Threads of Tradition

Clothing and accessories in South Asia are diverse, colourful and rich in cultural significance. Learn more below!

Saree

A long piece of cloth that is wrapped and draped around the body. It is worn with a blouse and underskirt. Some variations include the half saree (worn by younger girls), the traditional Indian saree and the Kandyan saree (from Sri Lanka).

Salwar Kameez

A popular outfit consisting of a tunic top (kameez), loose trousers (salwar) and sometimes with a scarf (dupatta). It is commonly worn by women in South Asia.

Lehenga

A traditional Indian outfit consisting of a skirt and blouse with or without a dupatta (long scarf), often worn at weddings or special occasions.

Paavadai Sattai

A traditional two-piece outfit worn by young girls that consists of a skirt (paavadai) and a blouse (sattai or choli). The paavadai is a flared, ankle-length skirt, often adorned with decorative elements such as borders and embellishments. The sattai is a fitted blouse that is worn on the upper part of the body. This traditional attire is commonly worn during cultural and religious occasions or festivals.

Sherwani

A long, coat-like garment typically worn by men at weddings or formal events in South Asia. It is often adorned with intricate embroidery and paired with matching pants.

Veshti

A traditional garment worn by Tamil men in South India and Sri Lanka. There is a simple drape of cloth usually wrapped around the waist and worn with a collared shirt for formal occasions.

Kurta Pajama

A traditional South Asian outfit comprising a knee-length tunic (kurta) paired with drawstring trousers (pajama), often worn by men.

Tikka headpiece

A tikka headpiece is a traditional South Asian accessory that is worn on the forehead. They come in various styles and designs, ranging from simple and elegant to more elaborate and intricate pieces. They are often adorned with gemstones or pearls and are an accessory for formal occasions, weddings and cultural events.

Turban

The turban is a traditional head covering that is worn by people in various cultures, although it is most commonly associated with Sikhism. It consists of a long piece of cloth that is wrapped or folded around the head. It can vary in size, colour and style depending on the culture and individual preferences. The turban holds significant religious and cultural importance in Sikhism and is worn to cover and protect their uncut hair.

Hijab

A hijab is a headscarf that is worn by some Muslim women as a symbol of religious and cultural identity. It typically covers the head and neck while leaving the face uncovered. The hijab reflects the practice of dressing modestly in accordance with Islamic principles. It is worn by women as a personal choice and can come in various styles and colours.

Kufi

A kufi is a small, rounded cap worn by Muslim men. They are often worn during daily prayers and other religious or cultural events.

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