Introduction

Indian costumes showcase remarkable diversity across states, with each region having distinct traditional attire that reflects its cultural heritage and values. For instance, saris in Maharashtra differ from those in Tamil Nadu in draping style and design, while Punjab’s vibrant salwar kameez contrasts with Gujarat’s embroidered chaniya choli. Men’s attire varies similarly, with the dhoti, lungi, and kurta taking different forms across states. These costumes hold deep cultural and social significance, often worn during festivals, weddings, and religious events. They not only express regional pride but also reinforce social identity, fostering a sense of belonging and respect for tradition.

Costumes of Ancient India

Costumes of Ancient India have been broadly discussed in various literary works of the country. It appears from the literary sources that people were very particular about their costumes in ancient India.

Evolution of Indian Costumes

Evolution of Indian costumes involves the gradual but firm transition from traditional styles of clothing to contemporary fashion, inspired by Western styles of attires with a traditional touch.

Types of Indian Costume

Types of Indian Costume offers a glimpse of the country's culture and tradition. As every state in India is geographically different from the other, they have given rise to varied kinds of dresses and styles.

Indian Traditional Dresses

Traditional dresses of the states of India vary with region, religion and community. Every state of India has its own culture, customs and standard of living to follow and to celebrate fairs and festivals.

Indian Wedding Dresses

Indian wedding dresses are myriad in colour, style and fashion in the different parts of the nation. It differs from region to region as per the traditions of different communities.

Indian Tribal Dresses

Indian tribal fashion has existed since the primordial existence of tribals who had first laid their footsteps in the subcontinent. With time, several instances and excavations have exhibited exceptional qualities in tribal attire.

Costumes for Indian Women

Costumes for Indian women have seen a wide range of changes in forms, patterns, colours and ways of draping. Although the traditional wear of Indian women are sarees, today Indian women wear designer dresses.

Costumes for Indian Men

Costumes for Indian men have traditionally comprised the Dhoti and Kurta. However, the most unique feature of the Indian culture is that every state of the community has its own distinct traditional clothing for men and women.

Costumes for Children

Costumes for children in India come in a wide range of choices ranging from the traditional to the casual. The style and preference for clothing also varies regionally.

Costumes of Indian Dances

Costumes of Indian dances are numerous and they are designed according to the dance forms and styles. It is usually of richly embroidered needlework or shimmering silk or satin.

Costumes in Indian Folk Dances

Costumes in Indian folk dances are colourful with all-embracing jewels and designs. Indian folk and tribal dances are performed with the simple motive of expressing joy.

Indian Custom in Wearing Costume

Indian Custom in Wearing Costume teaches a lot about the culture and tradition of a community. Different types of colours and embroidery works on dresses reflect different events like festivals, rituals and occasions in Indian customs.

Textiles in India

Textile in India enjoys a rich heritage. The contemporary Indian textile not only reflects the splendid past but also cater to the requirements of the modern times.

Types of Clothing in India

Type of clothing in India is mainly dependent on the various regions, cultures, geography, climate and the local traditions of the numerous states, districts, towns and villages of this country.

Traditional Indian Sarees

Traditional Indian Sarees are univocal about the traditions of India. The six yards cloth drapes a woman and reinstates the essence of ethnicity, narrating the tale of bygone traditions.

Types of Sarees

Types of sarees in India vary as per the diverse regions and culture of this country. Sarees  often differ in terms of the fabrics, textures, colours, and designs or embroidery work on them.

Indian Silk Sarees

Silk sarees are one of the most commonly used sarees and found in different forms. The Indian silk industry produces basically three types of silks namely Mulburry, Muga, Tussore, and Eri silk.

Ghagra Lehenga Choli

Ghagra Lehenga Choli is a combination of long skirt worn, with flair towards the bottom which is topped off by a long or short-length beautiful embroidered Indian blouse.

Dhoti

The word dhoti or dhotan originates from the Sanskrit word dhauta. It is one of the earliest known draped garments in India and continues to be worn even today.

Achkan Costume

Achkan is a gorgeous costume for Rajasthani men that reach up to the knee length. It is worn by men in the Indian subcontinent much like the Angarkha.

Uttariya

The Uttariya was worn in several ways to suit the comforts of the wearer. The hotter regions had mostly the prevalence of unstitched garments whereas at some places we do see stitched or core garments.

Sherwani-Churidar

In the early 18th century, Sherwani was the dress code of the Turkish and Persian nobles in the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. Later, besides the nobles, common people also started wearing sherwanis.

Salwar-Kameez-Dupatta

Salwar-Kameez-Dupatta is a popular dress among the Indian women. It originated in regions of Central Asia, dominated by Turkish and Iranian people.

Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina Shawls are indigenous products which are draped over the shoulders, especially the upper portion of the body and around the head. These shawls are embroidered, woven and hand-spun in certain parts of Northern India.

Indian Costume Accessories

Costume Accessories highlights a dress or apparel. The various accessories like bindi, brooches and bangles enhance the personality of a woman and give a different look altogether.