National costume of India

The costume of any nation always reflects its history, culture, climatic features of the country, living conditions of people, attitude to religion. All this can be traced in the Indian costume.

The hot climate contributed to the fact that clothes were made from fine cotton or linen fabrics. For a long time they remained white - this is practical in those climatic conditions. But for the Hindus, each color had its own meaning, and gradually the clothes became colored.

And since India is a country with a large number of regions, the costumes differed in colors, patterns, and ways of wearing.

Indian clothing has its own distinct differences; it is difficult to confuse it with the national costumes of other countries.

Men wear a kind of headdress - a turban. It is also a draped fabric.

Such clothing has its advantages.

The turban perfectly protects the head from the scorching sun.Put it on wet. Layering prevents the evaporation of moisture, which saves from heat stroke.

Although the Indian outfit has an unusual look for Europeans, it is very practical and comfortable, does not restrict movement. The fair sex in these clothes have a more feminine and slim look.

The basis of the male national costume is dhoti. A strip of fabric about 5 meters long is draped around the body and legs. The ends of the fabric are laid behind the belt. Most often the fabric is white, but other solid colors are also acceptable. A border may be present.

Dhotis for everyday wear are made from simple cotton fabrics. Festive - from materials of finer dressing or from silk. They have a rich decoration in the form of a gold border.

The dhoti is complemented by a kurta, a long, wide shirt worn on top. It, like dhoti, is made of cotton or silk fabrics. For cooler seasons, denser fabrics, such as wool, are used. Any color can be. Casual jackets are simple, plain. Festive - brighter, decorated with embroidery. This type of clothing does not have a collar.

Kurta is also worn with pants, which are of two types. The first is long tight pants. Especially in order for them to gather in folds, they are cut out longer than the legs. Another type is very loose trousers, they are not narrowed to the bottom.

Since this is, as a rule, festive clothing, the frock coat looks accordingly. It is made of bright fabrics, plain or patterned, decorated with embroideries and sequins.

A turban completes the outfit. On the occasion of the holiday, it can also be decorated with precious stones, beads, sparkles, feathers.

Clothing by which an Indian woman can always be distinguished from a representative of other nations is a sari. It is a strip of thin cotton or silk fabric 7-9 meters long. It is draped around the hips, and the end is thrown over the shoulder to the chest. Under the sari, wear a petticoat and blouse.

The outfit is suitable for all occasions. For big events and holidays, the sari is handmade. The master draws up a pattern for a garment, and after completing the work, destroys the sketch. Thus, the sari is unique.

There are slits on the sides of the tunic so as not to restrict movement. Her collar is usually decorated with lurex and bead embroidery; sequins and sequins are used.

The outfit is complemented by a long scarf-cape - dupatta.

It is impossible to pass over in silence such elements of the national costume as jewelry and makeup. Since ancient times, women have used paints for their faces, nails and hands.And without a huge number of beads, necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets for hands and feet, a complete Indian outfit is simply unthinkable.

Since Indian clothes are comfortable and made of fine natural fabrics, they are also suitable for children.

However, for girls there is a kind of dress - pata-pavadai. It has a conical shape and is sewn from colored silk. The dress is adorned with a golden border. It is worn on special occasions.

Western clothing is permeating everywhere. India is not left out. Today you can see European clothes not only on visitors, but also on indigenous people, it is widely represented in stores. Jeans are not uncommon as casual wear.

Of course, individual details undergo changes, they are influenced by modern European fashion. Modern fabrics are used, patterns change, the cut of frock coats, tunics, trousers varies, innovations in decors are applied.

There is also a mixture of styles. Men wear a turban with a business suit. You can see a combination of a national tunic or shirvani with modern cut trousers and jeans. And women flaunt in fashionable skirts.

But, nevertheless, the Indian costume does not lose its uniqueness.

It is obvious that India will not lose its identity for a long time, its inhabitants will wear national costumes. And who knows, maybe someday we will put on these wonderful beautiful outfits?