Cultural: Traditional Fashion Styles From Around The World

Photo Credit: ROUGH GUIDES

The Sari

Probably the simplest type of clothing, consisting of a single piece of fabric up to nine meters long- The Sari. Although it is a simple item, it is one of the most versatile pieces and can be used in dozens of different ways. The Sari is used all across India. From being woven in the streets throughout Indian villages, to being featured at India Fashion Week in a glamorous, and contemporary way.

A Sari is a traditional female garment that isn't only used in India, but also used in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. While The Sari can be used in a number of ways, the most common way for women to wear one is for it to be wrapped around the waist, with one end drapped over the shoulder baring the midriff. The Sari is traditionally worn over a petticoat known as a pavada/pavadai in the south, and as shaya in eastern India. Along with the petticoat, a blouse known as a choli or ravika which forms the upper garment. The choli consists of short sleeves, a low neck, and is usually cropped. Some choli's may also be backless. These styles may also be worn with a lot of embellishments. 

Photo Credit: CRAFTSVILLA

Saris are woven using one plain end, two long decorative boarders running the length, and one to three foot section at the other end which continues and elaborates the length-wise decoration. In the past all Saris were woven by hand with silk or cotton.

According to the New World Encyclopedia, the work Sari evolved from the Prakrit sattika, as mentioned in the earliest Buddhist and Jain literature. The Sari can also be traced back in Indian Culture all the way back to the Indus Valley Civilization which was around from 2800-1800 B.C. The Sari is also traced back in Ancient Tamil Poetry, where women are described to be in exquisite drapery or saree. According to the New World Encyclopedia, "In ancient Indian Tradition and Natya Shastra, the navel of the Supreme being is considered to being the source of life and creativity hence the midriff is to be left bare by the saree." 

Credit:

"Sari." Sari - New World Encyclopedia, www.newworldencyclopedia.org 

"In Pictures: Traditional Dress around the World | Photo Gallery." Rough Guides, 

www.roughguides.com