see a western influence in it as well.
Indian clothes, though traditional and ethnic in their appeal, have a
large market due to the versatility it offers. Indian clothes can be
structured to look really modern and even ethnic, at the same time.
Every community in India has something new to offer as far as the
designs are concerned. Colors are used in abundance in Indian clothing
and this is visible in the colorful costumes of the women in Gujrat
and Rajasthan as well. From being rich and elaborate to being
glamorous and sensual, Indian clothes have a lot more to offer than
you could ever imagine. Take a peek into some of the basics of Indian
clothing and why these are a rage even today.
Types of Indian Clothes:
Indian women and the sari have always been a longstanding affair. This
is definitely the most sensual and glamorous outfit that has gone
through various modifications along the way. For those who are not
really acquainted with a sari, this is a long strip of cloth that is
always worn with a top or blouse (choli). This garment can be
patterned, plain, having detailed embroidery to almost sheer in its
material. This long strip of cloth has varying length of four to nine
meters. One end of the sari is draped around the waist and the other
is arranged over the shoulder. There are different ways of draping a
sari as well, which would depend upon the state or upon the creativity
of the person. The tops or the blouse is generally worn with short
sleeves but due to the Indo western influence, many designs that
incorporate halters and backless designs, are quite popular as well.
(Though some fashionistas argue that halter and tube top designs
actually originated in the ancient days of India itself and are not a
product of western influences.)
Indian clothes also incorporate the Salwar Kameez, which is very
popular amongst Indian women for the comfort and the versatility it
offers. The Indian Salwar Kameez is a flowing dress and always has the
three elements-the salwar, kurta and the dupatta. The styles of the
Salwar Kameez also vary and today we can see variations in the fit,
lengths of the kurtas, patterns and silhouettes as well. The
Indo-western styles have an interesting mix with loads of detailed
work as well. Bandhani, beaded sequins, block prints, chikankari are
some of the most favorites. This is also called as a Punjabi suit
because of its popularity in Punjab. The kameez is a tunic worn over
the salwar that is baggy with folds or fitting as well. Chiffons,
denim, silk, cotton, georgette etc are some of the fabrics that can be
used for Salwar Kameez. Halter designs and designer backs have also
been infused with the traditional structure of the Salwar Kameez.
Most Indian weddings can never be complete without the heavily
embroidered or embellished saris, but another such popular garment in
the Indian clothing is the Ghaghra Choli or the Lehenga Choli. Also
known as the Sharara at times, this traditional dress was first
introduced to India during the Mughal rule. The Ghaghra choli also
consists of three elements- a long flowing skirt (Ghaghra), a fitting
top also known as the choli and a dupatta. Sharara's are mostly fitted
till the knee area and flare towards the bottom half. When worn for
weddings, these Sharara's are heavily embroidered or embellished with
various design elements. The dupatta has always been worn to cover the
head but today there are various ways used to drape the dupatta, apart
from the traditional ways. Bright and loud colors such as red, pink
and even gold are very much in demand when it comes to bridal wear.
The Lehenga Choli or the Ghaghra Choli also varies in its looks as per
the areas or regions in India. These can be shimmering to heavily
embellished garments and look grand when teamed with gold accessories
and Kundan jewelry that completes the look. Because of the grandeur of
such Indian clothing, these are mostly popular for weddings and other
formal and typically Indian functions.
The traditional Indian clothing for men has always been the dhoti
kurta. Even this ethnic attire has been a part of the Indo-western
culture and has seen many modifications till date. Worn on an everyday
basis in ancient India, the dhoti kurta was therefore considered as a
part of casual wear for men. Today, it is a part of formal wear as
well; due to the abundance of designer wear clothing in the market.
The dhoti is a rectangular piece of cloth that is worn around the
waist and legs. There are various styles of wearing the dhoti as well;
this largely depends upon every state in India. Generally, it is
folded around the waist and the top ends are tied in the front and the
left and the right ends are tucked in the back. The dhoti is worn with
a kurta, which is a long fitting garment on the lines of a shirt. The
Dhoti Kurta is also worn with a dupatta for formal occasions. In South
India, men sometimes fold the dhoti in half and tuck it into the waist
so that it only reaches the knees, as it gets too cumbersome to
manage.
The Sherwani is another such popular garment amongst Indian clothes.
This resembles a coat and is also worn only during weddings and
festive occasions. The Sherwani is worn by men although this is very
heavily embroidered at times. This coat often fits the body snugly and
is generally worn with a loose pant, churidar or even a dhoti. The
origins of Sherwani at times it attributed to Central Asia. Donning a
Sherwani is considered to be a mark of royalty and a symbol of status,
since the ancient days.
As compared to all the outfits mentioned above, Indian clothing also
includes the lungi which is perhaps the most simplest and easy-to-wear
attire! This garment is worn around the waist and flows down to the
ankles. Worn by men especially in South India, the lungi is now being
worn by women as well. The modified and hip version of the lungi is
called the sarong or wrap-around skirts that are available in varied
lengths. Available in solid colors and zany prints as well, the lungi
is a favorite amongst many, especially in areas that have a hot and
humid climate. These are tied or fastened at the waist in various
ways.
The turban has always been the one main accessory that has blended
well with the Indian clothing. This is worn on the head and consists
of a single piece of cloth that is wrapped around the head area.
Although Indian men today do not really use the turban on an everyday
basis, it was a common affair in ancient India, as a means of
protection from the heat. Turbans are therefore popular in Rajasthan
and are also associated with the Sikh community in India. The turban
also has a religious significance in India. The shades of the turban
are also used to signify different meanings as well.
Whatever the occasion or region in India, Indian clothing has come a
long way from the way garments are styled and their reach, globally.
With every state having its own unique and characteristic feature, the
variety that one may see in Indian clothing can be mind-boggling at
times! Although most fashionable garments have a certain shelf life,
these Indian clothes are definitely here to stay!
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