Indian traditional wear is a beautiful reflection of the country’s rich culture and diversity. From the graceful drapes of a saree to the regal elegance of a sherwani, each outfit tells a unique story and holds deep cultural significance.
Let’s explore the beauty of Indian traditional wear, the different types, and how to experience Indian traditional attire with Fitroom.
The rich heritage behind Indian traditional clothing
Every region in India boasts unique clothing styles, influenced by local customs, climate, and cultural practices. These outfits are more than just garments; they are symbols of tradition, identity, and pride.
Traditional attire plays a significant role in Indian culture, especially during festivals, weddings, religious ceremonies, and special occasions. Each piece carries cultural symbolism—colors, patterns, and fabrics often reflect social status, marital status, or religious beliefs.
For example, brides commonly wear red sarees, symbolizing prosperity and fertility, while white dhotis are traditionally worn by men during religious rituals as a sign of purity. In Punjab, men wear kurta-pajamas with vibrant turbans, while women don colorful salwar kameez. In South India, women often wear elegant Kanjeevaram sarees, known for their intricate gold borders.
The diverse styles of Indian traditional wear
India’s traditional clothing is as diverse as its culture, with each region offering unique styles, fabrics, and designs.
Indian traditional attire for women
Saree
The saree is one of the most iconic Indian garments. It’s a long, unstitched fabric draped elegantly around the body. Saree is not easy to wear ‘cuz it requires draping skills. Styles vary by region – from the rich, silk Kanjeevaram sarees of South India to the intricate, embroidered Banarasi sarees from North India. Sarees are worn for weddings, festivals, and daily wear, with endless options for fabrics, colors, and draping styles.
Salwar Kameez
This comfortable yet stylish outfit consists of a long tunic (kameez), loose trousers (salwar), and a matching scarf (dupatta). It’s popular across India for its versatility and ease (easier to wear than Saree), with designs ranging from casual cotton sets to heavily embroidered pieces for festive occasions.
Lehenga Choli & Ghagra Choli
The lehenga is a flared skirt paired with a fitted blouse (choli) and a dupatta, which is a traditional outfit for weddings and grand celebrations in India. Lehengas come in a variety of fabrics, from rich velvets to light georgettes, adorned with embroidery, sequins, and mirror work. This Indian traditional dress is often worn in Rajasthan, Gujarat regions.
The Rajasthan and Gujarat regions also has another tradtional dress called Ghagra Choli. It consists of three pieces: the ghagra (a long, flared skirt), the choli (a fitted blouse), and the dupatta (a long scarf). The outfit is known for its bright colors, intricate embroidery, and mirror work, making it perfect for festive occasions like Navratri, weddings, and cultural dances like Garba and Dandiya.
To wear it, the ghagra is tied around the waist, the choli is fitted on top, and the dupatta is draped gracefully over the shoulder or head. This lively ensemble reflects the rich folk traditions of western India and adds a touch of elegance and energy to any celebration!
Anarkali Suit
Known for its graceful, flowing silhouette, the Anarkali suit features a long, frock-style top paired with leggings and a dupatta. It’s a popular choice for festive events and weddings, offering an elegant fusion of tradition and modern style.
Mekhela Chador
The Mekhela Chador is a beautiful traditional outfit worn by women in Assam, a state in northeastern India. It looks similar to a saree but is actually a two-piece ensemble—the mekhela (a flared skirt) is draped around the lower body, while the chador (a long, decorative cloth) is draped over the upper body like a saree’s pallu.
Wearing it involves carefully tucking the mekhela at the waist and elegantly wrapping the chador over the shoulder. This graceful attire is commonly worn during festivals like Bihu, weddings, and cultural celebrations. With its intricate handwoven designs, usually made of silk or cotton, the Mekhela Chador reflects Assam’s rich heritage and craftsmanship!
Kasavu Mundu
The Kasavu Mundu is a traditional outfit worn by women in Kerala, especially during festivals like Onam and special occasions like weddings. It consists of two pieces: the mundu (a long, white or off-white wraparound skirt) and the neriyathu (a matching drape worn over the shoulder). The highlight of this attire is its elegant golden border (kasavu), which gives it a regal yet simple look.
To wear it, the mundu is wrapped and tucked at the waist, while the neriyathu is draped over a blouse, similar to a saree’s pallu. This timeless ensemble symbolizes Kerala’s rich culture and is often paired with traditional gold jewelry for a graceful and sophisticated look!
