Men's Clothing in India
Though the majority of women in India wear traditional costumes, the men in India can be found in more conventional Western clothing. Shirts and trousers are worn by men from all regions in India. However, some many men in villages
are still more comfortable in traditional attire.
are still more comfortable in traditional attire.
Dhoti
The dhoti is the most traditional of all dresses for men in India. The dhoti is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth which is about five yards long. The dhoti resembles a long skirt as it is wrapped around the waist and the legs and knotted at the waist, and sometimes held in place with the help of a belt. Some belts are ornamental and embroidered while others are flat and simple. In northern India, men wear their dhotis in combination with a kurta top, which is a loose fitting shirt. While the dhoti dress may have lost its popularity in modern day India, many prominent senior citizens, politicians, musicians, dancers and other men of India are still wearing this traditional style of dress with a lot of dignity.
Sherwani
A very elegant dress for Indian men which is mostly worn during ceremonies is the sherwani. A
sherwani is a long coat like garment of knee-length (or longer), which is fitted close to the body. This garment usually has an opening in the front with exposed button-fastenings. Additionally, the sherwani has a Nehru collar, meaning it is a collar which stands upright from the neck. Below the sherwani, men wear a garment for the lower part of the body which are called churidars. Churidars are tight fitting pants or trousers that are loose around the hips and thighs, but are tight and gathered around the ankle. In modern day Indian society, sherwanis are only worn for special occasions like weddings or festivals.
sherwani is a long coat like garment of knee-length (or longer), which is fitted close to the body. This garment usually has an opening in the front with exposed button-fastenings. Additionally, the sherwani has a Nehru collar, meaning it is a collar which stands upright from the neck. Below the sherwani, men wear a garment for the lower part of the body which are called churidars. Churidars are tight fitting pants or trousers that are loose around the hips and thighs, but are tight and gathered around the ankle. In modern day Indian society, sherwanis are only worn for special occasions like weddings or festivals.
Lungi
The lungi, also known as a sarong, is another traditional garment worn around the waist in India. This garment is particularly popular in regions where the heat and humidity create an unpleasant climate for trousers. The lungi can be tied or fastened in various ways; they can also be used in different cultural activities, ranging from normal daily life to elaborate wedding ceremonies. A simple “double twist” knot is the most popular for daily purposes. This is where two points in the upper edge of the lungi are brought together and twisted around twice, with the ends tucked in at the waist. However, it is also common for wearers to further secure
their lungi with a double “pretzel knot” from two points on the upper boarder. Additionally, the length of a lungi can easily be adjusted by tucking it in at the waist to make it resemble a short skirt. The lungi is a very versatile garment worn by men all over India.
their lungi with a double “pretzel knot” from two points on the upper boarder. Additionally, the length of a lungi can easily be adjusted by tucking it in at the waist to make it resemble a short skirt. The lungi is a very versatile garment worn by men all over India.