Indian
clothing is known for its colorfulness and grace. Outfits for women such
as the sari, salwar suit, lehanga, bring out the essence of feminism.
Although there is no strict uniformity in dress, certain trends in
clothing prevails throughout the country.
The Traditional Indian Clothing is the Sari which can be worn in many
ways. Underneath the sari one wears a waist-to-floor length skirt, tied
tightly at the waist by a drawstring and a a blouse that ends just below
the bust. The Salwar Kameej is the second most popular dress and is
gaining in popularity fast with the younger generation. The Salwar
Kameej too has had many design changes. The new designers have come up
with great variations of the Salwar Kameej.
Another common outfit worn by women is the salwar-kameez. A salwar
resembles a pyjama drawn tightly in at the waist with a string and is
tailored in such a way that it tapers at the ankles. The kameez is worn
over the salwar. This is a long shapely outfit, which resembles a long
shirt. The most common pattern has sleeves up to the wrists, slits on
the sides, a mandarin collar with buttons in front. Instead of a salwar,
women also wear a churidar.
Apart from the choli, women in Rajasthan wear a form of pleated skirt
known as the ghagra or lehanga. This skirt is secured at the waist and
leaves the back and midriff bare. The heads are however covered by a
length of fine cotton known as "odhni" or "dupatta".
