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Friday, September 28, 2007

India: Clothing Not Optional

Indian fashion can be described as a mix of traditional Indian saris and Western styles like jeans and t-shirts. The Indian sari (or saree) dates back to 5,000 years ago and can be described as a long strip of cloth draped in various styles over a choli (short sleeve blouse). The most common way to wear a sari is around the waist with one end draped over the shoulder, but they can be worn in manifold styles depending on the region. Click here for instructions on how to wear one.

It's kind of romantic when you see women wearing vibrant saris riding their scooters around town with their silk shawls and long hair flying in the air. Although a majority of the women are donned in Indian style clothing, most men I've seen wear khakis and button down shirts. Ladies, usually the more creative dresser, often incorporate both styles into one outfit: a kameez (tunic) and a shal (shawl) paired with jeans and flip flops. But whatever you choose to wear, modesty is key so leave your mini skirts at home. Unless you're in a big city like Mumbai, then apparently anything goes...I can't wait to get myself a sari (to go with the yukata I bought in Tokyo.)

Justin's cousins - Malu and Sunil - own a clothing store called Cottons where I indulged in a shopping spree! All their clothes are made only of the softest cotton and come in a myriad of styles and colors. I picked out some loose tunics and long pyjama pants from the store so I can fit in just a little better here - although being Chinese (not Indian or brown) is enough to make me stick out like a sore (yellow) thumb.

Pictures: Scene from a Bollywood movie. Saris. Me shopping at Cottons. Various store displays.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

i think the sari would go better with your minnie mouse outfit :)

Anonymous said...

nice information about indian clothing

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

**v** said...

do you really have 21000 page views?!?! is that for reals?? holy shit!!

**v** said...

21000 page views? is that for real!?! you are one hellava blogger, chica!! miss you, and see you iceland! muaahh!!

Unknown said...

Nice blog, ill share this with my friends. Loved the collection!! formal blazer for men
buy men’s t-shirt online in india
women’s shirt online in india