Costumes

Clothes in India is a matter of pride. From the turban to the Dhoti its function is more than a mere protection from the elements. During India’s struggle against the yoke of colonialism idea of kind of clothes one wore became a space of struggle. While one finds the t-shirt, jeans, and shirt ubiquitously it is the more traditional garments that get a priority during important festivals and events.
Gandhiji and his spinning wheel
Photo Source: www.treehuger.com

The clothes of India are as diverse as the people. The costume and the fabric also depend in the region and its climate. In most of India, cotton is the fabric of choice.

The most popular dresses for women in most of India is the saree. A saree is a long strip of unstitched cloth that women drape over the body in several different ways. Women wear the sari over a petticoat and a fitted short-sleeved blouse called a “choli” or “ravika.”. Among women, especially in the North India, a close second is the salwar kutha. Chic, colorful and comfortable the Salwar Kutha is gaining prominence among urban women.

Among the men, especially in the rural areas, the most popular form of dressing include the Dhoti, and the lungi. While the Salwar Kamez is also quite popular.
Each region in India has a different costume. To read more about it in detail please click here.http://www.indianetzone.com/37/indian_state_costumes.htm


Photo Source: www.walkthroughindia.com

For the details of clothing in the India in accordance to the states please click here. http://www.walkthroughindia.com/lifestyle/womens-traditional-dresses-and-costumes-of-indian-states/

To access the history of clothing in India, please click here. http://textilesindepth-indianfashion.blogspot.com/2011/06/indian-fashion-history.html

To watch a presentation about the evolution of clothing in India please click here. http://www.slideshare.net/guestc4f826/ancient-indian-fashion

To learn to wear a Saree please click here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AinFAsppQFM