Costumes of Tamil Nadu primarily comprise the traditional wears. Being the abode of South Indian silk sarees with rich zari work, the costumes reflect the traditions of India and Tamil Nadu itself. The women of this state are decked with these traditional sarees that mark them from rest of the communities. The ageless charm of these sarees is the identity of the people of Tamil Nadu.

India has always been looked at as a land of enigmatic resources and many have staked their lives just to acquire it and call those their own. Beginning from beauty secrets, to curious cuisine recipes, ranging from incredible jewellery to brilliant dress materials and ending in the draping fashion of traditional costumes, these represent India as a whole. In fact, it can solemnly be stated that the ancient mode of Indian fashion amongst the royals as well as the common man is still a subject pf research for many in the west. With such a prestigious list of regalia, Indian costumes have since long occupied a pride position in the international top charts. The distinctness amongst the four corners within the country makes this very factor even more interesting when admired. For instance, costumes from Uttar Pradesh stand as distinct from the costumes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Likewise, the South Indian costumes possess a certain aura within their dress materials, with zari work predominating amongst women and white dhoti amongst men. Costumes of Tamil Nadu absolutely falls within this genre, with women dressing up intricately for any festive occasion and men also are looking towards the similar direction.

Costumes of Tamil Nadu dominate with traditionalism speaking out every time for both the sexes. In Tamil Nadu women don the ubiquitous Indian saree and blouse, whereas, men wear `lungi` together with a shirt and `Angavastra`. Saree, the sheer six yards of pure excellence is one such costume that ladies of all ages prefer to don for each special festivity. The traditional Tamil woman chooses to drape her heavy Kanchipuram saree around herself, the lower part of the calf exposed, the extra piece of pallu established thereby wrapped around her waist. What is remarkable about this draping fashion is that she wears the most dazzling of Kanchipuram saree in the most informal manner. And yet, this emotes a feeling of sensuousness every common day, as if she is coiffed for that especially D-day.

Saree is the traditional dress of Indian women and Tamil Nadu women as well. Till a few years ago, the half-saree or Pavada besides serving as the traditional dress was also the most admired costume of young girls in Tamil Nadu. Full-length skirt, short blouses and a davani (shawl) successfully completed this dressing style. This traditional pleated dress however has been replaced by salwar kurtas, jeans and trousers. The style, colour and texture of a saree cloth vary and it might be manufactured from cotton, silk or one of the various man-made materials. A Saree from Tamil Nadu possesses an everlasting charm due to it not being cut or tailored for a particular size. Sarees are available in the state in a wide variety of fabrics, ranging from silks, cottons, chiffons to georgettes and crepes.

Costumes of Tamil Nadu are although not just restricted to the fairer sex only, men also occupy a considerable position. Men are generally encountered dressed in lungi, together with a shirt and Angavastra. The traditional and tremendously popular lungi originated in the South and it is purely a short length of material worn around the thighs, resembling a sarong. A dhoti is a rather longer `lungi`, but with an additional length of material hauled up within the legs. The lungi is a rectangular cloth, normally manufactured from cotton, draped around the waist and pleated in front at the groin. The Angavastra is an elongated piece of cloth wrapped around the shoulders. In earlier times it was donned instead of an upper garment, but now-a-days men wear an angavastra over a shirt.