MTC - Indian Clothing

Indian Clothing

Note: Not all of these garments are originally Indian, but they are commonly worn in India.

Sari (or Saree) - Ideally, 6 to 9 metres of unstitched fabric, that is draped around the body in a variety of styles. Though the ideal is that it be completely woven, with no pins or needles touching it (because of the ideal of total nonviolence, or at least not wearing anything dangerous), with any decorations painted or glued on, rather than sewn, many sari today are embroidered and/or hemmed.

Choli - The blouse or fancy bra-like garment. Ideally, this has an open or only tied back, but many today are like full shirts

Lehenga - The long, often pleated or gathered skirt, often made from sari fabric. Usually rides low on the waist.

Salwar - The loose fitting pants, usually with gathers (churidar style) or a sort of a band-cuff (salwar style) at the ankles.

Kameez - A usually knee or below knee length dress-like shirt, that is usually split on both sides to about the waist, and sewn to flatter feminine curves, although some are "modest cut" for those who prefer it.

Kurta - Similar to the Kameez, but not always as long, or split as far up the sides, and usually in the "modest cut".

Dupatta - The long scarf, usually about 2 to 5 metres, that almost always comes with any salwar kameez or lehenga choli set.

Shop for Indian Clothing Online:

Modern Traditional Store - Our online shop with a variety of ethnic clothing including sari, salwar kameez, pashmina, sarong, kikoy, and other wraps.

Priyanka's - Salwar-kameez sets are made to measurements.

Islamic Salwar Kameez:

Al Hannah - Islamic clothing in children's, regular, and plus sizes.

Sewing Links:
Bazaar Beledi - Sewing patterns for salwar kameez and cholis.

Rashid's Turkish Salwar Pattern - Free pattern for just the pants, but very good instructions.

Informative Articles and Sites:

Institute of Draped Clothes - A UK based organization archiving and studying draped clothing styles all over the world. LOTS of information on the sari.

How to wrap a sari - by Syracuse University's South Asia Center.

Oh Sari...What a wrap! - Images of various sari styles, on Masala.com

How to wear a sari - on Shalincraft.

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