Also read: Try On Traditional Vietnamese Clothes
Traditional Indian menswear
-
Kurta Pajama
A staple in Indian men’s fashion, the kurta pajama consists of a long tunic and straight-cut trousers. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions, with simple cotton styles for everyday wear and embellished versions for celebrations.
-
Sherwani
This grand, heavily embroidered long coat is often worn over a kurta and churidar (tight-fitting trousers) for weddings and formal events. Paired with a stole and traditional footwear, the sherwani exudes elegance and tradition.
-
Dhoti
The Dhoti is a traditional Indian garment worn by men, especially in South India, Bengal, and North India, for religious ceremonies, weddings, and cultural events. It is a long, unstitched piece of cloth, usually white or off-white, that is wrapped around the waist and legs and then tucked in securely.
Wearing a dhoti requires skill, as it needs to be folded and draped neatly, often paired with a kurta or an angavastram (a shawl-like cloth draped over the shoulder). In South India, it is called a veshti and is often worn with a golden border for a more formal look.
The dhoti symbolizes simplicity, tradition, and elegance, making it a timeless attire for special occasions and spiritual gatherings!
-
Nehru Jacket
The Nehru Jacket is a stylish and sophisticated sleeveless coat worn by men in India, often over a kurta or a formal shirt. It features a mandarin collar and a buttoned-up front, giving it a sleek and modern look while maintaining its traditional roots.
Originally popularized by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, this jacket has become a go-to choice for weddings, festivals, and formal events. It is typically made from fabrics like cotton, silk, or wool and comes in both plain and embroidered designs. Whether paired with a kurta-pajama for a cultural touch or worn over a shirt for a semi-formal look, the Nehru Jacket adds a touch of class to any outfit!
Each of these outfits reflects India’s cultural richness and diversity, offering unique styles for every occasion.
Try on Indian traditional wear with Fitroom
Want to see how you’d look in a graceful saree, an elegant lehenga, or a traditional sherwani? With Fitroom, you can easily explore Indian traditional wear from anywhere in the world.
Fitroom is a cutting-edge app that lets you try on clothes virtually, right from your phone. Whether it’s modern fashion or traditional wear, Fitroom helps you visualize how an outfit will look on you without ever stepping into a fitting room.
Using AI-powered technology, Fitroom creates realistic visualizations of how clothes will fit and drape on your body. You just need to upload a photo of yourself and the whole fashion world will be in your hands
Fitroom offers a collection of hundreds of pre-designed outfits, including a wide variety of Indian traditional wear like sarees, lehengas, kurta-pajamas, and sherwanis. Simply browse and select the styles you love.
Fitroom doesn’t just offer pre-made collections – it also lets you upload your own clothes for a personalized virtual try-on experience. Have a photo of an Indian traditional outfit you’d love to try? Just upload the image to Fitroom and AI will process the photo, adjusting the outfit to fit and drape on your image naturally.
You don’t have to be Indian to appreciate the beauty of Indian traditional wear. Many foreigners are embracing the elegance and diversity of these outfits, whether for cultural events, weddings, or simply to celebrate the artistry of Indian fashion.
Emma (New York) – an avid FitRoom user said “As someone from the US, I always admired Indian sarees but wasn’t sure if they’d suit me. Fitroom made it so easy to try them on virtually, and it was such a fun experience exploring the colors and styles!”
Trying Indian traditional wear with Fitroom is a unique and enriching experience. It allows for cultural exploration, enabling you to appreciate the beauty of Indian traditions and styles no matter where you are.
The icing on the cake – the process is fun and interactive, letting you enjoy the excitement of experimenting with new styles without the hassle of in-store trials.
FitRoom – Your gateway to experiencing Indian fashion
Why just admire Indian traditional wear when you can wear it – virtually, of course. With Fitroom, you can drape yourself in the elegance of a saree or rock a sherwani without stepping foot into a fitting room.
It’s fun, fuss-free, and the perfect way to find the outfit that makes you say, “Wow!” Whether you’re gearing up for a wedding, a cultural fest, or just want to see how you’d slay in Indian attire, Fitroom has you covered.
Let’s upload, try, and fall in love with every look. It’s time to saree up and show off
